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Wednesday, December 5, 2012 5:00 p.m. EST
More than 1,100 tons of food and supplies to aid Sandy survivors
It’s been several weeks since Sandy wreaked havoc on the eastern seaboard and though the story has all but disappeared from the headlines Convoy of Hope’s disaster response teams continue to distribute food, water and supplies, and assess debris-removal needs in coastal areas devastated by the super storm.
“Many families are still in great need,” says Kary Kingsland, executive vice president of Global Initiatives for Convoy of Hope. “Because the need for our presence is still warranted we will continue to funnel the more than 1,100 tons of food, water and emergency supplies that have been designated to help the survivors of this storm.”
The food and supplies Kingsland refers to are worth $2.78 million and include: paper goods, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, blankets, baby food, water, clothing and canned goods. Items not yet distributed are being stored in one of two warehouses Convoy of Hope is leasing.
“There is much work to do and our teams feel privileged to be a part of the relief and recovery efforts that are on going and will most likely prove long lasting,” adds Kingsland.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 2:15 p.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y.—Tens of thousands remain without power in the communities of Long Beach and Island Park, N.Y., as storm survivors are still in need of basic essentials including food and water. Convoy of Hope has been distributing emergency aid supplies on Long Island since just hours after the flood waters receded, with more distributions planned for tomorrow.
Rosario carries a box of cleaning supplies and a blanket at a distribution site in Long Beach. She’s lost everything, her only possession being the clothes on her back.
Rosario’s daughter had just woken from a nap as the water began to rise into her home. “I said to her, ‘grab the dog, it’s coming!’” she says, recounting the moments that would change her life. “We were all in the basement with the water all the way up to here,” says Rosario, holding her hand above her waist. “I said, ‘oh my God, we’re dying.’ I was terrified.”
In the dark and cold days since Sandy, Rosario says she feels lost with no home and no car to get her to and from work. “I’ve felt hopeless, like I have nowhere to go,” she says. “But it helps me a lot to know we can eat because we don’t sleep, we have no water and no clean clothes.”
Rosario says the help she received from Convoy of Hope has given her reason have new hope.
“It’s stories like Rosario’s that remind us why we’ve been in New York and New Jersey for two weeks now,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “We’ve allocated more than two million pounds of aid for relief efforts and continue help others like Rosario.”
Monday, November 12, 2012 4:25 p.m. EST
Springfield, Mo.—Convoy of Hope is partnering with Walmart and Bass Pro Shops to bring relief to storm victims in New York and New Jersey.
Walmart shipped three tractor-trailer loads carrying food, water and blankets to Convoy of Hope distribution sites in the region; while Bass Pro Shops provided 34,000 bottles of water.
“It would be impossible for us to provide assistance to storm survivors if it wasn’t for strong partners like Walmart and Bass Pro Shops,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “We’re grateful for their support and the many other civic organizations, churches and individuals who’ve worked with us.”
More than 40 tractor-trailer loads of supplies have been deployed to New York and New Jersey in the two weeks since the storm hit.
Saturday, November 10, 2012 4:45 p.m. EST
Springfield, Mo.—The FOX NEWS Channel featured Convoy of Hope’s disaster relief efforts in New York and New Jersey in a segment on America’s News Headquarters. The news piece focuses on Convoy of Hope’s effort on the ground to help thousands of storm survivors. Soon, we will have distributed more than 2 million pounds of emergency supplies in the wake of Sandy. Our disaster response teams remain in New York and New Jersey assisting communities devastated by the storm
VIDEO | Sandy Disaster Response Update 2
Friday, November 9, 2012 3:15 p.m. EST
Staten Island, N.Y.—Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Teams are distributing emergency supplies in the communities of Staten Island, Medford and Deer Park, N.Y., today.
“There are so many people still without power that need basic essentials,” says Nick Weirsma, director of community services for Convoy of Hope. “We’re distributing two tractor-trailer loads today, while additional loads are enroute.”
