A Rego Park church is looking to put money back in the hands of Queens families devastated by recent storms.
Our Saviour Church has collected close to $28,000 in cash to give back to local families and individuals in need after Superstorm Sandy and the succeeding nor’easter left many without homes, food, clothes and money, leaders said.
“A ton of stuff is needed – housing, clothes, water – but one of the greatest needs that people have after an emergency is to have cash in their hand,” said Pastor Matt Popovits. “Our goal is to just let these dollars pass through our hands immediately to the families on the ground.”
The church, located at 92-14 63rd Drive, has come to the financial aid of two families so far, Popovits said, including one on Long Island and one in Brooklyn.
Holly Cregan of Massapequa said the church’s generous $2,000 gift has helped her and her two tots – aged four and five – get back on their feet after the storm swept away their Long Island home and all their belongings.
“[My kids] are heartbroken over all that is lost,” Cregan said. “I’m trying to balance replacing some toys now and trying to plan what I will do for Christmas for them.”
The congregation also travels to Queens shelters and the Rockaways every weekend to hand out $100 Target gift cards as they go, Popovits said, but leaders are looking for more families to lend a hand to.
“Here in Queens, so many people have been affected by the hurricane,” said Popovits, 32. “We wanted to do something that let the neighborhood know that we care for them, that we’re here for them. We may be able to respond. We may not be able to respond, but know that we’re going to do our best to meet the greatest needs in the greatest way possible.”
Families seeking help can e-mail the church their contact information and stories at osnyoffice@gmail.com. Those looking to donate can do so securely online at our-saviour.org.
