Though Superstorm Sandy left many in Northern Suffolk and the East End of Long Island in the dark, the disaster often brought out the best in people as many banded together to help those who needed it most.
Here are a few of those stories we saw in the aftermath.
Kids Stock The House Makes Wish For Boy With Rare Disease Come True
When one boy got stranded in New York City on his Make-A-Wish trip, a Southampton organization and a Hampton Bays teen helped to give him a trip he would remember.
Port Jeff Grad Helps Sandy Victims
After Sandy hit the area, Kathy Nesbit knew she had to do something to give back to the people who were there in her time of need.
With the help of her neighbors, Denise McCarthy and Donna Kennelly (both transplants from New Jersey), Nesbit organized a drive to collect items needed for the most affected victims of the storm. In the first round, they filled three garages with donations of everything from personal hygiene products to clothing.
The delivery never made it to Long Island because of a double whammy of the nor’easter that struck the area immediately after Sandy and the gas shortage. The trucks got as far as in New Jersey and unloaded their supplies for the victims in that state.
Sandy Relief Drive Targets Child Victims of Hurricane
Bridgehampton resident Anastasia Gavalas has launched "Sandy Can Suck-It," Hurricane Sandy relief effort begun locally that focuses on the young victims of the "superstorm."
She said her brothers lost their business, and friends' homes flooded.
New and gently used books, games and crafts designed for children will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at Southampton Intermediate School, or a pickup can be arranged with Gavalas. She can be contacted via email at anastasia.vlahakisgavalas@facebook.com and over Facebook. The drive also has a Facebook fan page.
Commack Schools Help Out
When of Commack had its power restored, residents and students turned their attention to helping other areas of Long Island affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Commack School District has announced Strike Out Sandy, a Hurricane Sandy relief effort, being run through the schools until Nov. 30
Teen Rescues Grandparents' Love Letters After Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy may have brought heartbreak and tragedy to thousands, but for one South Jamesport teen, the storm brought the miracle of truly knowing her grandfather for the first time.
South Jamesport resident Georgette Keller said when Hurricane Sandy hit, her in-laws, Bob, 87, and Gloria Keller, 85, who live on the bay in Aquebogue and have been married 67 years, had over 51 inches of water pour into their basement -- destroying decades of priceless family memories and treasures.
But out of the floodwaters of despair, came hope: Keller, who was helping to clean out the basement while his parents relocated to their South Jamesport home, was able to salvage bins filled with memories.
