Sandy: How Can I Help?

As of Monday, Nov. 5, it had been nearly a week since "Superstorm Sandy" made its way through New Jersey. For some, it made life very difficult. For others, it changed their lives and not for the better.

With power continuing to be restored in communities throughout the state, piles of furniture, tables, couches and memories are being tossed to the curb. Those are the lucky ones—some no longer have homes to throw hurricane-destroyed items out of anymore.

There are many ways to help and to find out. Here, we hope to get all of those ways and options compiled into one easy-to-access list. If you know of a place to help—whether it's an organization or simply a good samaritan—let everyone else know. In trying times, sometimes, the best can be brought out in people.

A similar thread has also been started on the Morristown Patch Facebook page.

Here's what we have so far. Please keep your suggestions coming.

• The Morristown Fire Department will be hosting a Hurricane Sandy Clothing and Food Drive Sunday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Good used clothing, non-perishable food items and bottled water will gladly be accepted.
• A Facebook page, Occupy Sandy Relief NJ, has been established to provide those who want to help and those who need help a quick access point.
• The Morris Township Fire Department is accepting clothing- Shirts, Pants, Sweatshirts, Socks, Gloves, Scarves, Hats, Hand warmers, Shoes, Coats, Underwear, any Toiletries, Non Perishable Food, Water, Baby food & clothing, and Kids Clothing from 8am to 5pm at any of our fire houses.
  For more information contact njsandyrelief@gmail.com or the Morris Township website at www.morristwp.com.
• Tuesday, Nov. 6, the Fairchild Firehouse will be collecting food (cooked food and cooled in foil trays) to be distributed to those in need. For more information contact njsandyrelief@gmail.com.
• Visit www.nj211.org or dial 211 to volunteer or to seek resources statewide.
• The Interfaith Food Pantry (Morris County) is in need of funds for gas and groceries and specific grocery items. http://www.mcifp.org/
• The Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown needs anything, especially milk, fruit, and funds. They're open for only a few hours a day, so contact them before dropping anything off. http://www.cskmorristown.org/
• From a Morristown resident: "Highlands, NJ needs help DESPERATELY. The whole town was ravaged by Sandy. My mom's house and our shop are destroyed. We are going back and forth between here and Highlands as we clean up, and we are bringing donations down as well. I'm local so you can save some gas and still help out. Email: dizzymisslizzy@gmail.com."
• Mt. Olive Township Municipal Complex
  204 Flanders-Drakestown Road in Budd Lake – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Contact: Lisa Pignataro 973-691-0900 ext. 7227
  Accepting: Cash, Gift Cards, Personal Products, Baby Products
• Hanover Township Police Department
  Corner of Route 10 West and N. Jefferson Rd. Whippany, NJ
  Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Accepting: Cash, Gift Cards, Canned Goods and Non-perishable food items, Gently used and New Clothing
• Mendham Twp
  The Mendham Twp. OEM is seeking donations to assist those affected by Sandy. Food, both perishable and non-perishable items, cash and gift cards will be accepted. Call Evin Thomas at 973-543-7213 for details.
• Montville
  If you would like to make a donation of food, please coordinate delivery by calling the Emergency Operations Center at 973-257-4110 or 973-257-4300.