HUGE Community Drive and Yard Sale to benefit FDNY Disaster Relief Fund for Victims of Hurricane Sandy
It all started with a news story and video of a woman crying because she had lost everything due to Hurricane Sandy. A plea to help was posted on Facebook by organizer Debbie Booras-Gordenstein and a community of volunteers was quickly formed. A huge yard sale and drive is planned to take place at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School Cafeteria on Saturday November 17th from 9AM until 2PM.
Within hours Melanie Berger, of Mariwear, contacted LS and secured the space. Darlene Brown, of AAA Limousine, offered to help coordinate and Laura Grande Erb, another mom in town immediately jumped in and offered to do what she could to help.
“This is amazing” said Debbie Booras-Gordenstein of Sudbury “People immediately commented on my status update and the idea to create an opportunity for everyone to help was born. We located a charity, run by the FDNY, that was founded after 9/11 that helps the families of first responders. There are over 1000 FDNY families that lost everything while they were responding to the horrors of this massive storm.”
The event offers the opportunity to drop off unwanted household items and clothing to the LS cafeteria on Friday November 16th from 3PM until 8PM and again on Saturday morning from 7AM until the start of the sale at 9AM. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the FDNY 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund. They plan to buy generators and fuel for families that expect to be without power for weeks to come. Additionally a drive was formed at their request to get items in desperate need. Booras-Gordenstein called Roche Brothers Supermarkets to ask for a donation to rent a box truck and pay for gas to get the items to the FDNY that is collecting the items. Roche Brothers approved the request within one hour and they are collecting the donations at Sudbury Farms in Sudbury. Starz Salon, Starbucks and many other businesses are chipping in to help collect items and spread the word. Items needed are:
Ski Hats
Gloves
Latex Gloves
Bleach
Energy Bars
Granola Bars
Baby Food
Baby Formula
Sleeping Bags
Blankets
Items can be dropped off at Sudbury Farms until Friday the 16th of November or at the Indoor Community Yard Sale on Saturday 11/17 starting at 9AM. Help is still needed at the Yard Sale and donations are greatly appreciated.
“This is a great opportunity to clean out your house, donate monetarily, shop the sale, or buy and donate drive items. We are planning lots of fun events at the yard sale including ‘a fill a bag with clothing for $20’, a bake sale, and maybe even face painting for little ones. All we ask is that everyone spread the word! We are also looking for a place in New York or New Jersey to donate unsold items from the yard sale” said Booras-Gordenstein “We have a truck, we will drive it down ourselves but now just need a place to bring the left overs. I’m sure there are people down there that could use these things!” There will be a volunteer meeting on Monday Night November 12th at 7:30 PM at Starbucks in Sudbury. Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend. High School students that donate their time will be awarded community service hours
Contact Debbie Booras-Gordenstein with any questions
617-686-1629
