Wayne VOAD Flood Recovery Bulletin Very Important

Hi Everyone,

I just received this email from Rev. Karyin Ratcliffe. Please spread the word. This is what Wayne may need to get us through this tough time and if we can get as many people involved as possible it will benefit all of us. If you would like to be added to my Wayne People Email List please email me at Ruby@RubysTravel.com and ask to be added to the Wayne People Email list.

Thank you, Ruby

Ruby,

Please forward this to your People's List. Thank you!

Dear residents of Wayne,

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, many residents of Wayne Township have expressed a desire to help their neighbors-in-need. At the same time, many of our neighbors are suffering tremendously - both from physical displacement and inconvenience as well as emotional distress and, in many cases, trauma. In response, I contacted Assemblyman Scott Rumana several days ago and, together, we gathered local and state officials as well as community leaders in our area in an effort to assess people's needs, gather resources, coordinate services, communicate clearly, avoid duplication and proceed in a manner that is helpful to all Wayne residents. Events on the ground are taking shape very quickly due to the willingness of so many people to contribute their time and talent toward the establishment of a comprehensive plan.

This morning, the Wayne Township VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) was established. The Wayne VOAD is based on the model of the NJ State VOAD and the Passaic County VOAD. Upon its establishment, I was asked to chair the Wayne VOAD and was immediately designated by the Wayne Township Office of Emergency Management as the central coordinator for all volunteer activities seeking to provide relief and assistance to those who have been impacted by Hurricane Irene.

This afternoon, thanks to Robert Ceberio and the Board of Education, the Wayne VOAD received permission to use the Civic Center at 1006 Hamburg Turnpike (across from Church Lane) as a staging area for the collection and distribution of materials and supplies. Beginning at 8:00am tomorrow morning, 250 Cleanup Kits will be available for immediate distribution to those in need. Additional cleanup kits are in the process of being procured. In the meantime, the residents of Wayne are asked to donate items that can be used in the assembly of cleanup kits. Donations can be dropped off at the Civic Center any time this weekend between the hours of 8am and 8pm (and until further notice). Items needed include: buckets, bleach, ammonia, gloves, face masks, sponges, scrub brushes, mops, brooms and garbage bags. In addition, we are asking for bottled water, gatorade and juice boxes for homeowners who are in the process of cleaning out their homes.

The Wayne VOAD is currently coordinating an effort to help residents clean out their homes once those homes have been inspected and deemed safe to enter by township officials. In addition, we will be gathering school supplies and assembling backpacks for distribution. We are also in the process of arranging for hot meals to be served and for the distribution of non-perishable food items. All of these activities will commence as quickly as they can be organized, and further information will be distributed as it becomes available.

At this time, non-perishable food items can be delivered to the Civic Center. A list of specific items needed will be compiled in consultation with The Wayne Interfaith Network and publicized shortly. Gift cards can be dropped off at either town hall or at The Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East (Monday through Thursday, from 9:30am until 2:00pm).

A fund is being established so that residents can make financial contributions to help people in need. Until those details are established, checks can be made payable to The Wayne Interfaith Network and mailed to WIN, c/o The Packanack Community Church, 120 Lake Drive East. (Note that WIN is an interfaith organization which operates a food pantry that is housed at The Packanack Community Church. All checks received by the church will be passed on to the WIN President and used specifically for flood recovery and relief.)

Many residents in Wayne are currently without hot water. The YM-YWHA, 1 Pike Drive, is offering their showers to anyone who does not have hot water in their homes. Adults and minors (under 18) accompanied by adults are asked to show photo ID and can come during the following hours:

Saturday and Sunday: 7am - 6pm
Monday, 8am - 2pm
Tuesday, 5:30am - 9pm

The Wayne VOAD is in the process of establishing a phone number that residents can call who would like to assist in the flood relief and recovery effort. That number will be distributed as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please stop by the information table at the Civic Center in order to register as a volunteer.

I am aware of many volunteer groups and individuals who are working hard to meet the needs of those who have been affected by Hurricane Irene, and I applaud your efforts. Your compassion is what makes Wayne Township a wonderful place to live. Please be aware of the effort being made to coordinate all of these activities so that the needs of our community can be served in the best possible way. If you are coordinating a volunteer flood relief and recovery activity, please send me information about what you are doing so that I can interface with you and we can partner together. With everyone's help, we will not only come through this crisis securely and safely, but we will do so in a way that leaves us even stronger and better-prepared for the next crisis that may come our way.

I wish you all a peaceful Labor Day weekend.

Rev. Karyn Ratcliffe

Chair, Wayne VOAD