Even in the darkest clouds, there’s sliver lining. It has been almost two weeks since the tragic attack on the World Trade Center, and while the community is filled with mourning and grief, it is also filled with patriotic pride and togetherness.
Volunteers have come out in droves to donate clothing, food, and manpower to help the families of the victims and support the rescue workers in their grim task.
"It’s been more than just people putting a flag out their window," said Josie Wilbrant of Washington Street on Wednesday. "I’ve never been more proud of a group of people in my entire life. People have given so much that there’s not enough space to store all the stuff. Hoboken and the entire country have really stepped up to the plate."
Over 800 workers have walked through the door at the Anthony Russo Civic Association at 420 Adams St. with supplies, and more than $10,000 have been donated to the relief fund through that single organization here in Hoboken.
"It hasn’t been a case where people come just to unload the rattiest old clothes they have," said David Anthony, one of the organizers. "People are coming in and are asking, ‘What can I buy, and what do they need?’ We were telling people the workers need construction supplies, things like work boots and gloves. The next thing you know, this couple had gone out and spent hundreds of dollars on brand new boots. It really moves you to see things like that."
Now, the club looks less like a social meeting place and more like a staging area for supplies. Boxes of clothes and are still piled to the ceiling. According to Anthony, the group has already taken eight truckloads into the city, and the drive was so successful that the location has been made an official drop-off location for the Red Cross.
"I don’t even know where we are going to put it all," said Michele Russo on Thursday afternoon. "But we’ll find the space. During this whole tragedy the community really showed what we are made of. People here just couldn’t just stand by and watch. They had to get out there and do something. Even if was only sorting clothes, we would find something for everybody that walk through the door. People couldn’t just sit still while others were suffering so much."
"We’ve been in this community a long time and we know most everybody in the neighborhood, but this has brought everyone out," Russo continued. "So many people we don’t even know have come through the door in the last two weeks. People that have never volunteered before are coming out and spending hundreds of dollars and spending their time helping out."
Because of the overwhelming response, they have now limited what they can take. The will no longer accept and perishable food items or used clothes. What they will take are new socks and new clothes, and what is most need is construction supplies, things like boots, welders’ gloves, work gloves, dust masks and work boots.
The civic pride doesn’t just stop with giving goods. There has also been a bevy of emotional and spiritual help throughout the city.
"You can’t turn around without there being someone to hug or a shoulder to cry on," said Samantha Mathis of Willow Avenue. "You don’t realize how important your neighbors are. Without my friends I don’t know how I would have ever made it through something as horrible as this. "
Please continue to help these organizations in their mission to bring hope and relief to the victims of the World Trade Center Tragedy:
Red Cross of Hudson County: 433-3100
Hoboken Police Benevolent Assoc.: 420-2100
Our Lady of Grace Church & In Jesus’ Name: 659-0369
Team 4 Civic Association: 459-1529
The Anthony Russo Civic Association: 792-6226
The Hoboken Democratic Organization: 386-1000
Stevens Institute of Technology: 216-5206.