The AFTNJ Disaster Relief committee asked a few members to reproduce their thank-you notes after receiving assistance in recovering from Superstorm Sandy:
I just wanted to thank the AFTNJ for sending me a $ 250 grant to help with my expenses for Hurricane Sandy Relief. I’ve been out of my home since October 29th and so I appreciate your kindness.
Rich Bakker, Kean University
Please accept my heartfelt thank you. Our home suffered severe damage due to hurricane Sandy. We deeply appreciate the check we received from AFT to assist us.
Cynthia Cartegna, Union of Rutgers Administrators
Thank you so very much for sending me a check from the AFTNJ Disaster Relief Fund. I so appreciate it! Since submitting the information for my application, I have learned I will be needing a plumber to get me back into my home. This money will be put towards that added expense. From this experience of being away from home and my possessions for so long, I have realized that I do not need all the clothes I have. I’m cleaning out my closets and will be donating clothing to those Hurricane Sandy victims who have lost theirs. Keep up the good work that AFTNJ is doing to help in efforts such as this.
Lynne Klemens, AFTR (Retirees)
I can not begin to thank you enough for approving my application for Sandy assistance. With no insurance or help from FEMA, your check was received with the utmost appreciation.
Thank you so very much!
Elizabeth Ekmekjian. William Paterson University.
My husband and I would like to thank you for the check we received from AFTNJ. Sandy did around $100,00.00 estimated damage to our home. We are still waiting for our insurance company to come through for us and distribute a check so that we can begin the rebuilding process.
Thank you for thinking of us during our time of need. It means a lot to us.
Josephine Barreiro. Miller Street School. Newark Teachers Union.
Thank you so much for your support for our family in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Trees tore down power lines to my house, and we needed electrical work, tree removal, and a new roof. The check that you sent helped to lessen the financial impact of the damage. We are deeply appreciative.
Connie Sobon Sensor, RN, MSN. Rutgers AAUP-AFT.
We still have some odds and ends, but are pretty much back to normal for now. There are still many families in our neighborhood in a mess though; some have left and others are raising their homes or just selling them “as is.”
Thank you for your assistance…we are slowly getting back…the check you sent, as well as the matching funds from my local association, will help considerably.
James V. Fiasconaro, Ed.D. Kean University Adjunct Faculty Federation.
My husband and I would like to express our sincere thanks for your generosity. 2012 was not a kind year for many residents, but your thoughtfulness has already made 2013 a bit brighter.
It has been so humbling to see our community step up and support the Sandy disaster victims. Mere words cannot express our appreciation.
We are taking one day at a time, and as time passes, we are becoming stronger!
Audrey (and Glenn) Lambert. Kean Federation of Teachers.
Thank you for your very generous gift. I appreciate your support and kindness.
Kathleen Lange. Perth Amboy Federation.
