Six Months Later: Sandy Brought Out Best in Bellmore

Monday marks the six-month anniversary of when Hurricane Sandy arrived in Bellmore, and many are still feeling the storm's wrath.

Here's a look at some of the positive stories that came from a tough time.

1. Hurricane Sandy Sends Bellmore-Merrick EMS into Action: Bellmore-Merrick EMS has been very busy answering calls and lending a helping hand in response to Hurricane Sandy. 
2. Bellmore FD Collecting for Sandy Victims: The Bellmore Fire Department collected food and clothes to be distributed to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
3. St. Barnabas Collecting Donations for Sandy Victims: St. Barnabas collected warm items for those affected by Sandy, including coats, blankets and warm clothing. They collected food and water as well.  
4. Shore Road Kids Collect Supplies for Sandy Victims: Members of the chorus and RAK Pack at Bellmore’s Shore Road School hosted a school supply drive to help replenish supplies lost during Superstorm Sandy. 
5. Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs Volunteer for Sandy Victims: A group of students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District participated in a recovery initiative for the storm-devastated Long Beach community.   
6. Bellmore Chef Cooks for Sandy Victims: On Saturday, Nov. 3, Chef Joseph Ciminera of South Bellmore used his cooking talents to make a giant batch of soup to give out to local residents who needed a break from their clean-up or just wanted to get out of their cold houses for something hot to eat. 
7. Bellmore Library Serves as Warming Center After Sandy: Three days after Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on Long Island, people of all ages, from all walks of life and from various surrounding towns sought shelter at the Bellmore Memorial Library.  
8. North Bellmore FD Hosts Food and Clothing Drive: The North Bellmore Fire Department’s Engine and Rescue Company #2 hosted a food and clothing drive to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy in Island Park.
9. Musicians Band Together for Sandy Victims: When Frank Delape of the Red White & Blues Band saw seven of his friends lose their homes to Superstorm Sandy, he knew a benefit concert would offer some much needed relief.
10. Hempstead Animal Shelter Assisting Pets Displaced by Sandy: With many residents along Nassau County’s South Shore devastated by the impact from Superstorm Sandy in late October, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter saw a large increase in pets that have entered the Wantagh facility due to their owners being displaced.