New Jersey native Tom Quinn lived in the northern part of the Garden State, and he has many friends who were affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Watching news broadcasts and viewing pictures from the area was very difficult, said Quinn, a support services associate with receiving and stores.
“Seeing the Jersey shore and how the storm damaged it really made an impact. Our last house was five miles from the beach, and Long Beach Island was the first beach my daughter went to. So many restaurants and businesses we frequented were gone,” said Quinn, who moved to North Carolina about five years ago with his wife Jeanne and daughter Delaney, 11. They wanted to be closer to Jeanne’s family. Before relocating, Quinn worked for UPS for 21 years prior to taking an early retirement.
“People were affected differently, some people had minor damage while others lost everything,” Quinn stated. “Those with the least damage are organizing to help others.”
In the spirit of Giving Green, Quinn said he wanted to aid his former neighbors in New Jersey. On his own time, he is soliciting items they have requested: new socks and underwear, batteries and flashlights, non-perishable foods (no glass), sweatshirts, blankets, personal hygiene items (no glass or liquids), diapers and gift cards.
Steven Doyle, a friend of Quinn’s who is a police officer in Ventnor, N.J., will accept the donations; the Ventnor Police Department will distribute contributions.
Anyone who would like to donate to this effort can contact Quinn at 704-936-8180; he plans to accept contributions through Wednesday, Nov. 21.