Collecting for hurricane victims

By Patty Booth O’Neill
Sometimes having to find a new location is a good thing. That was the case when Steven Levine and multiple supporters began accepting supplies for hurricane victims.

Steve Leving, owner of the Windmill helps tape up the last delivery donated from multiple businesses and people to victims of the latest catastrophes going on around the world. Steve was called by Kevin King to see when he would start collecting and the OEM building on Union Ave was soon filled with supplies and volunteers. Right after this delivery Convoy of Hope packed everything onto one of their trucks and delivererd them to those in need.

“Kevin King called me and asked, ‘What are we going to do?’” He didn’t have to explain further. “I knew he was talking about helping the hurricane victims.” Levine owner of the WindMill, and his family have always been there to help when someone’s in need. It’s a given.

And supplies began pouring in for victims in the south. Irma, Harvey victims, it doesn’t matter, there’s a dire need for goods.

Steve Levine inside the OEM building with hurricane victim supplies. Soon it too would be filled to capacity.

The supplies were being stored at the Oliver Byron fire house in NLB. When they ran out of space everything was moved to the OEM building on Union Ave.

“Stan Dziuba (OEM director for Long Branch) has been so much help,” Levine said. “He made arrangements to bring everything to the OEM building. He’s been a great asset in supporting the whole effort,”

Supplies have been donated from multiple sources. Under the direction of Ronnie MicciullaARMS (American Recreational Military Services) many have been bringing in much needed items.

Deal Police Department did a massive drive, as did Seacoast Chevy. Tasty Cake and Ice Cream in

Freehold, owned by Levine’s daughter Amy, also did a drive. “She’s always ready to help,” Levine said.

And, of course, locals drop off what they can. “Every little bit helps,” said Steve. “It adds up.”
Every night volunteers go the OEM building where items are separated, packed into boxes and are readied to ship out.

Convoy of Hope, a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response, will be responsible for driving the truckloads of supplies to the victims.

“They choose where the supplies go, they decide where they’re most needed,” Levine said.
Supplies will be collected up to the September18th.

“A truck will pick up everying on the 20th. Hopefully we will continue to collect after that and get it to the victims,” Steve said.

Supplies needed
New underwear (t- shirts and underwear for men and boys.
New bras, bralettes and panties, all sizes.
New socks, new flip flops
Unlimited food, Dry, canned protein bars, snacks, cereal, etc.
Prepackaged ready to eat meals
Cases water/sports drinks
Pails for cleaning,  cleaning products.
Hygiene products, toothbrushes and toothpaste
Cleaning products, wipes, bleach, pine sol, spray cleaners
Paper towels
Coolers for ice
Batteries, all sizes
New pillows and cases/blankets
Diapers all sizes (infant and adult) baby wipes
Deodorant
Feminine products
No used clothing or expired food please.