Senator Murphy organizes relief aid for victims of Hurricane Florence

Albany, NY - The good news for residents in the Carolinas last week was that Hurricane Florence weakened as it came ashore. The bad news was it still hit the Carolinas with historic devastating force. Winds reached as high as 105 mph, leaving 600,000 without power in North Carolina alone. The storm is responsible for at least 41 deaths. Conservative property damage estimates range from $15 to $60 billion and could easily go higher. The residents in the Carolinas face a long, grueling road to get back to a lifestyle even resembling normalcy and need help.
 
As he has done many times in the past, Senator Murphy is stepping up to help communities and families in need by organizing a relief mission. Anyone interested in sending non-perishable goods to the Carolinas can bring them to his District Office at 691 East Main Street in Shrub Oak. The items needed include non-perishable food, baby supplies, personal hygiene products, blankets, and back to school supplies. Water, candy and perishable items are not recommended.
 
"I think we all have an obligation to look out for one another. The people of the 40th Senate District are generous, conscientious and caring. I'm calling on them to help the individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by Hurricane Florence," said Senator Murphy. "The situation in the Carolinas is heartbreaking. We won't know the full scope of Florence's toll for days, maybe weeks. But we can help people who will be rebuilding their lives in the wake of the hurricane through a few simple donations."
 
Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio said, "After any natural disaster, there are many animals and people who will need our help and assistance.  The aftermath of Hurricane Florence is where we can come together to help those in need, especially the animals that were transported or rescued.  This is where we can lend a helping hand and truly make a difference."
 
When Hurricane Maria ripped through Puerto Rico a year ago, it turned a paradise into a barren countryside with no electricity, clean water or medical supplies for the thousands of inhabitants trying to survive. Senator Terrence saw the suffering and resolve of the Puerto Rican people and pledged to help them. He contacted Dean Robert Amler, M.D., M.B.A., Vice President of Government Affairs for New York Medical College and Michael Reilly, Dr. P.H., M.P.H., Director of the Center of Excellence in Precision Responses to Bioterrorism and Disasters at New York Medical College to formulate a plan of action. They swiftly assembled an expert medical team to fly to Puerto Rico and provide desperately needed medical care bringing 1,000 doses of vaccines donated by the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). Senator Murphy and his team of volunteers remain among the few to go to the island to help its beleaguered citizens. 

Senator Murphy previously spearheaded a relief mission to aid Texas after Hurricane Harvey had barreled through the Lone Star State. Thanks to generous donations from concerned citizens in the 40th Senate District, over 50,000 pounds of supplies were transported to the Gulf area.

For more information about Senator Murphy's donation drive to help victims of Hurricane Florence, contact his District Office at 914-962-2624.