Like a phoenix from the ashes, we shall rise again.
Superstorm Sandy might have knocked us down, but she did not knock us out.
In the days following her fury, our city has seen some of the worst suffering in recent memory. People have been left homeless, out in the cold, and facing an uncertain future.
There has been looting, scammers, and gas lines that stretched for miles.
And yet, despite it all, the triumph of the human spirit has prevailed.
Neighbors have sprung into action, housing those left homeless, feeding those left hungry, donating to those left without.
Entire communities have come together to cook, to collect, to fundraise – and to rebuild.
Even waiting to fuel up, Queens has come together.
Strangers’ kindnesses have been seen in such acts as buying coffee and offering coats to keep warm, to letting people into their homes to use the bathroom.
From all corners of Queens our collective efforts have focused on those areas hardest hit – Breezy Point, Broad Channel and the Rockaways.
And The Queens Courier is no exception.
From now through the end of the year, we will be collecting for the victims of Sandy.
Food, water, diapers/baby supplies, pet food, blankets, coats, shoes, candles, batteries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. can be dropped off at our offices at 38-15 Bell Boulevard in Bayside.
Additionally, we will be working with local businesses and organization for drop-off locations, and will be arranging pick-ups of donations. Visit qns.com for more details in the days ahead.
If you’d like to contribute monetarily, you can send a check or money order to our offices, 38-15 Bell Boulevard Bayside, NY 11361, made out to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City (in memo line: Hurricane Sandy Relief).
One hundred percent of donations are being dispersed to relief efforts and organizations. The city is currently identifying immediate aid needs, including food, water and hygiene supplies, as well as long-term relief and restoration efforts.
And at our November 15 “Kings of Queens” event, we will be holding a raffle, with proceeds going to Sandy relief.
We live in the greatest city in the world – not because of our landmarks, our amenities or even our history.
New York is the greatest city in the world because of its people – people like you, our readers, who come together when the chips are down.
