Hudson County residents can volunteer their efforts and make donations at local town halls, shelters and hospitals to help victims of the World Trade Center tragedy.
The county’s city halls and American Red Cross are the best places for residents to inquire about volunteer and donation information, officials said.
Hoboken City Hall reported that the city has been providing shelter at the Wallace Primary School at 11th Street and Willow Avenue and the Multipurpose Center at 124 Garden St. They are accepting food, as well as clean clothing, pillows and blankets, according to city spokesman Michael Estevez.
"The shelters will run until we don’t need them anymore," Estevez said. "We got towels and blankets from people. People can contact City Hall for detailed information." City Hall can be contacted at 420-2222 or 420-2070.
According to Estevez, local organizations will soon begin fundraisers for families affected by Tuesday’s event.
Rev. Kenneth Herbster from Our Lady of Grace Church on Willow Avenue in Hoboken is planning to start a food drive within his parish soon, he said, but he first wants to be clear on what will be needed. "When we find out who needs what, then we’ll ask our parish for their support," Herbster said.
In Union City, dozens of volunteers have showed up at City Hall to offer their help, and now city spokeswoman Gale Kaufman is asking residents to focus more on donating food and supplies, such as clothing and tools. Residents can send donations directly to City Hall at 3715 Palisade Ave. or to Union City’s Recreation Center on 507 West St.
"We have doctors and medical personnel at the center," Kaufman said. "We are accepting any donations."
Catholic Community Services, a charity organization based in Union City, has already provided shelter and clothes for victims in its two locations, according to Director Marta San Martin. They will continue to accept donations.
"We are deeply concerned of all the pain and the horrible tragedy that has occurred," San Martin said. "This is ingrained to the fabric of our nation. We will continue to provide support for the victims’ families and those affected."
The city of Bayonne also became a refugee site last Tuesday and the Military Ocean Terminal, a former Army base there, provided shelter for over 400 people, according to city spokesman Joseph Ryan. Many businesses donated food, supplies, drinks, sheets and sleeping bags to the city to help those stranded.
Residents can continue to donate their time and supplies at Bayonne City Hall, Ryan said. Bayonne Hospital is accepting any professional medical staff who can volunteer their time.
The Jersey City Office of Emergency Management is looking for donations from city residents of ready-to-eat food, bottled water, dust masks, work gloves, clothes and tools. Jersey City Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burns said it would be preferable if these came from Jersey City residents only because of the traffic situation.
"Travel into and around Jersey City is very difficult, and city management does not want to create additional problems," Burns said.
Liberty State Park, where injured people were brought from Manhattan on Tuesday, is accepting donations of medical supplies and bottled water from residents throughout the next few days. According Amy Collings, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, there are already 30 park rangers at the park to offer assistance.
"A medical staff is helping the people," Collings said. "We will accept whatever donations residents can give."
Priests from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City were at Liberty State Park to help.
Our Lady of Czestochowa church on Sussex Street, a few blocks from Exchange Place, provided shelter for 40 people from New York City on Tuesday, according to Rev. Thomas Iwanowski. The church will continue to provide services for the public and accept donations from local supermarkets and other businesses.
"I had more offers than what I needed," Iwanowski said. "We need to talk with one another and listen to each other."
St. Nicholas Church on Ferry Street in Jersey City provided food for police and rescue workers, according to Goodness. The church is also accepting donations.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner has asked doctors, psychiatrists and other professionals to provide assistance to the many residents affected by the catastrophe. Donations can be made at the Municipal Building at 400 Park Ave. Turner’s office has been accepting people’s support and supplies, but encourages residents to contact the American Red Cross for volunteer information.
"People can certainly donate whatever they want to us. We’ll take food and blankets," Turner said.
The Russo Civic Association on Adams Street in Hoboken announced a World Trade Center Relief Fund Thursday. They will collect checks (made out to "World Trade Center Relief Fund"), clothing (sweat clothes, t-shirts, socks, shoes, sneakers, etc.), and toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shampoo, soap). Items can be dropped off or mailed to the Russo Civic Association, 420 Adams St., Hoboken, NJ 07030. The phone number is 792-6226.
Several other organizations said Thursday that they were still in the process of setting up fund, food and clothing drives.
Church vigils
Several area churches have planned to hold special prayer services.
St. Mary’s Church at Second and Erie streets in Jersey City is among them. They will hold three hours of prayer Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 547-6464.
The Archdiocese of Newark released a statement on Wednesday asking pastors to open their churches to allow people of all faiths an opportunity to pray.
"We have also asked pastors to schedule special liturgies to pray for God’s assistance for ourselves and our nation’s leaders in the days ahead," said Archdiocese Spokesman Jim Goodness.
The Archdiocese itself will hold a special mass at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart at 89 Ridge St. in Newark. Members of all 235 affiliated parishes in the area are welcome.
Important numbers
The following are telephone numbers of organizations accepting donations:
The American Red Cross in Hudson County: 433-3100.
Jersey City Office of Emergency Management: 547-5681.
Catholic Community Services: 866-3208.
The Archdiocese of Newark: (973) 497-4186.
Liberty State Park: 915-3400.
National Blood Donation: (800) 933-BLOOD.