As Christmas Approaches Volunteers Reach Out To Sandy Victims To Make The Holidays Happier

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Nearly two months after Sandy residents of Breezy Point are still trying to piece their lives back together.

"You just want to be back in your home, even if it's not going to be the same," Laine Dripchak told CBS 2's Erica Ferrari.

Dripchak has been out of a job since Sandy destroyed the restaurant where she worked with her three daughters. Volunteers from Operation Blessing are trying to make Dripchak's holiday wishes come true.

Just days away from Christmas seven members of the group put up insulation in Dripchak's home. it was an expensive job that Laine told CBS 2, she never would have been able to afford.

"It's such a relief, it's such a burden off your shoulders. It's fabulous that they are such kind, thoughtful people," she said.

The family won't be able to spend Christmas in their home this year, the work will probably not be finished until the spring, but the Dripchaks are still calling it the best gift they have ever received.

The Dripchaks aren't the only ones who have been helped by Operation Blessing; volunteers have done more than three-hundred jobs similar jobs for the people of Breezy Point.

"We know this is an area that has been so devastatingly affected by the storm, and there is so much need," said Operation Blessing Volunteer Laura Kelly.

Kelly and her family came from Connecticut to help Sandy victims rebuild.

"If I was ever in this position I would hope people would come and do the same for me, it's the least that I can do," she said.

For the Dripchak's it is a sign that the Christmas spirit is still alive, and it was also alive for children in Broad Channel, Queens who had a chance to meet with Santa on Saturday.

1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten reports...

1010 WINS Reporter Gary Baumgarten was at the VFW hall where St Nick was handing out toys to hundreds of families who were affected by the storm. The toys were donated by the non-profit animal rescue organization Guardians of Peace, the Richard and Mary Morrison Foundation as well as the Charlie Russo Christmas Magic Program.

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