Maria Pagano: Thanks for the storm help

November 29, 2012 Maria Pagano Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association

AP11082912627.jpg

Share this:

To Friends and Neighbors:

So very much work done over the last three weeks. I want to make sure that even if I cannot thank almost anyone by name, that you all share in the good news — we have made some inroads into the damages of the storms and our communi- ties are better for having you, we, us in them.

Thank you, all you won- derful, generous, committed neighbors and friends who re- sponded to the posts from Lisa Bowstead at the Cobble Hill Think Tank. Lisa’s call for ‘the Hill of Beans,” the clothes, sun- dries, hygiene kits and more clothes for the homeless Vets. You responded quickly —reached into your pockets, handed me $100 bills (Thank you, Neighbor Susan!). You bought whatever you could — even the school supplies so desperately needed by the Early Ed teachers from Far Rockaway.

You shopped, delivered, cooked. And cooked. Day after day — Beans. Red, black, white, beans and rice. And more rice. Lots and lots of rice. And soups, baked beans, casseroles, chili and sweet treats — you delivered and served hot food to folks trapped in the Gowanus, in Red Hook, in the Rockaways and more sites than I know. You were outstandingly, honestly good. Loading up cars, vans, trucks, wagons with

diapers, food, batteries and ferrying them to us at the Think Tank and out to those who needed the batteries and hot food and wipes.

More and more as was needed — so much work! collecting,sorting, packing, organizing. Moms came with kids, Dads other Dads with babies, Grandparents, retirees, everyone pitched in.

Thank you. From those of us who did not suffer, but who are awed by the strength and beauty of your giving, Thank you. You certainly put the “thanks” in T Day.