Mamaroneck Families Still Need Help: MHS To Hold Donation Drive This Weekend

It has been nearly two months since Tropical Storm Irene hit Mamaroneck, causing flooding, mass power outages and—for some families—displacement from their homes.  Despite the relatively short-lived nature of the storm, many residents had to leave their waterlogged furniture, carpeting and other effects at the curb for garbage collection after flood waters caused their ruination and left them lacking essential items for survival.

In honor of these families, the MHS Furniture Sharehouse and Red Cross Clubs have banded together to hold a Small Furniture Drive and Bake Sale on Oct. 29 at MHS; donations of small household items in good condition including tables, rugs (4’ x 6’ or smaller), lamps, microwaves and toaster ovens will be accepted to be given to Mamaroneck families who suffered damage from Irene.  Proceeds from the bake sale will be used to buy mattresses for those in need.

“A lot of their belongings that we take for granted have been destroyed,” said Eli Russ, 17, president of the Red Cross Club at MHS. 

About 15 members of the Red Cross Club volunteered at the temporary shelter set up in the MHS gym for those who had been evacuated from their homes due to Irene.

The Furniture Sharehouse Club is an offshoot of a not-for-profit organization founded by Kate Bialo and the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLOWS) that provides donated furniture to low income families referred by local social service agencies. Furniture Sharehouse's services were critical during the flooding of Mamaroneck in 2007, days before the official inception of the organization, when 65 displaced families received donated furniture.

Larger items can be donated directly to Furniture Sharehouse at their warehouse location at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains or at one of their upcoming furniture drives.  Please visit the Furniture Sharehouse website for donation guidelines and to fill out a donation form.