Sandy, the worst storm in the history of the State of New Jersey, has left many members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) in a state of shock. The devastation of the storm has affected almost every business in the state with long-term damage yet to be determined. In the short term, AASP/NJ is doing its best to recover from the disaster.
“This is, by far, the worst storm we’ve ever seen here,” says AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell. “In our shops and in our homes, it’s beyond description.”
Executive Director Charles Bryant, a lifetime resident of the New Jersey shore, was stunned by the damage done to the neighborhoods he has walked since he was a child. “I really can’t find the words,” he says, “but we are resilient. We will get through this and we will rebuild. We like to say we’re ‘Jersey strong’ and this will be the ultimate test.”
AASP/NJ is encouraging members who have been affected by the storm (and this week’s Nor’easter) to use the following contacts:
FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
website
The Hurricane Sandy Information Center:
website
American Red Cross:
website
The association has had many shops who weren’t badly damaged by the storm volunteer their services to others in need. “That’s one thing you can always count on,” McDowell says. “As much as we compete, we are all part of the same brotherhood. Sometimes the worst brings out the best in us. We have seen a lot of that since the storm and I am proud of those who have stepped up.”
For those looking to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, donations can be sent to Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, P.O. Box 95, Mendham, NJ 07945-0095.