While firefighters, first aid workers and police continue to dig theirway through the rubble hoping still to find survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City all sorts of people all over Hopewell Valley and the area have joined forces to help
By: John Tredrea and Ruth Luse
While firefighters, first aid workers and police continue to dig theirway through the rubble hoping still to find survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City all sorts of people all over Hopewell Valley and the area have joined forces to help.
Two truckloads of food, bottled water, hard hats, gloves, socks and other supplies were sent to New York City from the Hopewell Fire Department/Emergency Medical Unit station house Friday night, Hopewell Township Police Chief Michael Chipowsky said Monday.
"The materials that were sent to the area of the city hit by terrorists last Tuesday had been collected at the Valley’s three firehouses," Chief Chipowsky said. In addition to Hopewell Borough, the Valley’s fire stations include Pennington Fire Co., Broemel Place, and Union Fire and Rescue, on state Route 29 in Titusville.
"As this goes on, there may be more requests for materials and manpower, and we’ll certainly assist at that time," the chief, who is serving as emergency management coordinator for the area, said.
Meanwhile, the chief has urged the township police force to be vigilant. "I put a memo out to all our officers today, reminding them that Timothy McVeigh was caught when the car he was driving was pulled over for a minor violation," the chief said.
A spokesman for the Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit said Monday: "We would like to thank the many caring people and businesses who helped make our Supply Drive for the World Trade Center and Fund Drive for The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund a great success. The generosity and support from communities was to be commended. People drove from as far as West Virginia to drop off supplies to help with our effort. We also had phone calls from as far as Atlanta, Ga., from people asking how to help.
"This effort was started by a kind lady trying to drop off a pair of work gloves to help the firemen in New York City. The Hopewell Valley fire and first aid squads combined to start a full-scale effort to collect the needed supplies for the rescue workers in New York City. Thank you to the numerous Fire and Police Departments for their efforts in collecting with us.
"Our first tractor trailer was loaded with 275 hard hats, 485 safety glasses, 200 safety goggles, 11,250 dust masks, 81 respirators, 100 pairs of work boots, 1,026 pairs of work gloves, boxes of food, clothing, blankets, dog food and various other supplies. It was ready to go by 3 p.m. on Friday. The first truck finally was delivered to the American Red Cross that same evening.
"In a combined effort with the Blawenburg Reformed Church on Sunday our combined supplies were loaded into numerous trucks to be delivered to the Red Cross. One truck was sent north to the Red Cross with the needed supplies: 2,100 pairs of work gloves, 50 plus Tyvek suits, 200 hard hats, 600 plus safety goggles, 77 pairs of work boots, 1,600 batteries of various sizes, 1000 plus dust masks, six sets of fire fighter turn-out gear and miscellaneous safety supplies.
"The five other trucks were loaded with clothing, food, water and miscellaneous other items and delivered to the collection for the Red Cross at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton.
"Moneys collected for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund totaling $12,011.00 were delivered to the Red Cross in Princeton this week.
"The following people were large contributors to our effort and we would like to recognize their generosity although all wanted no recognition: Rosedale Mills, 3M Corporation of Flemington, 3M Corporation of Belle Mead, Trap Rock, EduNeering of Princeton, Harrison Machine and Tool, Princeton Plasma Physics, Roberts Pet Shop, Precious Pets, Horizon Mercy HMO, Flemington Department Store, Newtown Resource, H. B. Supply Company, U. S. Steel of Fairless Hills, Pa., The Princeton Eye Group, Felton Wong and Reynolds PA, Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceutica.
"Contributions also were received from J.B. Hill and Son, Hopewell Auto Parts, Pennington Market, Shop Rite, NAPA in Flemington, Michaels Deli, Historic Hopewell House Liquors, Off-Broadstreet Theatre, Hopewell Pharmacy and Buds and Bows."
The volunteers also said Monday: "We apologize to any other business who is not mentioned. We tried our best to get as many of your names as possible."
Some Valley youngsters Kelly J. Briehler, Sarah Sickels, Jordan Antebi and Lisa Lafferty held a lemonade sale. In a note to the organizers of the Hopewell Borough prayer service held in Hopewell Park Saturday night, they said, "Please accept this money and use it for those in need. This is the profits of our lemonade sale. We all hope this can help in some way. We are doing what we can and today’s sale was one of our ideas."
Money for disaster relief and men’s clothing were collected that evening at the candlelight vigil.
The Hopewell Valley Chorus invited all who "find strength and joy in singing" to join in a special gathering on Monday evening. Sixty members of the community gathered to sing a selection of songs that express the strong American spirit. Joining in were individual members of Princeton Pro Musica, Jersey Transit, the Raritan Valley Chorus, and VOICES, along with unaffiliated singers.
