Update: Charity Begins At Home for Cranford Flood Victims

Even before the flood water receded following Hurricane Irene, local community members and organizations have been asking, "what can I do to help the people whose lives were devastated as a result of the storm?"

From offering to donate baby clothes to hosting fundraisers, residents of Cranford and neighboring communities have banded together to offer assistance to the township's numerous flood victims. Prior to Irene's arrival, members of Boy Scout Troop 80 spent the day before the storm fillng sandbags and helping people in the flood zone move their belongings to upper floors of their homes in preparation for the heavy rain. After the storm, about 100 residents gathered at the Community Center to help distribute flood information packets to those whose homes were damaged by the hurricane.

Since we first ran this story last week, Cranford Patch has received numerous emails and messages from residents who also wish to volunteer their time or donate clothing.

Following is a list of some of the events taking place to raise money for flood victims and the services being offered by local residents to help out their neighbors:

• A concert titled "Rising Above: A Musical Celebration of Hope" will take place Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Cranford High School, 201 West End Place. Tickets are $20 per person in advance, and $25 at the door. There will be musical performances by local artists as well as a tricky tray and light refreshments. Proceeds will go to the Cranford Family Care Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit the Cranford Families who were devastated by Hurricane Irene. For tickets contact Ginger Burd at gburd2@verizon.net or 908-272-4315. Tickets can also be purchased at Courgar Headquarters, 415 Centennial Ave., 908-497-9900. Checks can be made payable to Cranford Family Care. Cougar Headquarters is also selling hurricane relief T-shirts.

• The Cutting Crew Hair Salon, 601 Kenilworth Blvd. in Kenilworth will be helping families from Kenilworth, Cranford and the surrounding communities by offering free back-to-school hair cuts on Sept. 8 from noon to 6 p.m. for students that were affected by Hurricane Irene. The event will be first come, first served. The salon asked that if possible, customers come with their hair shampooed, so the stylists can service as many as possible. For information, call the salon at 908-276-9172.

• Cranford resident Jeanne Lahiff, an attorney with experience working in insurance, is offering her services to residents who need help with the daunting task of filling out paperwork and forms associated with flood insurance claims. Jean can be reached at cavarsvp@peoplepc.com or 862-812-0623.

• At least two families are offering clothing from infant to
  2T for children in town who’s clothing may have been damaged in the flood. Another residents has larger-sized clothing for children. Additional offerings including summer and winter clothing in sizes 3T to 5T. Residents are also offering childrens' toys as well as necessities such as high chairs. Contact Cranford Patch via our Facebook Page or e-mail Editor Toniann Antonelli at toniann.antonelli@patch.com or 908-380-1403  if you or someone you know is in need of these items.

• The Community Service Committee of Greater Union
  County Association of Realtors  is asking help with a relief drive for the flood victims in Cranford. At this time donations of any usable household items that can be spared such as towels, sheets, pots and pans, utensils, etc. are wanted. The two collection centers are Sotheby's International, 436 South Ave., Westfield and  the GUCAR offices at 767 Central Ave., Westfield.  Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. The goods will then be transported to a distribution area in Cranford.

• Calvary Nursery School & Child Care will delay the start of their Fall Nursery School Program in order to redirect their Nursery School classrooms and staff to providing full-day child care for working community members in need. The offer applies to Cranford students ages 2½ to 13 and is applicable only on Sept. 8 and 9, with prior notice and with school office approval. Those interested should contact the CNSCC office directly at 908-272-3962. “We recognize our community and AfterCare families may be in need of additional support during these difficult times and we hope this offer will assist working families in returning to work as planned, prior to the public school delay,” said Donna Vaupel, Calvary Lutheran Church Council President. The school’s Child Care program start date remains unaffected and will begin as scheduled on Sept. 7.

As Cranford Patch continues to receive information about upcoming fundraisers, we will update this story.