Volunteers Take To The Streets To Distribute Info To Flood Victims

For residents in Cranford's devastated flood zone, this is a confusing time that poses numerous problems and questions. This is where the 100 volunteers who gathered at the Community Center this morning came in.

Armed with maps and 35-page brochures, the community members took to the streets on foot to deliver informatin packets to the victims . The "Flood Relief Information" packets - about 4,000 of them - contained tips on what to do with debris, how to deal with flooding and the effects of flooding, where the displaced families can go for shelter and to shower as well as important phone numbers and information from township officials about how the problem is being handled.

Local residents who sustained little or no flood damage joined with church groups and members of to take on the task, which began Wednesday morning at the Community Center with a pep talk and instructions from Cranford Police Capt. John Baer.

"I've seen a lot of storms, and this was probably the worst ever. The township of Cranford has suffered a great loss," Baer said. "This is a two-fold event. We're providing information and we're reaching out to our community."

Baer said thousands of residents are r due to the storm. He warned that the volunteers would be walking through areas that were completely devastated andthat still contained a great deal of debris from the storm's aftermath.

"This packet will answer about 99 percent of the questions that the people will have," Baer added.

The volunteers - some dressed in jeans and sneakers and others in more "dressy" attire - were instructed to leave the packets with residents in the flood zones or at their front doors.

"We will get through this with your help," Township Commissioner Edward O'Malley told those who gathered to offer their assistance. "It's so gratifying to see so many of you come out to help us in our hour of need."

Many of the volunteers said they were willing to do whatever they could to help the flood victims.

"We're here because I want my kids to have a sense of community, especially at a time like this," said Lockey Maisonneuve, one of the volunteers who helped distribute the information.

Linda Joseph, a member of one of the church groups who volunteered Wednesday morning, said her concern was for the safety and well-being of those devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene.

"We feel that in times of disaster, it's important to show people that we're concerned for their safety," Joseph said.

Her fellow congregant, Denise Robinson, agreed.

"We want to help the community to get back on it's feet," she said.