12/11/2012
Hard to believe that just one week ago this page was just created. In one weeks time, people who didn't know each other rallied together with one cause.....to reach the beach with love and kindness. In less than a week, we amassed donations for the Jersey Shore that filled a 14' UHaul, a 16' Sprinter van and 8 vehicles and provided relief to the Jersey Shore The support and generosity was overwhelming and exhilarating.
Our weeklong effort ended with our trip to Jersey. We left the Whitehall football stadium at 7:15am and headed to Red Bank, NJ. At times we were accompanied on the highway by linesman from all over the country heading to the shore to get these folks their power back on. At Red Bank, we unloaded blankets, shoes, jackets, some of our toiletries and food. We were told that these donations would be making their way down to Egg Harbor, NJ later in the day.
Our next stop was to Belmar, NJ. It was only the night before that we realized we would be going to be Belmar. The needs of these shelters sometimes changed on an hourly basis. Several locations that needed supplies earlier in the week were now declining b/c they were full. Friday night, the town of Belmar posted an updated need of supplies at 8pm. It was then, that we knew where we would go and to me this trip was going to be personal because this was my family's one day beach destination for the last 11 years. One of the bridges was out and our group got split up but we all ended up finding our way to Belmar's Art Center which was turned into the center of operations for supplies. We unloaded all of the vehicles and Sprinter van in Belmar. There were a few people who asked us for supplies as we taking them out of our cars because they were heading in to start cleaning their homes. There were military choppers flying over which honestly felt like we were in a war torn town. It was also trick or treat in Belmar from 1pm-5pm. We gave them the candy that was donated.....they made a special spot for it so they would have it ready for the kids. We had collected $300 in gift cards. Right before we left, I gave the girl in charge the gift cards. She gave me a hug and was teary eyed as she thanked all of us for everything. I promised her that my family would be back in the summer to enjoy Belmar again.
The only dilemma we ran into was that neither Red Bank nor Belmar would take clothing, they were inundated with clothing and couldn't take any more. We were told in Belmar that there was a thrift shop on Neptune (right next to Belmar) that would take our clothing (the whole Uhaul). At this time, all of our vehicles had been empty except for the UHaul. We pulled up to Madonna's Thrift Store in Neptune and were greeted by Rebecca, the store owner. She quickly won all of our hearts and accepted all of the clothing. We were confident that she will do the right thing and will end up furnishing alot of needy families with the clothing. Yesterday was the first day she was able to open her store, she was out of power for 2 weeks, but she was smiling and happy to see us.
None of us felt like we could leave without seeing the ocean. We drove down from the thrift shop straight to the shoreline at Bradley Beach. With snow on the ground, we made our way up to where the boardwalk used to be and looked out to the ocean. Despite the destruction that it caused, the ocean was peaceful and welcoming to all of us. There is alot of cleanup to be done but the pride and love that these folks have for their town will overcome their troubles.
This experience has changed all that were involved. Everyone stayed focused and moved forward toward the task at hand. There was no bickering or arguing but support from one person to the other. The warmth felt from those who offered vehicles, drop off centers, donations, time volunteered to sort and pack, etc was overwhelming. Kids who didn't know each other, quickly bonded and worked together.....just like the adults. It truly was a perfect world.
For now we will be taking a break, but hoping down the line to find another cause to unite us again. In the meantime, love one another, keep a hand extended out to others and follow your dreams.
Peace and Love,
Reach the Beach/ Lehigh Valley PA
