Special Needs Network is partnering with Los Angeles-based autism organizations The HollyRod Foundation and Wake Up For Autism for a disaster relief drive to help families impacted by autism and related developmental disabilities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“Because our South L.A. families know about the hardships of scarcity,” said SNN President & Founder Areva Martin, Esq., “we know how important it is to come together and help the families on the East Coast during hard times like this.”
The organization began it’s efforts last week and until this Thursday, November 15th, they are collecting donations at the SNN headquarters, located at 3530 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 1670 , Los Angeles , CA 90010 . Among items needed the most are: coats, jackets, sweaters, and similar warm clothes, shoes, socks, pajamas, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, diapers, and other children and baby items. Well wishes included in handwritten notes are also appreciated, as folks who have lost their homes could use a little cheer!
“Our thoughts are with everyone who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Sandy and we hope our donations will aid in their recovery,” said actress and HollyRod Co-Founder Holly Robinson-Peete.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in Atlantic City , NJ on Monday night with winds up to 90 mph that killed at least 102 people, millions have been left with no power, no gasoline, and no inclination on when their lives may return to normal. While businesses are expected to get power back by Saturday, it could be another week or more for homes in the suburbs and more distant towns along the coast.
Estimates currently place the total damage at $20 billion in insured losses and $50 billion in economic losses, making Sandy the 4th costliest U.S. catastrophe, just behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 9/11 attacks, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
“The need is great and will be ongoing, and we are humbled to be in a position to be able to provide assistance to all those who have been affected by this unprecedented disaster. I’m pleased to be working with my friend Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, who will receive and distribute the items we collect for families”, said Jodi Gomes, Founder of Wake Up For Autism.
The Sandy Disaster Relief will go from now until November 15th. Special Needs Network’s office will receive all donations and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. They are located at 3530 Wilshire Boulevard, Ste. 1670, Los Angeles , CA 90010. If you have any questions, contact them at (213) 389-7100 or info@specialneedsnetwork.org. For more information on Autism or Special Needs Resources, please also visit www.wakeupforautism.com and www.hollyrod.org.
