CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Community Action Angels are helping with disaster relief in areas of the state affected by Hurricane Sandy.

When Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October, the New York State Community Action Angels Network offered assistance immediately.

With a long and successful history of disaster and emergency relief efforts, the organization focuses its emergency relief efforts primarily on children.

“The specific needs of children often go unmet because of the overwhelming household and community issues that are a priority in the early days and weeks after a disaster,” says New York State Community Action Angels Director, Pat Standish.

“Helping children to feel safe at a time when it is difficult for their parents to provide even the most basic needs helps them to deal with the trauma they experience.”

To date, the Community Action Angels Network has raised over $26,000 in cash donations, and has sent a tractor-trailer loaded with goods (food, cleaning supplies, diapers, personal care items etc.) to Long Island. Efforts are now focused on providing children with new shoes, clothing, school supplies, and other basic necessities that they lost in the superstorm.

“It’s rare that we are affected by a natural disaster of this magnitude so close to home,” says St. Lawrence County’s Community Action Angels Coordinator, Alicia Murphy.

“As the weather gets warmer, and the media attention wanes, it’s often difficult to remember that many of our neighbors to the south are still struggling to reclaim some semblance of normalcy after Sandy. We are privileged to help in any small way that we can.”

Through the end of June, Community Action Angels will accept donations earmarked for the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Those who wish to donate may make checks or money orders payable to ‘SLCCDP Community Action Angels,’ with ‘Hurricane Sandy’ noted in the Memo section. Please mail to: Community Action Angels; One Commerce Lane; Canton, NY 13617.

Please include a return mailing address so that a receipt may be sent.

All donations received will go directly to help children and families affected by this disaster. Corporate giving is greatly encouraged.

“Hurricane Sandy is now considered the second costliest hurricane in US history. The cleanup is massive, and the number of lives affected is vast. The Community Action Angels relief effort is about more than sending money downstate; it’s about sending a message of encouragement and hope,” Murphy said.