Pearl River: Reaching Out to Help

Patch reported last week about businesses and organizations helping others during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. 

Friends and neighbors rallied around the family of Jeffery Chanin of Pearl River, who was killed when a tree fell on his home during the storm. That included the creation of the The Chanin Family Fund, where donations can be sent to the family at PO Box 739, Pearl River, NY 10965. Munno's Deli also collected donations and provided meals for the family. 

The food pantry from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church distributed food at Key Bank in Pearl River Thursday because the church itself had no power. 

Residents packed the Pearl River Public Library to get warm, charge up, connect to the internet or just find some entertainment for their children. Jane on Main also provided activities for the kids as well as power and free wireless connections. 

In the comments on one post last week, Jane Wilkinson write. "Jane on Main's owner, Jane Carrol has been a lifesaver this week. Not only did she open her doors to the community, she provided the kids a Hallloween party Wednesday, movie night on Wednesday and last night. Her devotion to the community during this time has been fantastic."

Orangetown Town Hall continues to function as a comfort station with power, restrooms and wireless internet, while places such as United Methodist Church in pearl River, Revolution Tattoo and Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill opened their doors for those without electricity.

Pearl River's fire departments were among those gathering donations to go to Breezy Point. There was one collection sent from Noonan's and another left from the Hibernian House in Pearl River today.

There are most likely more stories, quieter ones about neighbors checking on one another or sharing limited supplies and power. We want to hear about them, to give those who were helped by those mentioned above and others a place to say thank you. 

Please share your stories and reactions in the comments below.