Thousands are expected to turn out for emergency supplies at the three distribution sites. By early next week, Convoy of Hope expects to have distributed more than two million pounds of supplies to storm survivors.
Thursday, November 8, 2012 3:00 p.m. EST
Island Park, N.Y.—Convoy of Hope has dispatched 40 tractor-trailer loads carrying more than 1.5 million pounds of emergency supplies to survivors of Sandy in New York and New Jersey. Disaster Response teams spent the morning clearing snow from a Nor’easter that’s left more people in the dark and without heat.
“Our trucks haven’t stopped rolling because our many supporters recognize the significant challenges residents of the Northeast are facing,” says Jeff Nene, national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. “Churches, civic organizations, corporations and individuals have partnered with us to meet the needs of thousands of people already, but it’s critical that we continue to walk alongside them as they put their lives back together.”
One of those people is Marilyn. Having visited a Convoy of Hope distribution site in Island Park, N.Y., she and her daughter carry food and water through their destroyed neighborhood to their home. They walk past neighbors placing their destroyed belongings in piles on the curb. Clothes, furniture, carpet, interior walls—all ruined by Sandy.
“It was like the sea was in my house,” says Marilyn, standing in her driveway. “I tried to leave but the water was already up to the headlights on my car.”
Marilyn’s vehicles sat useless in the driveway. Both are totaled, but she says her family is lucky their home is salvageable. She says she has a lot to be thankful for.
“Thank you to those that are not here and trying to help out the other ones that are,” she says. “It’s appreciated because every little thing counts. As a resident of Island Park, I thank Convoy of Hope for all this support.”
A Convoy of Hope tractor-trailer sits among the snow left from the overnight Nor’easter.
VIDEO | Supplying the people, restoring the lives.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 4:30 p.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y. – As Sandy came ashore on Long Island, N.Y., Ricky and his family decided to wait it out in their home in the community of Long Beach. He says there wasn’t much rain so, along with his wife and three children, he thought they’d escaped Sandy’s force. Then the water began to rise.
“In a matter of two hours we were underwater,” he says. “It’s hard to describe how scary it was because the water was rising around us and we were standing in the darkness.”
Ricky and his family survived the flood, but lost everything they had as their home filled up with water. He’s come to Convoy of Hope’s distribution in Long Beach to get basic essentials.
“For me and my family, there’s no way we can do anything because everything is gone,” says Ricky. “But this will sustain me.”
Convoy of Hope remains in the New York/New Jersey area helping others in the same situation as Ricky and his family.
“If these agencies didn’t come and supply these personal needs, then it would be even worse so we’re very thankful to have them come in and give us what we need,” says Ricky. “The people here need this more than ever.”
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 12:10 p.m. EST
Newark, N.J.—More than 100 Sandy survivors are lining up at Convoy of Hope’s distribution center in Newark, N.J., for emergency relief supplies.
Teams made up of 70 volunteers are unloading Convoy of Hope trucks containing valuable cleaning products, including baby food, MRE’s, and sports drinks.
Convoy of Hope is partnering with a local New Jersey church group to stage the distribution.
Monday, November 5, 2012 5:45 p.m. EST
More than 500 tons of disaster relief supplies are committed to Convoy of Hope’s relief efforts in New York and New Jersey.
“We handed out supplies today in Staten Island, Long Beach and Bronx, N.Y.,” says Karen Benson, global disaster relief director for Convoy of Hope. “We’ve had tremendous support from various partners which has allowed us to continue to bring in aid.”
Benson says another tractor-trailer load was delivered to Times Square Church and Convoy of Hope distributed a truckload of supplies donated by Walmart.
Convoy of Hope plans to distribute relief aid tomorrow in Newark, N.J.
Saturday, November 3, 2012 5:45 p.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y. – International humanitarian relief organization Convoy of Hope was joined by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in distributing food, water and emergency supplies to residents today. Millions of people continue to be affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in hard hit areas like Long Beach, N.Y. FEMA, The Red Cross, the Army National Guard and over 100 volunteers also served alongside Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response team.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo helps Convoy of Hope distribute food and relief supplies in Long Beach, N.Y.
