Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Your Help Is Needed!!

Several of the authors and readers we all know and love in this great fandom of ours, were greatly affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. One of my favorite authors, Sarita Dreaming,  had a very touching message posted on her blog and I thought I would share it with you so that if you are so inclined to help in any way, you have the information to do so. 

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Fandom Fights Hurricane Sandy

by Sarita Dreaming


 Hurricane Sandy tore through many areas, leaving destruction, devastation, power outages . . . homeless residents.  I'm from New Jersey and live within five miles of the ocean.  We were lucky enough not to lose our home, but many of my friends, neighbors, and co-workers weren't so lucky.  Then there are our neighbors in New York, many areas of which were hit just as hard.
In the days after the storm, we were virtually cut off from everyone.  We were without power, phone service, Internet . . . most of the time our cell phones didn't work.  We had a hand crank radio we used to listen to news updates.  We waited in line for over two hours for gas.  We went into a Target to stock up on canned goods, and the shelves were emptying fast while the cold section was closed off with caution tape.  It was necessary to travel the homes of loved ones to check on them because we had no other means of communication.  The horrific events brought out the Good Samaritan in many, creating a sense of solidarity with neighbors and acquaintances as people offered what they had that others were lacking.  It also brought out the ugly in some.  There was looting, fighting, jealousy, and pettiness.  Generators were stolen during the dark of night.  There were even people calling police stations to complain about noise ordinances when their neighbors had generators and they didn't. 
Once things became more organized around us, we started to gingerly explore the area.  I couldn't stop the tears when I saw houses off their foundations, roofs ripped off, the contents of people's lives strewn across their lawns and the streets.  Residents were picking through what was left of years of memories, trying to salvage something, but the huge piles at the curb showed how futile it was for many.
Governor Christie and all the rescue workers and power crews from NJ and other states did a terrific job.  There were shelters opened, free ice and water, free hot meals, blanket and clothing donations.  But even with all of the assistance we've received already, it's going to take a long, long time for New Jersey to recover.  Many well known seaside locations were destroyed, many historical sites gone.
An event such as this changes you from the inside out and the outside in.  There is no coming through it the same person you were going in.  I think I've come out of it with a new appreciation for my blessings, although I've always been grateful for what I have.  I also have a healthy respect for how fragile our infrastructure truly is.  We can be knocked into the stone age so easily.
Thank you to the angels who put together the Fandom Fights Hurricane Sandy  This fandom always comes together for those in need, and this cause is obviously close to my heart and home.  I'll be writing a story for the compilation.  I hope if you're an author, you'll consider writing a story, and if you're a reader, perhaps you'll consider making a donation to the Red Cross.  For a minimum donation of $10 you will receive the entire compilation of stories.  For those of you out there affected by Hurricane Sandy, I hope you're getting your life back together and that you and your family are safe.
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Thanks for being the amazing readers that you are, and for all of the support you give to all of us in this amazing fandom, in all that ways that you do. 
Eternally Addicted 

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