Connecting Two and Four Legged Storm Victims with YOUR Help

It has been two weeks since Superstorm Sandy overwhelmed our area and left us all in shock.  It seems that we came out of the wake of Storm Sandy in two groups, those that had their lives forever changed by devastation and loss, and the "lucky ones," those of us that were inconvenienced, but relatively unaffected.  Most of the families that faced the biggest losses came through with a spirit that shines brightly and the will to rebuild their lives.  And, most of the "lucky ones" came through with a need to help those more deeply affected by the storm.  

A Pathway to Hope, a small, non-profit animal rescue group in Passaic County, New Jersey, was driven to help victims of Storm Sandy.  Pathway has undertaken a donation drive with over $3,000 raised, 2,000 pounds of dog and cat food distributed and $1,000 in gift cards collected for victims. 

As we undertook this endeavor, we began to hear the same story again and again--on the bright side, storm victims are overwhelmed by the gratitude and generosity of ordinary folks bringing them food, water, clothing, blankets and more; and, on the flip side, donors and volunteers being turned away and their donations not being accepted by shelters and organizations.  

There seems to be a disconnect, and in a small way, A Pathway to Hope would like to help.  Our focus is on the personal and on helping families one pet and one person at a time.  In an effort to connect those in need with services and donations, we are offering a matching service to storm victims, volunteers and donors.  Contact us if you are in need of donations, if you have a donation or if you have a volunteer service to provide.  Visit http://www.apathwaytohope.org/sandy-storm-relief.html and complete a brief contact form to express your need or donation.  We will match donors and storm victims in an effort to bridge the gap between what is desperately needed and those of us that want to help.  Fliers will also be personally distributed in areas most severely affected.  Please contact us at pathwaytohope@yahoo.com if you are able to assist in distribution. 

A Pathway to Hope will be hosting an Adoption Day / Donation Drive at Jake’s Place at Rockledge Garden Center on Saturday, November 17th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Drop off your donation and meet adoptable rescued dogs and cats.  Dr. Howard Silberman of Tri-County Animal Hospital in Wayne will be on hand to offer advice to pet owners and their four legged friends, particularly, but not limited to, animals affected by Storm Sandy.  Refreshments will be served, and we will debut of our Holiday Jeep Wrangler pedal powered go-kart raffle (tickets $20 each). 

Gift cards and donations to Storm Sandy victims can be sent to: A Pathway to Hope, PO Box 165, Hawthorne, NJ 07507.  Donations can be made online at www.apathwaytohope.org.  Donations will be used to purchase gift cards or supplies for storm victims, with a special focus on four legged victims.  For UPS donations, please send to:  Rockledge Garden Center, Attn:  A Pathway to Hope, 1621 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470.  

Our current wish list includes:  gift cards, bleach, paper towels, litter pans, dog and cat food / treats, collars, leashes, harnesses, pet beds, crates, pet carriers, wee wee pads, dog coats, bird food, timothy hay or alfalfa, heaters, laundry detergent, rawhides and kongs.  Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at Jake’s Place (1621 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne). 

As Mother Teresa asserted, “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”  Let us be the change and the good we want to see in our world, and let us each reach out and do our part.  Visit http://www.apathwaytohope.org/sandy-storm-relief.html or contact pathwaytohope@yahoo.com to help.