Five Towners mobilize Harvey help

Though Hurricane Sandy was nearly five years ago, Five Towns residents vividly remember the devastation the storm brought — flooding, boats flung from piers, power outages — and people being out of their homes for months.

So it’s no surprise that community members sprung into action when Hurricane Harvey ripped through southeast Texas late last month.

Temple Israel of Lawrence has established a Hurricane Harvey relief fund. Congregants are being asked to donate to either the American Red Cross, the Federation of Greater Houston, Congregation Beth Israel of Houston Flood Relief Fund or send their checks made out to Temple Israel, 140 Central Ave., Lawrence, NY 11559. In memo write: Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, the spiritual leader of Temple Israel, is president of the North American Board of Rabbis, an umbrella organization composed of leaders of Boards of Rabbis across North America, with a combined membership of 3,300 rabbis from all branches of Judaism. The group has called on its members to mobilize efforts and send emergency aid to help the people of Houston and the victims of Harvey.

“We first ask our members to pray for our fellow Americans in the region, as they face even more rain and severe flooding this week,” Rosenbaum said.” We also pray for the selfless citizens and professional emergency personnel heading dangerous rescue efforts.”

Through its national network, Five Towns Kiwanis is asking people to donate at txokkiwanis.org. It is a link to the Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District website listing the affected Kiwanis groups.

“Past Kiwanis Governor Mike Malark is going to take a van down with emergency supplies as he did after Katrina,” said Five Towns President Tom Cohen. “Kiwanis cannot compete with big charities such as the Red Cross, etc, but at least through the Kiwanis network we can connect with families connected with Kiwanis.”

Peninsula Kiwanis is part of the New York District Kiwanis and making a donation and collecting supplies, said member Kevin Cooney. Paper good, school supplies, nonperishable food, pet food, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies, blankets and gift cards from stores such as Home Depot, Target and Walmart can be dropped off at PIP Printing at 421 Doughty Blvd. in Inwood Monday through Friday until 5:30 p.m. Cash donations could also be made and checks can be mailed to: Peninsula Kiwanis, 421 Doughty Blvd, Suite 140, Inwood, NY 11096. The collection will continue for three weeks.

Achiever is also collecting at its Lawrence headquarters at 334 Central Ave., and Seasons kosher supermarket has a collection drop off at 330 Central Ave., also in Lawrence through Sunday.

Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz reposted an item on Facebook from the Chabad Centers of Houston that donations of Clorox wipes, contractor bags, diapers, disposable gloves, duct tape, masks, packing boxes, packing tape, paper towels, Sharpie pens, small toys, and workers gloves are needed.

Supplies can be shipped to Chabad Harvey Relief, 11000 Fondren Road, b104, Houston, TX 77096.

To make a monetary donation, go to www.chabadhouston.com/relief. Gift cards in denominations of $50 or less to Target, Walmart, and other stores are also being requested.

Through the UJA-Federation of New York, Marion & Aaron Gural JCC members, and anyone else, can go to www.ujafedny.org/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund and donate anywhere from $18 to any amount to help.