Yonkers Firefighters Local 628 would like to extend their deepest thanks to all who have participated in their recent charity drive after the Hurricane Sandy struck the region in late October 2012.
“At a time when many tri-state residents were devastated by the effects of Hurricane Sandy and the Nor’easter that followed on its heels, so many people stepped up to aid us in helping those that needed it the most,” said Barry McGoey, President of Yonkers Firefighters Local 628. “Through the generosity and kindness of so many people, Local 628 was able to collect, purchase and distribute several trucks full of desperately needed products.”
Effective Monday, November 11th, Yonkers Firefighters Local 628 will no longer be accepting donations related to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Leading relief agencies in the affected areas have indicated that they are no longer in need of material goods. Instead, those agencies ask that concerned citizens wishing to help should consider making online donations to organizations such as the Red Cross.
On November 1, the Firefighters Union began collecting personal care items for men, women and children including soap, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, feminine products and deodorant, as well as donations of new or slightly used clothing. Upon seeing the devastation first hand on the several trips to the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens and Staten Island to deliver and distribute supplies, Yonkers Firefighters, together with their union, stepped forward to purchase more than $5,000 of cleaning supplies.
Although the collection of material goods has concluded, Local 628 will continue to provide assistance in the form of much needed volunteer manpower. Volunteers from Local 628 have committed to being available as long as they are needed. This past Friday, November 9, a delegation of off-duty Yonkers Firefighters donated both their time and supplies to Staten Island residents who were victims of Hurricane Sandy. Yonkers Firefighters helped Staten Islanders remove tons of debris from homes.
“I am so proud to see the people of Yonkers working together so selflessly to help those facing such overwhelming tragedy,” said Barry McGoey, President of Yonkers Firefighters Local 628. “Thank you again to all of you who helped us make a difference.”
