Toy drive to be held for victims of Superstorm Sandy

One James Island resident who already has helped victims of Superstorm Sandy is organizing a second donation drive today to benefit the residents of her New Jersey hometown.

Ruthann Kelly, a native of Union Beach, N.J., said the town was one of the hardest-hit by the storm. Many of the residents’ homes were damaged beyond repair. Her mother, sister and brother in Union Beach are staying with other relatives in New Jersey until they can rebuild.

“Some are still without power and heat. The town is trying to rebuild as the holiday gets closer,” Kelly said. “There are some families that will be home and will be staying because they have nowhere else to go.”

The first drive she organized was put together two days after the storm hit. Kelly said there was a continuous flow of donations, and they were able to supply Union Beach with five pallets full of clothes and other supplies.

Because the first event was so successful, Kelly is organizing a Christmas toy drive today at The Roost Bar n’ Grille, 825 Savannah Highway in West Ashley. New, unwrapped toys can be donated from noon to 5 p.m.

“It’s the time of year for giving and generosity,” Kelly said. “Christmas isn’t waiting on the kids in Union Beach, N.J. The holiday is going to come right through and they have nothing.”

Kelly said she will be shipping the toys this weekend to the town’s police department, where her brother, retired Union Beach Police Chief Timothy Kelly, will distribute them.

Reach Jade McDuffie at 937-5560 or jmcduffie@postandcourier.com.