Robin Hood to the rescue

The Robin Hood Foundation handed out gift cards at the East Rocakway Public Library. Pictured were Kimberly Schultz, Anthony Urbano, Nezam Nasoodin and Anita Dowd-Nuefeld.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Dozens of East Rockaway and Bay Park residents who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy received some help on Oct. 22 in the form of $300 gift cards that were distributed at the East Rockaway Library by the Robin Hood Foundation, in conjunction with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Inc., Since the funds were made available, most people have been given cards for home-repair or department stores such as The Home Depot, Walmart and Target. In some instances the funds have paid large Long Island Power Authority bills, according to Robin Hood coordinator Ed Corrado.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

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About 65 residents of East Rockaway and Bay Park, who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy one year ago, received some help in the form of $300 gift cards last week.

The Robin Hood Foundation, in conjunction with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Inc., known as FREE, set aside $100,000 for residents of Bay Park and East Rockaway over the summer, and on Oct. 22, gift cards were distributed at the East Rockaway Library.

Since the funds were made available, most people have been given $300 gift cards to home-repair or department stores such as Home Depot, Walmart and Target. In some instances the funds have paid large Long Island Power Authority bills, according to Trustee Ed Corrado.

The Robin Hood Foundation, based in New York City, has allocated more than $70 million in grants to more than 400 groups since Sandy, including donations from the 12-12-12 concert at Madison Square Garden. FREE, based in Bethpage, provides services for people with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injuries.

A five-member committee made up of Corrado, Deacon Richard LaRossa, of St. Raymond’s Church, and FREE’s Kathy Ellis, Nezam Nasrooin and Anita Dowd-Neufeld, have screened applicants and distributed thousands of dollars. To receive funds, applicants had to provide their Federal Emergency Management Agency number, proof of residency, proof of loss from the storm and proof of income. Local homeowners or renters could also apply.

Corrado said the committee would meet again on Nov. 12 to discuss what to do with any remaining funds.