“It’s heartening to see how people have come together,” said Gov. Cuomo after helping to unload supplies from a Convoy of Hope truck. “You literally have people from across the country that have come in to help.”
In addition to the relief site in Long Beach, N.Y. today, a Convoy of Hope tractor trailer load of supplies was distributed in Bayonne, N.J., with the help of 30 volunteers bringing the total distribution in this community to over 60,000 pounds. Times Square Church in the Theatre District of Manhattan, New York City, N.Y., has also received the first of several planned deliveries.
“Many residents have very little in the way of relief aid,” says Jeff Nene, national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. “More than 200 additional tons of supplies are en route from our World Distribution Center in Springfield, Mo., to meet this need.”
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Long Beach, N.Y.
Saturday, November 3, 2012 8:45 a.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y. – Convoy of Hope is ramping up its disaster response operations today in New York and New Jersey.
“Our teams on the ground have indicated that the need continues to grow for the most basic human essentials like food and water,” says Karen Benson, global disaster response director for Convoy of Hope. “As those needs grow, our operations will also grow.”
Two tractor-trailer loads of food and relief supplies will be distributed in Long Beach, N.Y., a barrier island community that suffered significant damage from flooding. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to be on-site to meet storm survivors and volunteers.
Grateful recipients of Convoy of Hope food and relief supplies in Long Beach, N.Y.
On-site distribution will also take place in Bayonne, N.J., and an additional 40,000 lbs. of emergency aid will be distributed by New York City’s Times Square Church.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Long Beach, N.Y.
VIDEO | Sandy Response
Friday, November 2, 2012 8:20 p.m. EST
Bayonne, N.J. – “Thanks for breakfast this morning!” yells 40-year-old Tim as he stands in front of his flooded out home in Bayonne, N.J. He’s thanking Convoy of Hope for providing food for him and his mother, Rose, in the days after Sandy’s destruction.
“We would have nothing to eat if Convoy of Hope didn’t come along,” says Tim. The New Jersey native received food distributed by Convoy of Hope just 48 hours after Sandy shoved water contaminated with sewage and oil into his home.
Tim looks over damage to his Bayonne, N.J. home with members of the Convoy of Hope Disaster Response Team.
Rose covers her nose and mouth with a washcloth as she opens door to their basement where a black sludge coats everything from floor to ceiling. The stench is overwhelming, but Rose and Tim have nowhere else to go, so they’re living in extremely unsuitable conditions with no electricity.
“We have no flood insurance so this is it for us but we have to make due somehow,” says Rose. “What choice do we have?”
Convoy of Hope plans another distribution in Bayonne Saturday. When told Convoy of Hope is returning to his neighborhood, Tim’s face shows a sense of relief.
“We were hoping you’d come back,” he said.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Bayonne, N.J.
Friday, November 2, 2012 7:45 p.m. EST
Hoboken, N.J. – Emergency supplies provided by Convoy of Hope are helping residents of the flooded community of Hoboken, N.J., where home and business owners spent the day cleaning up after Sandy’s floodwaters.
Hoboken is one of many communities along the Eastern seaboard that is struggling right now, so we moved to get supplies into the low laying neighborhoods as quickly as possible,” says Nick Weirsman, director of community services for Convoy of Hope.
Updates on upcoming relief efforts will be posted here when available.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Hoboken, N.J.
Friday, November 2, 2012 12:45 p.m. EST
Washington Township, N.J.—Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response team is coordinating additional emergency aid distribution efforts set for this weekend in New Jersey and New York.
“There are five tractor-trailer loads of supplies being staged in Pennsylvania with three of those loads being shipped and distributed on Saturday, Nov. 3.,” says Nick Weirsma, director of community services for Convoy of Hope.
Two distribution sites are planned in Bayonne, N.J., and Long Beach, N.Y.; as well a partner distribution effort in New York City.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Washington Township, N.J.
