One week after Hurricane Sandy blew through New Jersey, a
command center at Monmouth Park, operated by First Energy, the Red Cross, the
State of New Jersey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains
fully operational to aid those who have been affected by the storm.
More than 20 tents have been constructed in the Monmouth
Park parking lots to accommodate shelter, shower, laundry and food for nearly
750 workers, who have come from across the country, including Alabama,
Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas and Virginia. Six hundred and ninety five trucks are
carrying crew members to sites throughout the State to help restore power to New
Jerseyans who remain in the dark.
In addition, tents are being utilized by the Red Cross, in
conjunction with the State of New Jersey, to house those displaced by the
storm.
“What we’ve seen here is truly a community, and for that
matter, a nation coming together,” said Dennis Drazin, advisor to the New
Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Darby Development LLC, operators
of the racetrack. “We have always prided
ourselves on being a good neighbor, and Monmouth Park Racetrack is a huge part
of Monmouth County
and the State of New Jersey. Anything we can do to give back to those who
have been so good to us is truly our pleasure.
“No matter how long it takes or whatever we have to do,
Monmouth Park will continue to open its doors and provide whatever assistance
we can.”
Anyone seeking shelter or those who wish to donate or
volunteer can visit the Red Cross website at
www.redcross.org.