Club presents check for relief to Hurricane Sandy victims

Imagine hearing in the midst of rain and heavy wind, a pony express rider and the sound of his stallion’s pounding hoofs and heavy breathing. That was actually volunteers across the country, including the Rotary Club of Humble Intercontinental, delivering financial resources from Texas to Staten Island to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The club donated $500 to the New York Chaplain Task Force.

Although it sounds like a farfetched tale, at both ends of the ride were brothers Barry Smith, from Houston, and Del Smith from Staten Island. When cell service was restored, Del reached out to Barry and described the devastation on the island left from Hurricane Sandy. A 20-foot wall of water and 90 mile-an-hour winds hit the beach areas on the South Shore of Staten Island much like a tsunami. At last count, more than 9,000 homes were destroyed, debris was everywhere, and pleasure boats, some which were still tied to the docks, were pushed blocks from the beach. The storm also left people, who huddled around charcoal fires to stay warm, without power or gas; abandoned cars and many devastating losses. One could compare this situation to the Blitz in London by the Germans during World War II.

With so much destruction, Del and the New York State Chaplain Task Force (NYSCTF) were the first responders. They instituted a disaster plan and reached out to numerous churches and clergy members to assist with donations and places for people to stay who lost everything. NYSCTF, a group of clergy and chaplains, arranged for storage for thousands of clothes, food and other essentials, which included 300 cases of bananas.

At Mt. Loretto in Princes Bay, a Boars Head Truck served sandwiches and drinks to more than 150 cold and wet volunteers. Trucks traveled down the main streets, where the damage was, and handed out fresh fruit and bottled water. In the Houston area, Barry contacted Father Hugh at a local church that shipped boxes of clothing to Staten Island.

The care and compassion shown from volunteers not only helped the victims find temporary shelter, food and clothing but it also restored their faith in humanity. According to Del, a volunteer at a shelter befriended a couple who lost everything. After a two-minute conversation, the men realized they both served in the military and in Vietnam. The volunteer gave the couple a key to his home and stated:

“Go to my home and make yourself comfortable. I am on my way to work and will see you when I come home this evening. We military people have to stick together.”

The coming together of people, clergy, chaplains, lay people, parishioners, friends and neighbors had a major impact on the recovery effort. Volunteers flooded in from everywhere and had to be housed, fed and clothed. Four churches were designated as focal points along the South Shore and a complete logistical plan was implemented to coordinate this effort.

“I personally thank my brother Barry, who I love dearly, the members of the Rotary who came to the aid of their fellow Americans, and to Father Hugh and his church members who clothed the naked,” Del said. “People from Houston who took the time to send heartwarming clothes of all types show the true spirit of an entire community coming together with distance not being a factor. To the people who took the time and energy to help us, God bless you.”

Del stated it is estimated that it will take more than two years to redevelop these areas, but it is the courage and fortitude of individuals and families who came and continue to come to help those devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

“For this, Staten Islanders will be eternally grateful. I know I am.”