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Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers is organizing a supply collection drive through Thanksgiving to help Operation Hope’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy. Due to power outages at its Old Post Road food pantry, Operation Hope lost much of its supplies. Its pantry is normally available to everyone in need of food, and after Sandy, it has been a source of help for flood victims.
“As a longtime small business in Fairfield, we stand by our friends and neighbors as they deal with challenges in the coming weeks and months ahead of recovery and rebuilding,” said Greg French, co-owner the Post Road jewelry store.
Some of the items most needed are peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, tuna fish, canned meat and stews, hot and cold cereal, coffee and filters, and canned fruits and vegetables. The pantry also needs toiletries such as diapers, feminine products, shampoo, soap and shaving supplies.
Those interested in helping can drop off their donations at 1591 Post Road during store Henry C. Reid and Son’s store hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We urge members of the community, who are always so responsive and generous during hard times, to donate non-perishable food items and clothing to help our neighbors who are need of basic necessities,” French said.
Other groups are also reaching out to help. Fairfield-based nonprofit organization Near and Far Aid decided to donate all the proceeds from its concert Thursday evening to charities helping with Sandy relief.
The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival’s volunteers will be at the Fairfield University Bookstore on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting supplies for Operation Hope’s shelter as well.
“We are a close-knit community with many friends and neighbors affected by this storm,” said Moira Rachel, Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival president. “This community has always been very generous with the Festival and we are happy to give back as well and play a part to help Operation Hope.”
Another group of residents has decided to pitch in with their labor. Volunteers are gathering at Jennings Beach on Sunday morning to help homeowners in the Fairfield Beach area with their cleanup. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 400 people had signed up to help via Facebook.
Those interested in helping the cleanup should meet in the Jennings Beach parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and bring masks, work gloves, rubber gloves, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags and leaf bags.
CORRECTION: This story originally said the Fairfield Beach clean-up is scheduled for Saturday. The correct date is Sunday, Nov. 11.
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