Sand Crosses the Line
by Teresa Lo
Who knew that a gymnasium could transform into a heavenly escape for those affected by Hurricane Sandy? When the hurricane suddenly hit the Northeast, causing massive power outages, flooding and damage, who was there to help all those in need?
You would expect that it was every man for himself. However, it was quite the opposite. We as a community came together for a common cause: for the recovery and aid for those in need. Volunteers from the Red Cross have flown from all parts of the United States to help victims recover from the catastrophe.
These volunteers came from places like Florida and South Carolina, traveling thousands and thousands of miles to come to our shelter, for nothing in return. Their friendliness and positive attitude was so heartwarming that no words could express how grateful I was to see them there.
Everyone there was so inspirational. The volunteers willingly helped out others in our “small gym” at a maximum of twelve hours daily.
Power companies, such as Echo from New Orleans came to our
neighborhoods to rebuild downed power lines. Why? As Americans it’s our job to help each other out. It is like the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “We are stronger united, and if one part is weak we are all weak.”
I myself, was out of power, and was willing to volunteer as well, and I’m glad I did. I lost power for thirteen days, while others only lost power between one to two days. However, other residents who were affected lost their whole homes.
The two days that I volunteered at the shelter were amazing experiences. People came all over from Long Beach and Great Neck and other areas. The shelter directors and volunteers were all very nice and patient, despite the fact that they’ve been working nonstop for countless hours.
It wasn’t just a shelter for these people. It was a home. “I thought I had it bad, having no power for twelve days. After this shelter experience, I saw that there were people who were impacted in ways that I can never imagine,” says Teena Thomas, sophomore. “It made me realize all the things I take for granted, even the smallest things.” It was a comfort zone for those who lost their own homes, which contained their belongings, clothes, food, everything. It was a devastating blow to the northeast.
As a Red Cross officer, I ask for nothing, but just to help out more and more because it’s the least I can do to help those in need. During the hurricane, we tried to help out as much as possible.
As the Red Cross, it is our time to shine. Our efforts will always pay off in the end.
Who knew that a gymnasium could transform into a heavenly escape for those affected by Hurricane Sandy? When the hurricane suddenly hit the Northeast, causing massive power outages, flooding and damage, who was there to help all those in need?
You would expect that it was every man for himself. However, it was quite the opposite. We as a community came together for a common cause: for the recovery and aid for those in need. Volunteers from the Red Cross have flown from all parts of the United States to help victims recover from the catastrophe.
These volunteers came from places like Florida and South Carolina, traveling thousands and thousands of miles to come to our shelter, for nothing in return. Their friendliness and positive attitude was so heartwarming that no words could express how grateful I was to see them there.
Everyone there was so inspirational. The volunteers willingly helped out others in our “small gym” at a maximum of twelve hours daily.
Power companies, such as Echo from New Orleans came to our
neighborhoods to rebuild downed power lines. Why? As Americans it’s our job to help each other out. It is like the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “We are stronger united, and if one part is weak we are all weak.”
I myself, was out of power, and was willing to volunteer as well, and I’m glad I did. I lost power for thirteen days, while others only lost power between one to two days. However, other residents who were affected lost their whole homes.
The two days that I volunteered at the shelter were amazing experiences. People came all over from Long Beach and Great Neck and other areas. The shelter directors and volunteers were all very nice and patient, despite the fact that they’ve been working nonstop for countless hours.
It wasn’t just a shelter for these people. It was a home. “I thought I had it bad, having no power for twelve days. After this shelter experience, I saw that there were people who were impacted in ways that I can never imagine,” says Teena Thomas, sophomore. “It made me realize all the things I take for granted, even the smallest things.” It was a comfort zone for those who lost their own homes, which contained their belongings, clothes, food, everything. It was a devastating blow to the northeast.
As a Red Cross officer, I ask for nothing, but just to help out more and more because it’s the least I can do to help those in need. During the hurricane, we tried to help out as much as possible.
As the Red Cross, it is our time to shine. Our efforts will always pay off in the end.
