Many communities have been devastated by the destructive force of Hurricane Sandy throughout New Jersey. In the storm’s wake, children and their families are being served by their local New Jersey Boys & Girls Club to provide a safe space to learn and heal, food, and much needed support. Clubs across the state encountered flood and wind damage. Most New Jersey Clubs have returned to full service for Club members and their families. However some Clubs face such significant effects from flood waters that they are still in the process of rebuilding their facilities. Clubs in both Hoboken and Atlantic City were hit with flood waters of about 3 feet high which caused significant damage to gymnasiums, kitchens, teen centers and offices.
Clubs are a vital part of local communities and helped to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of youth and families. Many Clubs modified their services in partnership with local schools and townships to ensure youth had a safe place to go until schools returned to full service. One example of these efforts was in Red Bank where schools initially returned to half day status due to the flood damage to school buildings. The Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth’s Red Bank Club stepped up by picking up youth and providing programming for the remaining half day. This ensured youth had a safe place to go and interact with caring and supportive staff while parents were able to return to work.
Clubs are in major need of financial support to rebuild, resupply and bring vital youth services to children whose lives are severely disrupted. There are three ways you can help.
- Give online at www.bgcnj.org to make a donation by credit card.
- Text BeGreatNJ to 20222 and $10 will be added to your cell phone bill.
- Send a check indicating “Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund” in the memo line to:
Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund
Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey
822 Clifton Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07013
Of the funds collected for BGCNJ’s Hurricane Sandy Relief fund, 100% will aid local Boys & Girls Clubs impacted by the storm.
Your support will make a crucial difference to thousands of kids at a critical and frightening time in their lives.