After Sandy, Government, People, and Helping Hands worked together in the Bronx!

Government officials and civic organizations are united in hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in the Bronx on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Peace Islands Institute and Turkish Cultural Center joined Assembly Member Eric Stevenson’s recovery efforts at the Salvation Army Franklyn Women’s Shelter in the Bronx. Congressman Jose E. Serrano, Manhattan BP Scott Stringer were some of the elected officials to oversee the relief efforts.

 Major James E. Foley, Divisional Social Ministries Secretary of the Salvation Army informed the officials and community leaders about the residents and their needs in the Army’s Franklyn Women’s Shelter. Major Foley said that 200 women residents live in the shelter and after hurricane Sandy; they opened doors to victims where hundreds of victims were evacuated in their enrichment facility. He thanked all participants for their selfless donations and volunteering at the shelter. “People need food, but they need to speak with the people, community leaders, and officials. This is very special to them.” 

Congressman Serrano said: “I am happy to see that people, civic organizations and government officials are working together to help people in need after the hurricane. I am confident that we can overcome this.” He congratulated the Turkish American community for their efforts here today and other parts of New York City. “Turkey and the US are two good friends and I am happy to learn that Turkey and its people are contributing financially to the New Yorkers” he continued.

“Kimse Yok Mu Relief Foundation has already donated $100,000 to the hurricane Sandy efforts. We are working together with Helping Hands Relief Foundation and Turkish Cultural Centers in the US. Visiting the hurricane sites, I am determined to encourage the Turkish people to help more upon my arrival in Turkey. People are in desperate need of food, bottled water, blankets, hygiene and cleaning materials, and more” said Mr. Metin Cetiner, Vice President of Kimse Yok Mu Relief Foundation based in Turkey.

 Manhattan BP Scott Stringer talked with the hurricane victims at the Salvation Army Franklyn Women’s Shelter. People expressed their devastation and survival stories with BP Stringer. A Resident from Far Rockaway said that they saved the lives of a Jewish family of three when flooding was in the streets. BP Stringer thanked the resident for their noble act for saving the lives of New Yorkers.

BP Stringer also expressed his appreciation to the Turkish American community in reaching out to the New Yorkers in need in all five boroughs. He said; “I am happy to see you guys here in the Bronx, too.” BP Stinger and the Turkish Cultural Center agreed to organize their annual meat drive next week. This is the right time to do it during the hurricane when people needed notorious meals just before Thanksgiving. 

 Latisha Martin, resident of Far Rockaway was evacuated in three different shelters since Monday October 29, 2012. She said that her son has ashma living in poor conditions in the shelter and her other daughter who is mentally challenged is with her relatives. The family is separated and in desperate help.

“Many victims reached out to us and asked help to get back to their normal lives. They need psychological consulting more than food or clothing. People keep their hopes high but slow recovery put them down” ” said Mehmet Kilic, Vice President of the Turkish Cultural Center.

Ibrahim Sayar from the Peace Islands Institute said: “We are happy to make people happy and share their sorrow during the difficult times. We brought hot meals for 500 people today. Some of the food donations were 500 canned food, bread, water, cleaning materials, health products, and more.

 The Pakistani community in the Bronx also contributed to the recovery efforts. Consul General of Pakistan, Faqir Syed Asif Hussain united with their community in the Bronx. He supported the food distributions and spoke with the victims. He said: “This is the time when we should unite under humanity; we should help one another in these difficult times. I am happy to see that the Pakistani community is helping the victims of Sandy here in the Bronx.”