'Some Didn't Have Much More Than Socks;" 125 at Shelter Overnight

MAMARONECK, NY — The Red Cross shelter at Mamaroneck High School became both a place for those displaced and a place for those looking to take care of their neighbors.

According to the Red Cross, 125 displaced residents sought refuge at the shelter. Many walked to the high school gymnasium that would serve as a temporary roof over their heads, pulling wheeled suitcases behind them with everything they could grab before fleeing floodwaters. Others were more fortunate and were able to drive to the shelter after their homes became uninhabitable following the torrential rains of Post-Tropical Cyclone Ida.

Still others arrived at the temporary Red Cross Shelter to see what they could do to help their neighbors.

"People in Mamaroneck are strange — strange in a good way," Red Cross Volunteer Shelter Manager Brian McMullan said. "I had three groups show up and say, 'what do you need?' Now, the Red Cross is an amazing organization — I can get anything I need for the shelter, but it can take time. I told them I had two babies that needed formula and they were back with formula in minutes."

McMullan showed off an assortment of fresh fruits and prepared foods. He says that while the donations are appreciated, he can't accept everything brought to the shelter. He explained, for example, food items need to come with a receipt, both so the Red Cross can track the donations and to ensure food is prepared in a health department-inspected commercial kitchen.

McMullan said that he received a call from a neighbor asking where she could drop off clothes.

"I don't really take clothing donations, but I said we could use some flip-flop type sandals," McMullan explained. "There are showers here, which is great, but people shouldn't walk around barefoot or in socks, but some didn't have much more than socks when they arrived. "

McMullan said the flip-flops arrived a short time later.

Metro New York North Red Cross CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley, who oversees the Red Cross in Westchester County and Rockland County, as well as parts of Orange County and Connecticut, said part of the reason the emergency shelters don't need to rely on the community for food and clothing donations is because of the time and effort spent preparing for the worst when their services aren't quite as in demand.

"We prepared this shelter almost the same way we prepared for Henri," Dunn Ashley said, referring to Hurricane Henri which largely spared the region, despite a dire forecast. "The weather report isn't always right. This time, that preparation paid off. You never know."

Dunn Ashley said that although the shelter can't always use every well-intentioned donation of food or other items that arrive at the front door, there are plenty of ways to help out. She noted that blood donors are always in demand during a time of crisis, adding that the Red Cross depends on volunteers and that financial contributions can always be put to good use during an emergency.

"Time, talent and treasure are always in demand," Dunn Ashley added, as she excused herself to put her own time and talent to work.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossny.