The BIG clean-up: Part 1!

Over this past weekend, the family along with over 40 volunteers began the BIG clean-up at 708 Brook Avenue. A necessary but emotional day for homeowners: Anna & Charlie Yurgelonis, as they worked alongside the volunteers to clear out the lot where their beautiful home once stood. 

Volunteers working HARD to pick-up the pieces of the Yurgelonis home. Seen in the foreground are the steps that once led to the house (there was also a beautiful porch-deck over them) & heavy pieces of the foundation, scattered about like toys.

 Their oldest daughter Lisa said it was amazing to see all these people (a few of whom she knew, the rest were welcomed strangers) working diligently & carefully to help clean-up the 'mess' that Sandy left behind.

A volunteer adding to the 'trash' pile. These piles are seen everywhere throughout the town. To the passerby they are trash, but to the family they are their homes, their lives, their past...

  Any found items from the home were given to Anna to inspect on whether or not to keep. They found a lot more photo's & keepsakes beneath the heavy rubble which would create momentary smiles & relief. The family is clinging to anything they can find from their life at 708.

A reporter from the 'Star Ledger' newspaper showed up to take pictures & interview the family. He was welcomed on site, as everyone agrees how important it is for the masses to see what is really going on there.

 Volunteers had generators running to operate saws & power tools needed to break up large debris. A large portion of a neighbor's home had landed on the Yurgelonis' property. The family & volunteers also worked carefully to set aside items from his home as well. Since he wasn't there, the items were taken to the Union Beach Borough Hall where all found items are being kept until claimed by their rightful owners.

Volunteers working on removing a large section of a neighbor's home that ended up on the Yurgelonis property. The neighbor was not present, but all found items were carefully removed & turned in at Borough Hall for him to pick-up.

A wide view of the property. Anna is seen to on the far left in a red jacket. This was/is one of the most difficult things she has ever done; watching the pieces of her home picked up & put in a pile to be taken away forever.

A bittersweet sunset over the roof of the family home.

 This clean-up was extremely successful, but the family still has a long way to go. They are organizing another clean-up this Saturday & expecting an even bigger turnout of friends & volunteers to help.

Please continue to support the family, they need all the help they can get! 

They were able to move into their rental home earlier than expected with the help of family & friends to clean & move (what little they have) in. The financial burden of having to replace the basics for a home are overwhelming. Your monetary contributions will help lessen this burden & provide the family with comfort & peace of mind. 

       Please consider donating to help this very special family get back their life!
                          No amount is too small! Thank you so much!

Or if you prefer, Checks (made out to Anna Yurgelonis) & gift cards can be sent to me:

Yurgelonis Family Sandy Relief

c/o Lauren Hilburn

337 Upland Way 

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

I will make sure all gifts get directly to the family! Thanks again!!! 

Peace.