Volunteers Give Residents Respite From Dark, Cold Homes

Tracy Solowski sat and enjoyed some pasta with her father Raymond.

"We're still out of power," said Solowski, who has been without power for a few days. "Everything is moving very slowly. It is 57 degrees inside the house." 

The Solowskis were two of the approximately 100 people who ate a free hot meal at the Police Athletic League (PAL) Thursday night courtesy of Wayne VOAD. VOAD, which stands for Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters, is providing a variety of services and coordination the efforts of various businesses and other local entities to provide relief to residents who are without power due to Hurricane Sandy.

"People have been so generous," said Rev. Karyn Ratcliffe, pastor of Packanack Community Church and VOAD chairwoman. "Everything has exceeded any expectation I had."

Dozens of residents cooked a variety of food that was served at the PAL. Costco also donated baked goods, paper products, and serving trays.

"I have to help out," said Karen Enderly, coach of the girls' tennis team at Wayne Valley High School. "It has been such an extremely difficult time for everyone, especially the children, giving back is something we should all do a little bit of now."

Food will be served for the next few days at the PAL from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Anyone who is willing to cook and donate food should bring it to the PAL at 4 p.m. The main types of foods needed are meats, vegetables, and rice and beans. Donators should call or e-mail Councilwoman Lonni Miller Ryan at 973-686-3660 or lonnimiller@aol.com.

The Wayne Interfaith Network's food pantry is in need of non perishable food. Donations may be dropped off at the Packanack Community Church where the food pantry is run out of Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information about VOAD, e-mail waynevoad@gmail.com.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.