Tineisha L. Sulker: New Yorkers Come Through In Numbers

TALLAHASSEE, FL. - Sometimes New Yorkers may be perceived as not so kind people but, that didn’t seem the case on Sunday. Hundreds of New Yorkers raced to the areas hit the hardest by hurricane Sandy to volunteer and help those that were affected by the super storm.

Toting everything from batteries, toilet paper, blankets, and food, volunteers flocked to the various relief centers.

“It feels like we all had the same impulse: This is my city and I want to do something to help it,” said Esther Pan Sloan, of Roosevelt Island. “It’s just such a huge disaster and you know there are so many people in need.”

Hurricane Sandy Volunteers, The Kitchn.com

With so many people wanting to help, the shelters soon became overwhelmed with bundles of supplies. Some shelters had to begin turning away some donations. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg suggested they begin to donate money instead.

“At this point these centers have more than they can really realistically distribute,” said the mayor. “If we need more, we can certainly put out another call for help, but what would be the most helpful is donations to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, and then we’ll be able to use that money to help people get back on their feet.”

There are many different organizations such as New York Cares that have volunteers going to the different neighborhoods to inform residents about the various locations where they can receive help.

“It was amazing to see so many people wanting to help those in need,” said Samantha Sylvester, a resident in Brooklyn, New York. “It’s sad to say but, you don’t really see that too often here.”

Adding to the list of volunteers, some major corporations such as Walmart, PepsiCo, and a pizza company also offered assistance. They delivered food and drinks among other necessities to parts of the storm struck areas.

Roy Niederhoffer, a hedge fund manager from the Upper West Side said, “I really don’t think it’s the government’s job to take care of all of this. I wanted to see if it was possible for individuals to rally the way they used to. You know, in the 19^th century when we had natural disasters there was no FEMA, but people still sent money and food to help.”

Volunteers continue to offer their help by driving to resident’s homes to offer food and supplies. As the traffic became too overwhelming the police had to start blocking cars unless volunteers were heading straight to the relief centers that were still accepting donations.