Bay Ridge Lends a Hand
by Mayara Guimaraes

Hurricane Sandy hit New York City on a dark and windy late October night. It was Monday afternoon when the citizens of Bay Ridge already knew they were going to be stuck home for at least a couple of days. A few enjoyed the time off, but others immediately decided that they were going to help in the recovery process.

Barely affected by the storm, people in Bay Ridge mainly had gas problems to deal with. But all around them the pain and need of others was undeniable. That was when Justin Brannan, Allison Robicelli and Karen Tadross united their forces.

Volunteers helping the “Bay Ridge Center” cook food for the victims of the Hurricane Sandy

“In the hours and days after the storm, the outburst of support was overwhelming – as was the immediate need. Just as quickly as donations would come in to Councilman Vincent Gentile’s office in Bay Ridge, they were being loaded onto a truck or stuffed into someone’s trunk and sent off to where they were needed most, like Breezy Point, Gerritsen Beach, the Rockaways, Coney Island and Staten Island,” said Brannan.

Brannan and Robicelli, who are childhood friends, realized that people were getting together and doing everything they could. But they also noticed that there was an urgent need for hot food. The friends then knew there was something they could do. And with the help of Tadross, who was able to secure a kitchen, thanks to the generosity of St. Mary’s Church, in Bay Ridge, they started cooking.

Allison Robicelli, on the right, Chef Lawrence, and Didem, from the Bay Ridge CSA

The group, who is now known as “Bay Ridge Cares,” has already made over 4500 hot meals. They have received donations from the Citizens Committee of NY, and other groups, as well as amazing support from the volunteers, who have been helping with food donations and their cooking skills.

The organizers and their volunteers have been working non-stop to feed people, and their energy and passion fills the room with love and hope. “I am lucky to be working with so many wonderful people from my community, who have banded together to help our neighbors. Many hands make light work, but it only takes one heart to make a difference. We have been lucky to find so many heart-y people,” said Tadross.

Bay Ridge Cares’ kitchen works Monday to Saturday, and it currently has the help of licensed chefs who have been generous to spend time cooking there. Robicelli’s Tweeter page, and the group’s Facebook page are busy with updates and information.

Robicelli is known for her baker goods and her written contributions to Nona Brooklyn, an online Brooklyn based page that is all about food. She’s been coordinating the volunteers’ work and representing the group so they can get the help needed. “I am very, very proud of the people in Bay Ridge who have stepped up to the plate to make this happen,” Robicelli has tweeted.

“We’re just here to fill in the gaps. I think every little bit helps and we’re just doing our part. If we can feed 400 people here and 400 people there, that’s 800 more people a day who won’t go to bed hungry and that’s what this is all about: people helping people and embracing the fact that we are all connected as human beings,” said Brannan.

They have been working closely with Occupy Sandy and trying to direct their meals wherever there’s a bigger need. “Yesterday, we sent meals to the Haber Houses in Coney Island and to a church in the Rockaways. Today, we may go to Staten Island or Gerritsen Beach. It depends. We try to fill in the gaps,” said Brannan.

The “Bay Ridge Center” food supply

While this community service is just one among many that are trying to help Sandy victims, Brannan believes that they are one of the biggest representatives of what Bay Ridge citizens are capable of. “Bay Ridge has always had an unparalleled volunteer spirit. Here people are ready and willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Last summer when a fire destroyed several houses, we organized several fundraisers to help our neighbors back on their feet. That’s what Bay Ridge is all about. Everyone here looks out for each other and we pick each other up when we’re down.”