UPDATED REPORT
By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — Throughout New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy, people encouraged one another to support those in need.
”Be careful and check in with your neighbors,” said Edward Forsthoffer, superintendent of the East Windsor Regional School District, on Oct. 30.
Monday morning, according to Jersey Central Power and Light, 379 customers remained without power in East Windsor. Outside, temperatures were dropping. However, later that day, most residents had their power restored.
Yet there still were township customers without power Tuesday. However, on Wednesday, JCP&L’s ongoing storm-related power outages were reduced to six customers in East Windsor.
With many customers still without power over the weekend, the American Legion Post 148, Fire Station 41 of Hightstown and the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation united to create an emergency shelter for residents.
It was set up Monday at the American Legion on Route 130.
Post 148 Commander Doug Herrin, of East Windsor, Judy Shane and her daughter, Jessica Shane, and Legion members Raymond Thompson, of New Egypt, and Bob Cheney, of Robbinsville, were among the volunteers collecting and organizing goods for the emergency shelter Monday.
Mr. Herrin said the overnight shelter was for kids, their families and the elderly.
As power came back on for many residents late Monday, it was unknown as of press time many people stayed at the Legion overnight. There were free dinners at Post 148 for people without power during the week.
People also were able to seek warmth at the VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Road.
”How wonderful it is to have a community come together at a time of need,” said Ms. Shane of the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation.
The foundation is based in East Windsor.
”ShopRite Walmart, BJs Wholesale Club, Dunkin’ Donuts and TGIF Fridays were so generous,” she said.
Monday, Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 130 donated five dozen donuts for the emergency shelter at Post 148.
She said whatever shelter organizers needed, the businesses were ready to supply.
”It was great to have this kind of support when so many people were without power,” Ms. Shane said Thursday. “JHSF cannot thank everybody enough for all that they did to help the American Legion Fire Station 41 and the VFW put together such an amazing shelter in such little time.”
Of the effort at the American Legion, East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov said, “We appreciate their generous spirit.”
The shelter is scheduled to remain operational until Saturday at which time the donated goods will be taken to help those in need at the Jersey Shore.
Donations will be accepted at the American Legion Post 148 today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a delivery planned to the American Legion in Ocean County on Saturday.
To make a monetary donation, visit www.joshuaharrshane.org.

