Fairview, N.J. Police Chief To Run 106 Miles For Sandy Victims
FAIRVIEW, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Fairview Police Chief Frank Del Vecchio is used to fighting crime on the streets, but he has now decided to take to the streets and run to help those still recovering from Superstorm Sandy.
As CBS 2's Derricke Dennis reported Wednesday, Del Vecchio is on the run – lacing up, stretching, and hitting the streets so that hurricane victims are not forgotten.
"People are suffering, and people still really need assistance," he said.
The devastation of the storm last October inspired Del Vecchio to get moving. With so many homes destroyed, lives uprooted, and properties damaged, he started the Run for Hope Foundation to raise money for those not yet back on their feet.
"We're going to help one person at a time, and take it one step at a time," he said.
Del Vecchio said he will run on May 23 from the town of Moonachie, through Hoboken, down to Edison, and then along the Jersey Shore to Seaside Heights --106 miles in 30 hours, nonstop.
"You know, Hurricane Sandy impacted my home state," he said.
So he has solicited donations and other runners to join the cause.
"Somebody who's not a professional runner can take the time to commit themselves and dedicate themselves to completing what seems impossible; gives them hope to believe that anything is possible," Del Vecchio said.
The chief's goal is to raise $1 million -- not to rebuild entire houses, but to give small grants to people still struggling to rebuild.
"I think the amounts will vary depending on each case," Del Vecchio said.
The website for the Run for Hope Foundation has links for donations, and where victims can apply for aid. Maybe they have already rebuilt, but still need furniture, supplies and appliances.
"Maybe a washer and dryer, maybe new carpeting, maybe a small business needs some assistance with some equipment they need to get themselves up and running," Del Vecchio said.
And running is how the chief will help – six months after Sandy's wrath, remembering people whom time may have forgotten.
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