Among the scores of groups reaching out to individuals in need following the path of Hurricane Sandy, retired teachers are letting their peers know that they have a friend in them.
The New York State Retired Teachers' Association recently started building a fund to help out retired educators in need, and is seeking donations as well to help out.
Though the effort just kicked off last week, with just about two dozen donors at this point, the coffers may not stack up quite as high as others. But for some hit on Long Island's south shore, anything could help where the storm left an unrivaled path of damage.
"Of course we're not going to be able to give people hundreds of thousands of dollars, but wherever we can help, it would be something they wouldn't have ordinarily," said Mary Ella Moeller, NYSRTA's vice president of Friendly Service.
Moeller, who stepped into her current role on Nov. 1 – days after Sandy touched down – said those interested in aid would have to fill out a one-page application after getting in touch with the group.
"It's a fledgling project, but hopefully it catches on and we get a great response" said Fred Conway, Long Island Zone president for NYSRTA.
In order to apply for aid through NYSRTA or donate to the fund, individuals can contact Moeller at maryellamoeller@gmail.com, or reach NYSRTA's headquarters in Latham, N.Y. at 518-482-3509.
