Sandy Soaks Local Woman's Childhood Home
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: November 4, 2012
Fifty billion dollars in damages, that's what a forecasting firm estimates Hurricane Sandy left in her wake. A local woman's childhood home on Long Island is one of the casualties. Now a foundation known for helping veterans and first responders is coming to her family's aid.
Michele Myers childhood home is now unlivable after Sandy dumped three to six feet of water inside.\
"My mom, she was extremely upset on the phone," Myers said. "She could hardly talk, just told me that she lost everything."
Her mother and step-father are now mopping up the mess, salvaging what they can. She just learned the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation , a group she volunteers for, is now going to send a few extra hands to assist.
"It was overwhelming, they don't know me personally," she said. "I call my mom and she started to cry."
Tears of relief.
The foundation usually helps veterans and first responders. After the storm, it's focused on sending teams of volunteers to aid victims.
The foundation's Staten Island office is actually without power, running on generators non-stop. Still, it's raised more than $400,000 to provide food, shelter, clothing and generators to victims. A drop in the bucket, considering the billions in damages.
Still, Myers is thankful the foundation and supporters are chipping in, providing hope and help.
"It all just comes back to us as Americans helping one another," she said.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is now asking for clothing, food and monetary donations. To learn more about the group click here to visit its website.
