Parents get donated supplies in wake of Sandy

ATLANTIC CITY - Dec 13, 2012 7:05 PM EST by Ryan Ross

A local non–profit organization did its part Thursday afternoon to make sure parents had all the supplies they need for the holidays in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The Reliance Foundation and A.H.E.A.R.T. partnered to provide parents with donated items ranging from clothing and diapers to toys and baby formula. 

"Every single thing has been donated, that's probably one of the most powerful things about this. The South Jersey hospitality of being able to come together, stand together and meet the needs of our infants in crisis," said Reliance Foundation A.H.E.A.R.T. executive director and founder Robbin Bell.

The annual "Rattle the Holidays" event held at the Victory First Presbyterian Church took on increased meaning this year as families still recover from Sandy.

"It's very great for people who need help with situations and can't exactly get everything they need. They help us with clothes and diapers, toys and formula and stuff to help with the babies," said Beonica Gaskill, a mother of three.

"We lost our power, some of the toys and clothes got wet, shoes got damaged, windows got broken so it really helps to get donated stuff from other people," said mother of two Tieina Cruz.

Dozens of volunteers helped distribute the items and representatives from A.H.E.A.R.T. say people, churches and businesses donated the supplies which included 25,000 diapers.

Representatives from A.H.E.A.R.T. say the community jumped at the opportunity to help children in the wake of sandy.

"Everything is always donated, but this is the largest magnitude of denotations we have ever had. We're excited to be in this position, to be able to help those infants," said Bell.

Today's Rattle the Holidays was open to all of those in need and event organizers say no one was turned away.

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