TOMS RIVER – Ortley Beach residents know just how devastating a hurricane can be. That’s why they’re using the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy to “pay it forward” and help people dealing with Hurricane Ian.
They will be gathering at 5 p.m. on October 29 at St. Elisabeth Church, Third Avenue, in Ortley. There will be an opening ceremony in the church followed by a candlelight service on the boardwalk. However, rather than candles, people are being asked to purchase a flashlight. The flashlights will then be brought back to the church and packed into a donation box after the service. Light refreshments will also be served.
Additionally, there will be computer stations set up at the church to accept monetary donations for relief organizations benefiting those responding to Hurricane Ian. The organizers ask that if you make a donation to these groups on another date, let them know so they can track the success of the fund drive. (You do not need to disclose the amount.)
The victims and non-profit organizations currently need money more than goods. Volunteers from Ortley have vetted the organizations that will benefit:
- The community of Fort Myers: fmbcommunityfoundation.com/
- Samaritan’s Purse: (they were immensely generous to Sandy victims)
- Harry Chapin Food Bank: harrychapinfoodbank.org/take-action/give-time/volunteer/
- The Wildest: thewildest.com/pet-lifestyle/how-to-help-dogs-and-cats-hurricane-ian
- Cajun Army; List of items on Amazon (Cajun Army was very helpful to us after Sandy): thecajunarmy.com/
- United Survivors Disaster Relief (founded by Sandy Survivors): paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=B5TMEN9DPQAUQ
