Due to the selflessness of Woodhaven's residents and friends, the Block Association was able to raise thousands of dollars, as well as nearly 50 car-loads of clothes, food, water, and other supplies. In addition, dozens of volunteers contributed numerous hours to sort, pack, and transport the donations, all of which went to Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Breezy Point, and other neighborhoods south of Woodhaven that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.
 |
| WRBA members and volunteers who contributed to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort, outside the WRBA's Jamaica Avenue office. |
"The generosity of Woodhaven and of our friends has been overwhelming," said WRBA President Edward K. Wendell. "In the face of a disaster that devastated our neighbors, our community stepped up in a huge way to help out those in need. A lot of people are hurting right now, but the community spirit we've seen over the past week leaves no doubt that South Queens will be back better than ever."
Residents from across Woodhaven contributed to the cause, and donors from far out of state shipped supplies or donated money. Though gasoline was in short supply, Woodhaven residents sprang into action, using their remaining gas to make sure supplies reached those in need.
The WRBA was fortunate to collaborate with an array of organizations and offices to maximize their efforts, including those of Assemblyman Mike Miller, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department, the Hamilton Beach Civic Association, the Woodhaven Business Improvement District, Queens Tabernacle, and the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
"This was a huge team effort," said WRBA Board Member Martin Colberg. "Those who are without heat or electricity, those who lost their belongings or their homes—those are our neighbors, and it was wonderful to see how many people in Woodhaven and from all around are doing everything they can to help their neighbors."
In an effort to be as transparent as possible and to help donors see how their contributions are being used, the WRBA publicly posted a thorough accounting of the funds it has received. That accounting is available at http://bit.ly/DonationAccounting. In addition, the WRBA has been providing regular updates about its relief efforts on its Facebook page and Twitter feed (@WoodhavenNYC).
