Sea Isle City Launches New Programs to Assist Hurricane Victims

SEA ISLE CITY – On Nov. 6, during a press conference held on the steps of City Hall, Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization President Christopher Glancey and VFW Post 1963 Commander Charles Haines announced that Sea Isle City will lend a helping hand to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
According to the mayor, a Hurricane Food and Clothing Drive is now underway that will collect non-perishable food items and articles of clothing for local hurricane victims. Anyone wishing to contribute food or clothes can drop-off donations at Sea Isle City’s VFW Post 1963, located on JFK Boulevard at the foot of the Sea Isle Bridge.
Mayor Desiderio also announced that those wishing to make monetary donations for Sea Isle City residents affected by Hurricane Sandy can send checks or money orders (payable to “Hurricane Sandy Sea Isle City Relief Fund”) to any 1st Bank of Sea Isle City location or mail donations directly to 4301 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243.
“All funds collected will help Sea Isle City residents in need,” said the mayor.
In addition to collecting donations for the food and clothing drive, Commander Haines stated that the members of VFW Post 1963 will also assist hurricane victims in other ways, including helping residents find reputable contractors.
“We want to help anyone we can,” said Haines. “A lot of people have been hit really hard by this storm, and we are happy to pitch in whenever we can – that’s what we’re here for.”
Haines also stated that the VFW’s national office has announced that monetary assistance will be available for VFW veterans who suffered losses during Hurricane Sandy. Eligible VFW members are instructed to contact their local VFWs to learn more about this program.
Additionally, Christopher Glancey announced that the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will offer ten families, who suffered losses during the hurricane, the opportunity to spend the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Sea Isle City for free. The chamber is working with local property owners who are willing to donate their homes during Sea Isle’s 1st Annual Holiday Extravaganza, which will take place between Nov. 21, and Nov. 25. The ten families chosen will also receive a full Thanksgiving dinner and other gifts.
Local property owners who would like to donate their homes during Thanksgiving weekend can contact any realtor in Sea Isle City or phone the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization at (609) 263-9090.
According to Desiderio, Glancey and Haines, these new programs are a way of giving something to the less fortunate during this time of need.
“Even though we in Sea Isle City have lost our Public Safety Building and there was major damage sustained at City Hall, we will remain open and continue to serve our citizens and those in need,” added Desiderio.
To learn more about Sea Isle City’s Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, contact Mayor Desiderio’s office at (609) 263-4461 extension 245, VFW Post 1963 at (609) 263-1711 or the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization at (609) 263-9090.