Ithaca College

Millions of people were hard hit in various ways by Hurricane Sandy -- on Long Island and in Connecticut, New Jersey, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Thousands of families are homeless or unable to return to their homes. Recovery is still underway, and rebuilding will be going on for many months, even years.

Members of the IC Community are encouraged to consider one of the following ways to make a difference in the lives of these hurricane victims by:

1. Donating Items: The easiest way to donate is to go to an online donation registry set up to acquire items that are actually needed during this specific phase of recovery. Go HERE to search for an item to purchase for relief efforts.

To physically donate an unused, unopened item, please consider this list of critical-needs:

-          Cleaning supplies: bleach, Borax, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, laundry soap, dish soap, bottled water, and nonperishable food (canned or dry), diapers, baby food, baby formula, sponges, mops, brooms

-          Construction Supplies: drywall, floorboards, lumber, joints, insulation, wiring, hot water heaters, refrigerators, dish-washers, gas or electric ranges/ovens, newer-model personal computers, electric wheelchairs, & generators, flat-bed shovels, waterproof work gloves

*These items must be dropped off at 610 N. Cayuga St. before December 21*

2. Toy Donations: Local Hurricane Sandy volunteers are asking community members to consider donating a new, unwrapped toy (appropriate for children from 3rd to 8th grade), story book, or holiday gift card, to families in the Brooklyn area. These donations can be dropped off at the following locations before Friday, December 21:

-          Caroline Elementary School

-          2-1-1 Tompkins County (2nd floor, Center Ithaca)

-          New Roots Charter School

-          First Baptist Church (10am - 1 pm, Tue - Fri; 9am - 1pm, Sun.)

-          Ithaca Waldorf School

-          Strebel Planning Group

-          Lehman Alternative Community School

* Call the respective location in advance to confirm a drop-off time

3. Volunteering: Members of the Ithaca Community will be going to Staten Island during the weekend of December 22 and 23 to work on homes and to distribute supplies. Staff, Faculty, and students interested in this opportunity, particularly those who have experience with relief efforts, hanging drywall, electrical wiring, and insulating walls. Please consider that you may need to supply your own work boots, coveralls, gloves, goggles and haz mat suit, are encouraged to contact Mike Ellis, Executive Director at Love Knows No Bounds, at Mike Ellis clhmellis@gmail.com or Don Austin, Assistant Director of Community Service, at austin@ithaca.eduas soon as possible to discuss further details.