Thursday, November 1, 2012 6:25 p.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y. — As volunteers unloaded Convoy of Hope’s tractor-trailer load of 40,000 lbs. of supplies in Long Beach, N.Y., the line of storm survivors waiting for help grew rapidly, giving gravity to the situation here.
Ria came through the line to get cleaning supplies after flood waters washed through her home. “It was frightening,” she says, describing watching the rising water with her 12-year-old daughter. “We watched as the ocean met the bay.”
Ria has no insurance and lives in government housing. She says she has no idea how she will make ends meet. But, she says today she was given a little hope. “The cleaning supplies and food will at least get us started,” she says.
Ria receives food, water and supplies from Convoy of Hope after Sandy flood waters damaged her home in Long Beach, NY.
Long Beach sits on a barrier island that was inundated by water from both sides as the storm surge mixed with high tides. Residents are now pumping water out of heir homes and piling their destroyed belongings in heaps on the side of the street.
“The people of Long Beach really don’t have anywhere to go for these basic needs,” says Francis Becker, Nassau County Legislator. “The devastation is so significant; it’s going to be a long time before this community recovers. Convoy of Hope is helping to fill a void here and its wonderful.”
Convoy of Hope will continue to work with local and state officials to aid storm survivors in the coming days.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Long Beach, N.Y.
Thursday, November 1, 2012 5:35 p.m. EST
Point Pleasant, N.J. — Sand piled up in the streets and homes were destroyed as Sandy’s waters came ashore in the coastal town of Point Pleasant, N.J. Convoy of Hope arrived today and unloaded food, water, cleaning supplies, trash cans and garbage bags for storm survivors.
“We’re working with local churches and law enforcement officials to move the supplies into the hardest hit areas of the town,” says Ryan Grabill, one of Convoy of Hope’s disaster response team members on the ground.
Emergency relief supplies were also unloaded in Jersey City, N.J.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Point Pleasant, N.J.
Thursday, November 1, 2012 12:50 p.m. EST
Long Beach, N.Y. — Convoy of Hope has distributed two tractor-trailer loads of disaster relief supplies in New York and New Jersey, with more distributions planned for this afternoon, while an additional two tractor-trailer loads are en route to the storm affected area.
“Our assessment teams have encountered some regions where there is a significant need for emergency supplies as millions of people remain without power,” says Karen Benson, global disaster relief director for Convoy of Hope. “At this point we are continuing damage assessment while coordinating distribution efforts.”
Two additional teams of Convoy of Hope responders have also arrived in the region and have immediately begun staging distribution efforts.
“We appreciate those who are supporting us in our efforts to assist survivors of Sandy,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “Without ongoing support from partners and individuals, this effort would not be possible.”
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Long Beach, N.Y.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 3:51 p.m. EST
Staten Island, N.Y.—Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response (GDR) team unloaded 20,000 lbs. of relief supplies in Staten Island for distribution to storm shelters in the region. The distribution began as volunteers transported the supplies of water, cleaning supplies and food items to a nearby shelter holding around 600 people.
The GDR team coordinated with Chaplain Daniel Delgado to move the product to shelters in the New York area. “Convoy of Hope is equipped to get products to areas affected by tragedies such as this very quickly and very efficiently,” says Dalgado. “We’re thankful for that.”
Convoy of Hope will set up additional distribution points in New York and New Jersey in the coming days.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Staten Island, N.Y.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 3:51 p.m. EST
Bayonne, N.J.—At a Convoy of Hope distribution site here where just two days ago, water stood six feet deep, Moe, 21, hands out supplies to storm survivors. He came to receive help after his home he lived in with his young daughter was flooded with water contaminated with sewage and oil. “I don’t know what we’re going to do,” he says. “We have nothing but what we’ve received here today.”
Moe says he’s not sure if his family has flood insurance to cover the damages but he’ll, “take life day by day,” and that he’s thankful for Convoy of Hope.
