On Sept. 18 – eight days after the World Trade Center was struck by two jets in an terrorist attack – trucks began to roll into Secaucus, loaded with supplies that rescuers might need in their search for the missing.
The Secaucus Police Department had put out a call throughout the nation for bottled water and other items that the department could bring to rescue workers in New York. The nation responded, sending shipment after shipment into town. Bottled water didn’t merely arrive by the case, but by the pallet load, as local off-duty police and firefighters joined volunteers from the Office of Emergency Management and residents from Integrity House in unloading the water and the host of other goods that poured in.
Some of the boxes bore messages from their point of origin, said Vincent Massaro, Sr., coordinator for the Secaucus OEM.
“One box had a note from people in Greenville, South Carolina, saying we were in their thoughts and prayers, that really touched me,” said Vincent Massaro, Sr., coordinator for the Secaucus OEM, which helped facilitate the unloading and storage of the materials until people in New York City called for them.
This is part of an ongoing effort in Secaucus to help those working at the ruins of the World Trade Center, and the list of items includes pillows, razors, towels, soap, sheets, shaving cream, blankets, soda, socks, t-shirts, underwear, saw bales, goggles, work gloves, medical supplies, Vicks Vapor Rub, and variety of foods.
While some of the items have come from across the country, many local suppliers – especially the outlets in Secaucus – have also donated clothing to the cause.
“It is an amazing effort,” Massaro said. “Everyone seems to want to get involved. One young man came up to us while we were unloading one of the trucks. He had spent all his money purchasing water and wanted to know if we would accept it. I told him every donation was welcome, big or small. The fact that someone would do something like that made me feel very good about our town.”
Efforts underway all around Secaucus
Students from the Secaucus schools were deeply involved in their own efforts, starting within days of the disaster. The two public elementary schools and the Secaucus Middle School joined forces to collect goods from local residents and businesses. The high school Student Government Organization raised more than $7,500 in aide to the rescue workers.
“This is a relatively small high school with a very large heart,” said High School Principal Pat Impreveduto. “I was gratified to see such a tremendous response by our students, and the people of Secaucus were so generous.”
Impreveduto said the students worked all week and in many ways to let rescuers know the people of Secaucus supported the effort in lower Manhattan.
Evelyn Lucy Pettiganano, whose sister, Arlene Babakitis is among those missing from the World Trade Center, said Secaucus has been particularly supportive, as have been people from the Port Authority where her sister was employed. Pettiganano said she and Babakitis loved living in Secaucus, partly because of the sense of community the town inspired.
“As a resident of Secaucus, I’m proud of how people have handled the situation here,” she said.
Even the search dogs received aid as veterinarians from Secaucus Animal Hospital collected food and booties to aid the effort. Secaucus Animal Hospital was named an official drop-off point for those wishing to donate to the animals. Veterinarians at the hospital also visited the disaster during the week.
“The reason dogs need booties is that glass and debris can cut their feet,” said Dr. Richard Brady.
The rescue site has been called a hellish scene.
Victoria Cronin, a resident of Woodridge who dropped off food for the dogs, said she wanted to help, in any way she could.
“I heard the report on the radio,” she said, noting that the dogs need as much help as the rescue workers.
Across the river in East Rutherford, the Meadowlands racetrack planned to donate the wagering proceeds from The Meadowlands Cup – its biggest event to the year – to the event. The race was set to take place Friday, Sept. 28.