Strikes for Sandy: OLP Helps Hurricane Victims

There were no perfect games but it was a perfect day at San-Dee Lanes in Malverne on Dec. 29 as nearly 100 bowlers of all ages participated in Our Lady of Peace's Strikes for Sandy fundraiser.

Regardless of whether they threw a strike, a spare or a gutterball, everyone who hit the lanes that day helped raise more than $1,800 to help victims of Superstorm Sandy.

The fundraiser was part of Our Lady of Peace's Hurricane Response Efforts. Immediately after the post tropical storm struck the East Coast in late October, the parish coordinated a Hurricane Sandy Response Team to bring relief to surround areas that were devastated.  

Since the mission began, many parishioners have volunteered their time in various ways. With the support of Msgr. Bill Breslawski, Sr. Mary Dowden, Sr. Barbara Faber and Sr. Grace Monroe, OLP has helped many people in need as a result of the storm.

"We have directly assisted 10 families in East Rockaway, Long Beach, Island Park and Oceanside with home demolitions and debris removal," Sue Kelly told Patch.

Since the storm hit just days before the 2012 Presidential Election, OLP helped Sacred Heart Parish in Island Park by cleaning out their Parish Center and preparing it for use as a polling site.

"We collected and distributed thousands of dollars worth of food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, blankets and clothing to East Rockaway, Island Park, Far Rockaway and Long Beach," Kelly added.

OLP's volunteers served food and assisted at the Island Park and East Rockaway FEMA Stations on numerous occasions. Local Girl and Boy Scout Troops, the Knights of Columbus and the Village of Lynbrook all donated many items and money to OLP's Hurricane Response Efforts.

The team also coordinated Toy Drives for Island Park, East Rockaway and Long Beach prior to Christmas, and one parish family collected and distributed Christmas decorations to Island Park, lifting their spirits during this season of hope.

OLP's volunteers prepared and delivered hundreds of handmade blankets, toys and gift sacks donated by the non-profit Gramma's Hugs International in California to Island Park, Long Beach, Far Rockaway and even Atlantic City.  They also unpacked, delivered and distributed fresh produced donated by Hunts Point Produce to Island Park residents. And in addition to the money raised at last Saturday's event, the parish collected more than $8,000 for Hurricane Sandy Relief.

"What started as a core group of people wanting to serve our neighbors during an incredibly difficult time turned into a real OLP parish-wide effort," Kelly said. "Everyone is working together to comfort and care for those who are suffering as a result of Hurricane Sandy.  This has truly been an overwhelming experience, guided by the Holy Spirit and nurtured with the love and generosity of our beautiful parish."

To take part in or to simply follow the efforts of the Our Lady of Peace Hurricane Response Team, like their Facebook page by clicking here.