Moe receives food, water and cleaning supplies from Convoy of Hope after Sandy flood waters damaged his home in Bayonne, NJ.
Around 20,000 lbs. of storm relief supplies were handed out in Bayonne.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Bayonne, N.J.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 12:51 p.m. EST
Bayonne, N.J.—Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response team has established a point for emergency aid distribution in Bayonne, N.J., and began distributing supplies to storm survivors.
“We’ve are coordinating with local organizations and officials to assess how we can best meet the needs of people here,” says Nick Weirsma, one of Convoy of Hope’s first responders on the ground. “We’ll know more in the next 24 hours about where exactly additional supplies of food and relief supplies will be staged and distributed.”
The three tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies are expected to arrive at distribution sites in the next 24 hours. Additional response teams are en route to the New York/New Jersey area.
Adam McMullin, Convoy of Hope field reporter — Bayonne, N.J.
Monday, October 29, 2012 4:00 p.m. CDT
Convoy of Hope’s Rapid Response Team is currently in State College, Penn., as Hurricane Sandy approaches the New Jersey coast. They will remain there overnight, then head east as soon as it’s determined safe to assess areas with significant damage.
Around 80,000 pounds of additional relief supplies are in the queue and are tentatively scheduled to leave Convoy of Hope’s World Distribution Center on Tuesday, October 30th. The loads contain meals, drinks, cereal, trashcans and cleaning supplies.
The Global Disaster Response team will continue to monitor the situation and decisions regarding the deployment of additional response teams and supplies will be made as warranted.
Sunday, October 28, 2012 1:45 p.m. CDT
Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response team deployed a tractor-trailer load of emergency supplies along with a rapid response team to the Northeast U.S. in advance of Hurricane Sandy’s expected impact along the Eastern seaboard.
“Our plan is to await the storm’s arrival and then deploy to where immediate needs arise,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope. “Forecasters are saying this storm could impact millions of people, so being in place in the region will be important in our damage assessment and response efforts.”
The Global Disaster Response team has been monitoring Hurricane Sandy’s development and forecasts over the last several days and will continue to do so as the storm makes landfall. According to Karen Benson, global disaster response director for Convoy of Hope, first responders will work with local, state and federal officials to coordinate efforts.
“We’ll also work with local organizations and partners in the communities where we determine to stage response efforts,” says Benson. “Since it’s a developing situation, we’ll be making any plans for additional response efforts as events unfold.”
The tractor-trailer load of supplies included bottled water, microwaveable meals, trash bags and other basic essentials.
Reports coming out of the Caribbean indicate at least 65 people have been killed by Sandy, most of them occurring in Haiti. Convoy of Hope has had a strong presence in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake.
Convoy of Hope has long history of responding to natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, Convoy of Hope was one of the first organizations on the ground distributing food and supplies.
Friday, October 26, 2012 11:00 a.m. CDT
As Hurricane Sandy heads toward the Eastern seaboard of the U.S., we’re hoping the storm doesn’t cause significant damage, as some forecasters have warned. Convoy of Hope’s Global Disaster Response team is closely monitoring the storm. In the event that Sandy does hit the U.S. next week, Convoy of Hope is prepared to respond where necessary. Updates can be found here as warranted.
- Convoy of Hope Global Distaster Response Team
Recent press releases
December 5, 2012 | Culligan International Partners with Convoy of Hope in Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
November 28, 2012 | JPMorgan Chase Donates $100,000 to Support Convoy of Hope’s Hurricane Sandy Response Efforts
November 8, 2012 | Convoy of Hope Distributes 1.5 million lbs. of Aid in New York and New Jersey in Wake of Hurricane Sandy
November 3, 2012 | New York Governor Andrew Cuomo distributes disaster relief aid with Convoy of Hope
November 2, 2012 | Convoy of Hope distributes relief in New York and New Jersey
October 30, 2012 | Convoy of Hope responds to Hurricane Sandy
October 28, 2012 | Convoy of Hope deploys supplies, team to Northeast
