Teamsters plugging away at Sandy relief; Red Cross needs more drivers

This photo just came in: Local 294 Teamsters bringing
relief supplies on Nov. 10.

Victims of Superstorm Sandy still need enormous help, and Teamsters are still stepping up.

Today Sister Bernadette Kelly from Joint Council 16 requested volunteer drivers to help the Red Cross over the next two weeks.

Bringing supplies from Albany to Yankee Stadium.

We have no doubt many will answer the call. Consider that hundreds of Teamsters have already loaded trucks, ferried passengers, worked at shelters, driven trucks, set up distribution sites, worked with the National Guard to bring fuel and clean out rubble and opened their homes to people who lost theirs. Members from the following locals all contributed: 202, 237, 282, 584, 854, 808, 805, 814, 707, 210, 553, 295, 817, 831, 812, 802, 917, 813, 560, 863, 445, 804, 177, 730, 294 and BLET Division 269. Local 776 sent a tractor trailer full of supplies from Harrisburg and Local 728 sent its tractor.

Teamsters were especially helpful managing Red Cross logistics (it's what we do, after all!). And our brothers and sisters on the ground became the agency's eyes and ears to direct resources to people who hadn't been served.

Unloading supplies on Long Island.

Teamsters alerted the Red Cross that the St. Camillus neighborhood in the Rockaways was in desperate need. Residents needed underwear, cleaning supplies, personal care items items, blankets and towels. The Red Cross responded with supplies, heaters and portable showers -- and a big thank you to the Teamsters for supplying the information that got those people help.

We just received photos from Local 294 who brought a tractor-trailer full of supplies for Sandy victims to Yankee Stadium on Nov. 10. They returned to Long Beach, Long Island a week later with more. Donating their time and efforts to make both trips were Dave Garhartt, trustee; Gerry Menz, retiree; Ed Oleski, president, Retirees Club; and Tom Pitts.

Here's the message from Sister Kelly about volunteering to drive:

The Red Cross asked for drivers over the next two weeks to assist in driving volunteers and supplies to the impacted areas from hurricane. 

They need a steady stream of drivers over the next 14 days at two locations: 

Long Beach on Nov. 17

Red Cross Warehouse
100 Industrial Drive, Jersey City 

Red Cross Headquarters
520 West 49th Street, New York, NY
(parking will be handled) 

The contact person at the Red Cross is:
Marlys DeVries
(515) 975-5773 (she is in charge of dispatch)