Helping Those Affected By Sandy
Before, during, and after Hurricane Sandy, New York City firefighters were instrumental in rescue and evacuation operations and keeping New Yorkers safe. But like many other New Yorkers, many active and retired firefighters lost their homes due to the storm.
Friends of Firefighters (FoF), a not-for-profit organization that offers wellness services for firefighters and their families, quickly mobilized to help residents from the Rockaways, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Long Island. However, FoF’s office in Red Hook, Brooklyn was also severely damaged by the storm. With help from City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, FoF has set up a distribution center at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale to help firefighters and their families affected by the storm.
Macerich, the owners of Atlas Park, donated the former Stein Mart department store space to FoF for six months to use as a center for firefighters to receive supplies and counseling. Macerich had also donated the former Borders site to Crowley to use as a donation center following the storm.
“Friends of Firefighters provide a wealth of services for New York’s Bravest, who risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” said Crowley. “I want to thank Macerich for donating this space for Friends of Firefighters, and Nancy Carbone and the organization for helping those in need.”
“Friends of Firefighters is grateful to Council Member Crowley for her assistance in setting up the distribution center, which has been an extremely helpful resource for the FDNY families affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Nancy Carbone, executive director of FoF. “It is a place where the families can find everything from toiletries to tools and appliances, all which have been donated by supporters around the country.”
FoF has helped more than 400 firefighters and their families since Hurricane Sandy. Donations of cleaning supplies and other necessities are welcome. To learn more, please call FoF at 1-718-643-1240 or visit friendsoffirefighters.org.
