Supplies from Angels

I am surprised by the donations.   There is a constant stream of building supplies, food, water, coats etc. . . being dropped off in UB.  Towns from all over New Jersey and beyond have been bringing what the town needs to rebuild their homes and lives.  A lady drove a rented truck from Virginia with lightly used appliances for the town.  It was a welcome sight for those that have no way to cook dinner except for a microwave. 

Kids in school buses have delivered lumber.  Churches have delivered thousands of meals for locals and volunteers.  Local business have delivered so many delicious pizzas, pasta, soups, chicken and beef main dishes, salads, desserts!  As christmas approached the deliveries turned to toys and gifts for the residents.  Many were still in hotels or with friends and families.  Christmas was going to be tight for most.  There were so many organizations that helped fulfill the kids and families holiday wish lists.  It was awesome how strangers on the internet bought and sent gifts to borough hall! 

I know there are still many things the town families need but I can tell you HOPE is something that is in abundance here. 

Ed

There are so many wonderful volunteers in Union Beach!!  I noticed Ed around Thanksgiving.  He's a little older than I am but he is strong and spry.  He works moving water and supplies to peoples cars, moving all the donations around outside Borough Hall.  Ed and the other guys work long hours outside in the cold.  I really don't know how they do it.

Ed and I bonded one cold day when he came in for lunch.  I was helping serve and said something sarcastic to him and he quickly responded.  He reminded me of one of my smart-alec brothers (I have 5.)  So from that day on I would recommend the best food that was being served and often joked that I wouldn't touch a certain dish (only because it was so delish) but he never took the bait.  He figured out early on to take the opposite of what I said. 

As Christmas approached the hall was very crowded with gifts, tree decorations, lots of food etc.  Ed and the other guys that carried all of the heavy stuff were very busy in December.  When I showed up January 2nd I heard Ed was sick.  I was sorry to hear that he wasn't feeling well.  It's not the same without Ed.  I miss you.

January 2nd, 2013

It's a new year!   2013 arrived quietly.  2013 still has many families on the east coast homeless because of Hurricane Sandy.  2013 I going to be the year of rebuilding lives and towns.

I went to the pantry with a friend - Kelly.  We sat at the sign in table for a while.  We asked everyone that was signing in for supplies how their holidays were.  Low key was what we heard.  The new normal in Union Beach.  Low key because most did not spend it in their homes.  Most did not hold their family celebrations with kids, grandkids and great grandkids in their homes.  Most did not have their treasured family ornaments.  Most did not have their china to eat on.  So Low Key pretty much described 2012 Christmas.

There was not much going on when I arrived in Borough Hall.  Volunteers that went home to Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and other states have not returned in full force.  There were local volunteers that were helping deliver drywall and lumber.   There were volunteers serving lunch.  There were volunteers sorting donations that showed up. 

I did not mention that there were smiles.  Even though most were not in their homes for the holidays they were thankful.  Thankful and hopeful.