More donations to aid Sandy victims fill Silver Coast barrel room

GRISSETTOWN—More donations have come through to aid people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Laura Lewis

Stan and Tess Barwikowski and Jeanne Dooley, second from right, prepare donations Nov. 15 to be taken to victims of Hurricane Sandy in the North.

Buy this photo

It was enough, in fact, to fill the barrel room at Silver Coast Winery, where volunteers were busy sorting and labeling items last week to take to aid people in storm-devastated New York and New Jersey.

For days, people had been dropping off nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, plastic storage-type tubs, flashlights, manual can openers, blankets, socks, hats and gloves and other necessities to be taken to people who lost their homes, power and belongings in the late-October storm.

The effort was assisted by the American Red Cross, along with all local chambers, communities, businesses and organizations. Items collected were to be delivered to the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Brookland, N.Y.

Debbie Kordiak, events coordinator at the winery, said everything had to be sorted and labeled.

Winery officials said a trucker was expected to come to the winery at 9 a.m. this past Monday, Nov. 19, to pick up the items and transport them north.

M&M Storage in Southport and Access Storage in Shallotte were assisting with the effort. Winery owner Maryann Azzato said Surf & Sand Box Co. donated boxes.

Last-minute needs were for more volunteers to assist and cash donations for gas.

Azzato said they’ll regroup after Thanksgiving to see about future collection efforts to aid storm victims.

Laura Lewis is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or email llewis@brunswickbeacon.com.