Maybe it's just how New Yorkers were raised.
"We also all know what it is like to go through hardships, and having the help and support of friends and family are what gets everyone through those tough times," said Jessica Gipson, who recently moved to Three Village from Brooklyn. "I think that's the way many of us New Yorkers were raised, and that's why in a crisis like this you see such an abundance of help and support."
Gipson will be holding a clothing and necessities drive at her home at 28 Bunny Lane in East Setauket, which is just off Old Town Road north of Ward Melville High School. Needed items include:
- Bottled Water
- Baby Formula & Food
- Diapers (All sizes)
- Baby Wipes
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Cleaning Supplies
- Rubber Gloves
- Blankets & Towels
- Hand Warmers
- Hats & Gloves
- Pet Food
- C & D Batteries
Gipson will be holding an open house for drop-offs between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. If you'd like to participate but can't make the open house, send her an email. Gipson will be bringing the items to fire departments on the south shore to be distributed in the hardest-hit places.
"There is no amount of help that is too small," she said. "Anything will be greatly appreciated!"
Gipson is not the only local resident launching a relief effort.
Jewelry designer Mary-Jo Peritore of East Setauket has a line of disaster relief items she sells for causes including tsunami relief for Japan in 2011, and now Hurricane Sandy, with proceeds going to American Red Cross.
Also, Sweetleaf Boutique – which recently held a fundraiser event for breast cancer awareness and research – is offering a 25-percent-off coupon to customers who bring in a nonperishable food item or clothing item to donate.
Its next-door neighbor the Setauket Frame Shop is carrying the same promotion-for-donation.
Mora's Fine Wine & Spirits in East Setauket is collecting non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries and outreach centers. Click here to read more on Rich Mora's donation project.
At Samantha Drew Interiors in East Setauket, the store will be donating a portion of its sales to Red Cross for about a month.
"We know first hand what it feels like to lose nearly everything," the store's employees wrote in a message on Patch on Monday. "After a fire devastated our store just over a year ago, we were able to rebuild and come back stronger than before thanks to friends, family, and our community."
