JAMESBURG — With Hurricane Irene causing major flooding in areas of the borough, one local organization is asking the community to help others pick up the pieces in the wake of the storm.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors is asking residents and businesses to pitch in any way they can to help local families whose properties sustained damage from severe flooding. The group is currently seeking personal hygiene items and paper goods.
In a town like Jamesburg where so many people know each other, the group’s leader, Darren Larsen, said the news of a resident’s flood damage hits home. But the small-town spirit has also driven residents and businesses to help their neighbors in need, he said.
Already, Larsen said, the outpouring has been amazing. Alocal laundromat provided discounted service to those affected by the storm. Hairdressers are being organized to give free haircuts to hurricane victims. The Crossroads Church has reached out to see how it can help.
One man donated $200 worth of ShopRite gift cards to support the families.
“This is the kind of community we live in,” Larsen said. “It’s just overwhelming.”
To support the Neighbors Helping Neighbors effort, visit its Facebook page or email [email protected].