Director Patrick K. Freer chose vocal music ranging from "It’s a Grand Old Flag" and "America the Beautiful" to Randall Thompson’s "Last Words of David" and Brahms’ "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place," which has been performed this week by many major orchestras at services of remembrance.
"When words fail us, music provides structures for our thoughts, cushions for our fears, and wings for our collective spirit," said Mr. Freer, welcoming the community. "Wherever we turn, music has suddenly become the audible representation of the ties that bind our nation and community. We are pleased to have you as part of our Hopewell Valley Chorus family this evening."
Marketing education students at the Arthur R. Sypek Center Campus of Mercer County Technical School in southern Hopewell Township are supporting disaster relief efforts by creating and selling patriotic merchandise. All of the money generated from the sale of these items will be donated to the American Red Cross.
These entrepreneurial students began this campaign Sept. 13 by devoting their class time to creating red, white and blue-beaded friendship pins with the letters "USA" on them. Students also were busy cutting 3-inch red, white and blue ribbons that are being pinned just above everyone’s heart. At 25 cents each, the items are selling so quickly that students decided to add T-shirts with iron-on USA letters and patriotic decals as well as bandannas with peace signs on them to the menu of fund-raising items.
T-shirts range in price from $8-$10 each and bandannas are selling for $2 each. The students will continue to make and sell their merchandise as long as there is a demand for it. They hope to raise at least $300, which will be donated to the American Red Cross.
"There are many real-life and business-related lessons to be learned by the students as they continue with their campaign. More importantly, the students feel good knowing that they are able to contribute during such a time of great need," said Lori Koppelman, marketing teacher at the school.
Arthur Mayer Jr., the national president of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has announced that the order has established a disaster relief fund for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and southwestern Pennsylvania.
Locally, BPOE #2129, The Princeton Elks have scheduled a blood drive for Nov. 18 and have registered as a Red Cross Disaster Relief Drop Site. Members will be at the Lodge to accept contributions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Princeton Elks Lodge is located on Route 518 in Blawenberg just past the Great Road intersection.
Mr. Mayer has asked the 1.2 million members of the Elks nationwide to lead the way in offering disaster relief for the victims of the "unspeakable tragedies." The national president fully expects to raise in excess of $1 million. In a letter to President George Bush on Sept. 11, Mr. Mayer pledged the Elks’ support and notified the chief executive of the organization’s blood donation efforts in the more than 2,100 communities in which members reside.
The Elks Sept. 11 Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the Elks National Foundation, is overseeing the Elks’ efforts to assist rescue workers and the families and individuals who have been victimized by the terrorist attacks. Donations to the fund will be tax-deductible as allowed under the 501 (c) (3) IRS Code.
Though best known for its many patriotic and philanthropic programs, the BPOE has helped the victims of major disasters since 1871.
Donations to the Elks Sept. 11 Disaster Relief Fund can be arranged through the Princeton Elks by calling 466-9183, or through any Elks Lodge.
On Sept. 20, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County will be open to the community for an open forum concerning the past week’s tragedies. Families, individuals or anyone who has been directly or indirectly touched by these events are encouraged to come and share their concerns. Children are welcome and individual counseling will be available. Anyone interested in creating an ongoing support network is encouraged to attend.
"We also will be providing care for anyone who is suffering from a direct loss," said a spokesman.
JFCS is located at 707 Alexander Road, Suite 102; Princeton (across from the Hyatt). Doors will be open from 8-9:30 p.m.
For more information, call Carol Jones or Amy Chilcoat at 987-8100.
ShopRite supermarkets have established a fund to benefit families and individuals impacted by the World Trade Center disaster. ShopRite will establish the fund with a contribution of $100,000. All 200 ShopRite stores located throughout New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania will participate in the effort.
Customers interested in contributing to the fund can do so at their local ShopRite store. ShopRite of Pennington is located off Route 31, just south of the Pennington Circle.
Customers can contribute in $2 and $5 denominations. The contribution will be added to a customer’s total order and can be made through Oct. 27.
The money will be distributed through The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross and will be designated to aid the families who need assistance as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"We recognize that hundreds of families will experience a loss of income as they are displaced from their jobs or have lost a loved one because of this disaster," stated Thomas P. Infusino, chairman of the board for Wakefern Food Corporation, the wholesale, merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite supermarkets. "It is our hope that this fund will be able to address the needs of those who have been affected by this devastating event."
ShopRite supermarkets already have provided the New York State Police, the New Jersey PBA, local area hospitals and rescue squads with food, bottled water, diapers, formula, and transportation in addition to other supplies requested. ShopRite will continue to meet requests from law enforcement and disaster relief agencies through the duration of this crisis.

