As Hurricane Sandy now is already a week old parts of Newark are still suffering from this devastating storm - many still without basic services such as electric, heat and hot water.

At the epicenter for many in Newark is Casa Mia, a six story senior citizen building without any of those basic services we all take for granted. Tonight a team of locals lead by Newark officer Tony Gonzalez dropped off some basic items food, water to the seniors who many of them have nothing to eat or drink. Among those dropping in were North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. and State Senator Teresa Ruiz. Ruiz wanted to thank everyone in the community who has been lending a helping hand and applauded the community for volunteering during this crisis.

Many in the teams that were asked to disperse through the dark building and knock on the doors to see who would like a fresh cooked meal were youngsters some were from a local boy scout troupe and locals in the community.

Michael Giordano was one of those. Giordano said," As a student of First Avenue School, I have learned the importance of giving back." 

A resident from down the street on Summer Ave. Carmen Rodriguez was very upset and found it unacceptable after eight days with no power and asked why the politicians aren't over by her block seeing how everyone is doing.

Gonzalez reflected on the day: "As I drive home tonight I can only think about the senior citizens that we help tonight. I can only think of them because it's a cold cold night how are they going to make this night no electricity no heat no hot water nobody there to protect. So tonight when you go to bed Say extra prayer for their protection and that their heart may just be a little warmer. I must say when I'm with them I don't hear1 complaint and I think you would all agree they probably have it the worse. So as you lay your head on your pillow please consider helping us to help them I promise you you would get a lot more in return we need help please. Have a good night and may God bless us all."

If you would like to help,with monies or food, you can email me here and I will pass it on to Officer Tony Gonzalez.

A post note: as we were leaving a huge generator arrived!