And so the clean up begins | Post Hurricane Sandy at Long Beach Island | Angelsea Urban

Yesterday was the first day that parts of Long Beach Island were finally reopened to the public. We haven’t been allowed over the bridge since the storm, so Steve and I took the kids to see how we could help. We gasped at what was left of the old Clam Shack – just pilings, and we held our breath as we counted boat after boat that washed up on the shoulder of highway 72 – no where near a marina. Like a pile of bumper boats mixed in with marshy reeds.

Once on the Island we were pleasantly surprised it was mainly recognizable. We were greeted by Ron Jon’s & B&B as usual, and saw the local Drs office on the corner as we rounded our usual right hand turn down the boulevard. At first glance it looked okay. The warmth of the blinking yellow lights looked oddly familiar. Like November on Long Beach Island should. We were surprised they had power at all, and surprised that it wasn’t more crowded.

About a block or two in, we passed a Hummer in full camo, followed by a caravan of American Red Cross Trucks. Then our attention was called to the side of the road where military and police had set up stations. Along with trailer after trailer of restoration service vehicles helping residents salvage what they could from their homes.

OH. So this WASN’T a regular November on the Island after all. And soon we saw the real destruction. We drove past what used to be amusement parks and supermarkets that are now being used as temporary landfills. What looked like it should have been mounds of snow on the shoulders of the streets from Wednesday’s Nor’easter, were mounds of sand washed inland, blocks away from the beach.

There were people on every street clearing out the contents of their homes. Laying out their belongings and memories as trash on the side of the roads. So much it makes you wonder where on earth it would all end up. There is so much to be done it’s overwhelming.

There were people shoveling sand from their driveways and yards, and volunteers delivering meals. Some tearing out walls and others emptying their store’s ruined merchandise. Then of course there was my son, Greyson, who tried to “replant a (broken) tree” on the beach. There is certainly enough work to go around. And there’s a job suitable for every willing person. Even a 5 year old child.  So many people ask how they can volunteer, or where. Or what they can donate or what exactly is needed. The best advice just might be: Stop asking those questions.

Just show up. Bring yourselves. Or bring a meal. Or bring a toy or garbage bag or a box. If you have a servant’s heart you can stop at any block from Long Beach Island to Staten Island and someone will need help with something. Today it might be shoveling sand and clearing debris, next month it could be helping someone to find a place to live.

There are many already formalized organizations that you can certainly team up with and be assigned a specific task. Or you can just do something and not wait for a plan. You can get in your car and just find someone and help them. For those looking to partner with an organization, here are a few that have set up a strong presence locally. They have stations throughout the area in local schools and churches and are involved with distributing food and clothing to those in need.

Operation Blessing

Christ in Action

American Red Cross

Thank you to all of the volunteers, organizations, local responders and companies who have graciously donated their time to helping our community. Please continue to keep them openly in your thoughts and prayers.

XOXO,