NOTE: Yes, I am from Staten Island, New York. The very Staten Island being mentioned on every news channel and paper as a victim of Hurricane Sandy's damage. Luckily, my family was safe and sound and we didn't suffer any damage- just power loss for a few days. Unfortunately, a lot of our friends and loved ones did lose a lot. Please comment below with your email, message me on Facebook, or let me know somehow if you are interested in donating or volunteering with the relief efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many New Yorkers, were left without power, water, and shelter. Many schools on Staten Island are being used as shelters and are full of families and pets. As we slowly return to normalcy, it is absolutely amazing to see the community coming together like this.
This past weekend was so absolutely full of emotion, heart, spirit, and lots of energy. On Saturday, November 3rd, S.P.A.R.K. volunteered at the Wagner High School shelter on Staten Island. The most striking thing is the large sign turning away clothing donations and volunteers encouraging people to bring the clothes to other areas where clothing needed more. It is so impressive that so many people have stepped up to rebuild our community.
From various donations to S.P.A.R.K., we were able to bring coloring books, colored paper, crayons, and books for the children that were staying at the shelter. The kids were so full of spirit and life even though they had been in the shelter for days. They loved hanging out with us and talking to us about their experiences. I was surprised as to how well these kids were reacting. They really were being supportive to all the volunteer efforts and making sense of their situation. It was hard to see what some of the families had gone through and are going through, but their spirit resonated.
Feel the Beat Productions of Staten Island, NY brought their DJ, characters, face painting, and dance moves to the kids for free to lift their spirits. Violet Dominguez, a professional dancer and fellow pageant sister, also taught some of the children a dance lesson. Everyone was so full of energy and enthusiasm, it was a great way to lift the spirits of the kids and give them some time to let loose. Whether it was the hula hoop contests, dance offs, face painting, coloring or sharing stories, they kept all the kids engaged and excited. It was really a great, rewarding night.
"Sandy, you can take away our home, but you cannot take away our heart."
-Staten Island, NY
-Shelley
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