Ritchie Calls on Central, Northern New Yorkers to Help Superstorm Sandy Victims

Donations Being Collected at Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County Offices

State Senator Patty Ritchie is hosting a collection drive to help provide relief to the many people still suffering in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Two weeks after Superstorm Sandy, more than 100,000 customers are still without power.  In total, the storm caused more than $50 billion in damages in the New York region. 

“There’s a long road to recovery for many of our fellow New Yorkers who are living without the necessities and struggling to rebuild their homes and businesses in the wake of Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Although we are hundreds of miles away, we can still band together and lend a hand to those who are trying to recover from the devastating effects of this storm—that’s what this collection drive is all about.”

Senator Ritchie is partnering with Senator John Flanagan—who represents part of Long Island—to give donations to Island Harvest, one of the affected region’s largest hunger relief organizations. 

“With people needing help all across our region, we are so grateful for all the support during this time of crisis.  It is gratifying that communities throughout the state are banding together to help people here on Long Island rebuild and recover,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest.

Senator Ritchie’s Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence County offices will be collection sites for items such as canned goods, bottled water, toiletries and other necessities.

People looking to help can drop donations off at the following locations:

·         Jefferson County: Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St., Suite #418, Watertown

·         St. Lawrence County: 330 Ford St., basement, Ogdensburg

·         Oswego County: 46 East Bridge St., 1st floor, Oswego

Last year, many Central and Northern New Yorkers took part in a collection drive Senator Ritchie hosted to help families, farms and communities in the Schoharie Valley who were affected by Hurricane Irene. 

Senator Ritchie will be collecting donations to help Superstorm Sandy victims through December 1^st.