MVPs of Hurricane Sandy Relief are the Volunteers

Steve Wells, - Emergencies Logistics Manager

Atlantic City, New Jersey 

November 13, 2012

The Superstorm’s force was like a 300 pound NFL linebacker tackling a high school cheerleader.  That’s when we called in our relief lineup – a crew of Save the Children volunteers dedicated to helping kids affected by natural disasters.

The first to arrive were teams from Church Communities International. They literally did a lot of the heavy lifting. Hauling boxes of kid-friendly supplies all over affected areas of New Jersey, they loaded boxes of relief items such as baby shampoo, diapers, blankets, books – and footballs! Yes, footballs.

Kids in shelters lack healthy exercise and fun. That’s why a key part of our work is the Child-Friendly Space program – a safe place where kids can be kids. Our volunteers also helped staff the Child-Friendly Spaces. These trained, caring adults create an environment where kids can work through difficult emotions as a result of the storm and increase their ability to “bounce back”.

Matthieu was one of the older kids in the Child-Friendly Space. He picked up a football from the toy box and began tossing it like he was looking for a pick-up game. That’s when a bunch of the volunteers had the great idea to rally the kids for a game of catch. It went on for quite a while, but the kids said the time flew by. “This was the best day ever,” said Matthieu, out of breath from play.

Later that night, some of the volunteers were told they were rotating out – a new crew was coming in to tackle the work. When he heard the news he would be leaving, one young man who had been playing ball looked down at the table. When I turned to see his face, he wiped away tears. Having felt that way before, we all knew he was going to miss the wonderful kids.

I want to use this blog post to thank all of our volunteers, truly some of the most valuable players in emergency response.

If you want to volunteer for Save the Children, please check out our volunteer opportunities online.

Hopefully, Matthieu will soon be back to playing ball in his own backyard. Kids like Matthieu need caring people to support Save the Children’s long termresponse efforts. Please give generously to our Hurricane Sandy Relief fund.

Comments

[hermes handbags]

I fully like it! This hermes handbags is awesome to deliver and you may bring this hermes handbags with virtually nearly anything! It is tremendous good! The price might be high for some but it is fully well worth each dollar it cost! I are not able to wait around to invest in extra!

[blade & soul gold]

I got my blade & soul gold http://www.mmogm.com/bas/ for October 2009 and they are astonishing!! they may be thus good you're getting them all. It's great. I have got all of the chestnut colour and they also started on the lookout utilized the minute i just waterproofed these people, which is not the best thing. When i could to clean off individuals, these products seemed to be really bad. run taking walks in the particular ideal basically scratched it. many people take too much time to help you dry out, despite the fact that stick them via the fireplace now my own certainly horrible nearly dark staining with puddles and also excellent skiing conditions. my partner and i more or less are unable to provide all of them all-around, eventhough i. Thank goodness, this nan is certainly renting my family end up getting new ones = ) they can be continue to especially very good but they are a smaller used within the. I actually however enjoy these individuals.

[meizitang soft gel]

YouTube is world's biggest video sharing web page, no one can defeat it. Every one add videos at YouTube then obtain embed code and post anywhere. meizitang soft gel http://fruta-planta-reviews.wallinside.com

[Corporate Partners]

very nice site loving article good looking i enjoy this blog.

[charmingdate.com review]

Nice to be here and see your post!

[Ben Stroup]

I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great

[Volunteer Coordination]

wow great i have read many articles about this topic and every time i learn something new i dont think it will ever stop always new info , Thanks for all of your hard work!

[Financial]

Great Article! I¡¯ve been searching for this tonight and sooo want to get an email or the updates for this article. Stay in touch!

[Mike Cornelia]

I wonder how many volunteers conducted furnace repairs. I feel like this is one of the more important areas of the volunteering options. I have family that has been without electricity, water, and gas for 2 weeks now. It is incredible what Hurricane Sandy did to the North East.

[Tom Brady Jersey]

I just cant stop reading this. Its so cool, so full of information that I just didnt know. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Youre a great blogger. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.