How to Help in Fairfield After Superstorm Sandy [Updated]

[Editor's Note: This post was updated on Thursday, Nov. 15, to reflect events that have passed and new volunteer/donation opportunities for the weekend of Nov. 16 - 18.]

As power restoration wraps up in Fairfield, residents have been asking how they can help their neighbors in Superstorm Sandy's aftermath -- particular those neighbors in the devastated beach area.

From local volunteer and donation opportunities to those beyond Fairfield County (such as New Jersey and New York), Patch has details on who needs help from their neighbors.

Let us know in the comments thread of other organizations seeking donations or volunteer/cleanup opportunities in Fairfield and throughout the region.

Fox Street Sandy Cleanup

After last Sunday's successful cleanup that kicked off at Jennings Beach, another cleanup has been organized for Saturday, Nov. 17. Interested volunteers shoud meet at 9 a.m. on Fox Street (parallel to Veterans Park). The cleanup will benefit elderly residents in the neighborhood who need help post-Sandy. According to the Facebook event: "Bring your muscle and brawn, plus supplies such as shovels, rakes, contractor bags, leaf bags, masks, gloves, water for volunteers."  

Fairfield U's Sandy Relief Thanksgiving Drive

Fairfield University students have organized a drive to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims in New York and New Jersey.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., people can drop off requested items (listed below) at the Barone Campus Center Oak Room. Those who cannot make it to the drive on Saturday can bring items to the Campus Center on Monday, Nov. 19, between 12 and 4 p.m.

Items requested for New Jersey residents (NO clothing please):

• Sterno
• laundry detergent
• garbage pails
• laundry baskets
• new socks
• rakes
• buckets
• mops
• tin foil
• salad dressing
• BBQ sauce
• serving dishes (tin)
• any food item (we have storage)
• Hot dog and hamburger rolls are in short supply!! 
• Meals in a can
• Canned tuna
• Peanut butter
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Soup
• Shelf-stable Milk
• Cereal
• Baby Food – No Glass Jars
• Diapers
• Pet supplies
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Shampoo
• School supplies
• Water
• Any non-perishables

Items requested for NY residents:

• Work gloves
• Heavy duty waterproof gloves
• Work goggles
• N-95 respirator masks
• brooms, mops, rakes, shovels
• sponges
• heavy duty garbage bags
• spray bottles
• bleach and other cleaning products
• brillo pads / sponges
• duct tape, masking tape
• markers, pens
• masks
• towels / rags
• wheelbarrows
• rope
• tarps
• generators & gasoline
• pumps
• tools
• laundry detergent
• box cutters
• heavy duty extension cords
• Flashlights
• Candles
• Lanterns
• batteries
• Stove lighters
• blankets
• hand warmers/hotties
• sleeping bags
• heavy winter coats
• hats / gloves / scarves
• ponchos
• boots
• thick socks / underwear (new only!)
• propane heaters
• tents
• bottled water
• non-perishable food and quick snacks like granola bars and snack packs
• baby food
• diapers, wipes, powder, cream etc.
• Toilet paper
• paper towels
• hand sanitizers / wipes
• adult diapers
• toiletries – deodorants, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
• first aid kits
• feminine hygiene products
• Aspirin/ibuprofen
• Benadryl
• Neosporin
• Hydrocortisone / rash creams
• Dog, cat, bird, hamster
• Printer paper
• markers
• labels
• Shopping carts aka “granny carts” for people to take home supplies
• Pre-paid cell phones
• donated clothing
• canned goods
• furniture
• cleaning supplies

Town of Fairfield and Operation Hope Launch Fairfield Storm Sandy Relief Fund

The Fairfield Storm Sandy Relief Fund (The Fund) has been established for the purpose of collecting charitable tax deductible contributions for distribution to Fairfield residents who have been impacted by Storm Sandy. The Fund has been set up for monetary donations only.

Click on the heading above for more information on how to make a donation.

Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers Collecting Donations for Victims of Storm Sandy

The Fairfield and New Canaan jeweler will be collecting nonperishable food items and toiletries to donate to Operation Hope, which needs to rebuild its pantry supply following Sandy.

People can drop off items as the shop (1591 Post Road) during business hours -- Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items needed include:

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Macaroni and cheese
• Tuna fish
• Canned meats & stews
• Cereal/Instant hot cereal
• Coffee
• Canned fruit
• Other non-perishables/canned goods
• Toiletries such as: baby diapers, feminine products, shampoo, soap, deodorant and razors/shave cream

Both areas are part of the Rockaways in Queens, N.Y. and have suffered great loss, according to the Patch announcement. The office is collecting, sweaters, new socks, and underwear, blankets, jackets, hats, gloves, contractor bags, heavy duty gloves, cleaning supplies, air mattresses, bedding goods, bottled water, duffel bags, back packs, suitcases, work boots, diapers, baby wipes, formula, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, women's sanitary items, school supplies, paper towels, tissues, and dust masks.

Donations can be dropped off at the office - 2452 Black Rock Turnpike Suite No. 9 (second floor). Call ahead for hours of operation: 203-372-7333.