Food, Clothes Handed Out on Ryerson

Neighbors helped out neighbors Saturday afternoon on Ryerson Avenue.

Residents of the still-flooded area served hot food and gave away donated clothes to flood victims, some of whom have not been home in two weeks.

“This just means so much to the people who live near here to have something like this,” said Yesneia Pucheta. Pucheta, a flood victim who lives on Ryerson, organized the event with her neighbor Jeannette Matin. “We just want to help them anyway we can.”

Volunteers served hot food donated by area restaurants. Others gave away children’s clothes and cleaning supplies.  

Members of the New Jersey National Guard’s 350th Finance Detachment donated cases of water. Pucheta is a member of the unit. 

Residents were happy to just talk and enjoy each other’s company. The mood was light, despite the event being held a stone’s throw away from a still-flooded Ryerson Avenue. Brittany Preston, as Sparkles the Clown, made balloon animals for children.

“This is great,” said Philip Rama after he took a few clothes. “We needed this.”

Mayor Chris Vergano served food and talked to residents.

"So many members of the community are helping each other out through this difficult time and that's what this is all about," Vergano said.

Some residents slipped wader suits on and climbed into boats to make their way back to their homes.

The group will be at the intersection of Ryerson and Leo Place from noon until 5 p.m. Sunday. Hot food, clothes and cleaning supplies will be available to whoever needs them.