Gem Craft Boutique would like to express our heartfelt concern for our neighbors—local and along the East Coast—who were affected by the wrath of Hurricane Sandy.
We are one of the lucky businesses that magically never lost power. Many of you have dropped by and we are so glad to see you. We also realize that, remarkably, many of you are still without power. We want to reach out to let you know that Gem Craft Boutique is open and we welcome anyone to stop in for warmth, free coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi or, to recharge your electronic gadgets—as well as your spirit.
For those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to help, below you will also find information for where you can help others in need in the Tri-state region.
In the next few weeks, we will be continually updating our Facebook page www.facebook.com/gemcraftboutique with additional information for ways you can join us in helping those who need it most. Please also visit our blog www.gemcraftboutique.blogspot.com for an evolving list of helpful information.
Thank you for caring. We hope to see you. In the meantime, please stay safe.
· Island Harvest in Mineola is taking accepting donations; especially needed are canned protein products, personal care items and baby items. For more information, call 631-873-4775.
· Long Island Cares is accepting donations that will be delivered to emergency shelters; especially needed are diapers and baby formula. For more information, call 631-582-FOOD or visit the agency’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/licares.
· Unemployment Benefits are available to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Please visit http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2012/11/02/hurricane-sandy-unemployment.htm
Gem Craft Boutique is fortunate to be in a position to help as a drop-off location for non-perishables. Here are local businesses and places participating in donation drives.
• Gem Craft Boutique 58 Glen Head Road, Glen Head, Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm
• Extravagant Realty 15 Glen Head Road, Glen Head, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm
• Home Fries 7 Railroad Avenue, Glen Head, Monday through Friday, 7am to 2pm
• North Shore Middle School, 505 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, Before and After School Hours. Drop office supplies will be taken to a help center. Needed are: cleaning supplies (gloves, bags, disinfectant, sponges, paper towels etc.); pet supplies; toiletries; coats, hats and gloves; towels; baby items (food, formula, diapers)
If you’re unsure which food donations are needed most, here are some of the most recommended items. Notes: Canned foods should have flip-top openings. And, please be sure to check expiration dates.
• Peanut Butter
• Cereal
• Canned Meat
• Canned Fish
• Soups
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Crackers
• Jelly (plastic containers)
• Canned Milk
• Diapers
• Baby Wipes
• Pet food
Sandy Scams
Unfortunately, there are people out there who are more than eager to take advantage of the victims of Hurricane Sandy, including fake charitable organizations. You can check out the validity of a charity by visiting the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org . To report a fraudulent charity, contact the FBI and National Center for Disaster Fraud’s hotline at 866-720-5721.
Also, beware of any scam clean-up contractors who contact you offering to remove debris, including trees, from your property. For tips on how to determine the legitimacy of the contractor, visit the consumer website www.scambusters.org
