In 1199SEIU’s continuing efforts to support members affected by Hurricane Sandy, the Union this week distributed donations collected by the Union’s African-American Committee, as well packages containing goods from a large donation received from the from the disaster relief agency Americares. The supplies, which included health aids, blankets, and cleaning supplies were distributed in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.
Many members from the Far Rockaway Home Care Agency live and work in the area. They received their packages after an in-service on December 20. Precious Morgan has been with the agency for nine years and said the workers appreciated the donations after going through such difficulties in the storm. Morgan was without electricity for several weeks and still doesn’t have heat.
“I’m using a little heater, but I’m afraid because I heard about one that caught fire recently and I’m worried that they’ll tip over,” she says. “It’s still difficult out here, but thankfully things are getting better. Transportation is getting better. A lot of people are still without power, though. I’m thankful because it could have been much worse for me. I’m close to the water.”
Morgan received blanket, cleaning, health aids and a new doll for her granddaughter. She also took a package of diapers for her sister who also lives in the Rockaways and just last week had a baby girl. The Christmas toys sent over to the agency by the Union were a special surprise.
Fay Thompson, a Far Rockaway home attendant took a stuffed polar bear for her granddaughter. She said she felt very lucky because her Queens home was spared in the Sandy, but she hasn’t worked much lately because her client passed away just after the storm.
“We really appreciate the Union for doing things like this for us,” she says. “It’s really helpful and it says to us that everything is going to be okay.”
Other sites included Manahawkin NJ, Staten Island and Long Island. More distributions are planned for future dates.
Many members from the Far Rockaway Home Care Agency live and work in the area. They received their packages after an in-service on December 20. Precious Morgan has been with the agency for nine years and said the workers appreciated the donations after going through such difficulties in the storm. Morgan was without electricity for several weeks and still doesn’t have heat.
“I’m using a little heater, but I’m afraid because I heard about one that caught fire recently and I’m worried that they’ll tip over,” she says. “It’s still difficult out here, but thankfully things are getting better. Transportation is getting better. A lot of people are still without power, though. I’m thankful because it could have been much worse for me. I’m close to the water.”
Morgan received blanket, cleaning, health aids and a new doll for her granddaughter. She also took a package of diapers for her sister who also lives in the Rockaways and just last week had a baby girl. The Christmas toys sent over to the agency by the Union were a special surprise.
Fay Thompson, a Far Rockaway home attendant took a stuffed polar bear for her granddaughter. She said she felt very lucky because her Queens home was spared in the Sandy, but she hasn’t worked much lately because her client passed away just after the storm.
“We really appreciate the Union for doing things like this for us,” she says. “It’s really helpful and it says to us that everything is going to be okay.”
Other sites included Manahawkin NJ, Staten Island and Long Island. More distributions are planned for future dates.
