Sandy and Oceanside

Friends and Readers,

I'm normally reluctant to use Daily Cheapskate for anything other than what it is:  a blog about helping you save money.  But today, I'm going to make an exception.

We're all aware of the destruction that Hurricane Sandy has wreaked.  In the aftermath, there are many opportunities to reach out and help Sandy's victims, and such a multitude of needs, that many don't know where to start.

I lived in Oceanside, New York for almost three years.  It's located on the south shore of Long Island, and the community there was hit very hard by Sandy.  There are families that have been financially devastated.  Friends of mine there are still without power.  Homes were ruined.   Homeowner's insurance does not pay flood damage and flood insurance (which very few people had) generally has very high deductibles.  The synagogue that I used to attend, the Young Israel of Oceanside, had tremendous property damage and lost three Torah scrolls, thousands of books, all of their youth program furniture and toys, and insurance is not covering most of the damage.

FEMA and the government are doing little to nothing, except swamping people in red tape and paperwork.  Utility companies are uncooperative and unresponsive.  All the "real" help is coming from private sources, and I'm so impressed and touched by stories of the kindness and generosity exhibited by many individuals and organizations. A tragedy like this can really bring out the best in people.

I'm "adopting" Oceanside as my personal Sandy Relief cause, not to the exclusion of others who need help, but everyone must start somewhere, and I'm starting with Oceanside.  The community is working through its synagogue to get assistance where it needs to go, quickly and efficiently.  They have set up an online emergency fund here, or you can mail your check to:

Young Israel of Oceanside
150 Waukena Avenue
Oceanside, NY 11572

Please make your checks out to "Young Israel of Oceanside" and mark the note section "Hurricane Emergency Fund." 100% of your donation will go to help those who need it. Whatever you can afford to give, whether it's $5, $18, $100, $1,000 or more, I am asking you, my dear readers, to take some of that money that you've hopefully saved through this blog, and open up your hearts and wallets to a community and individuals who need your help very badly.

Tizku le'mitzvot (may you merit your good deeds), and I thank you from my heart for your generosity.  May God reward you in kind.

 -Susie

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