Hurricane Katrina Briefs

Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey has announced effective immediately victims of Hurricane Katrina who have sought refuge in New Jersey are eligible for cash assistance, food stamps, health care, counseling and other emergency aid through the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS). Victims temporarily living in New Jersey are being asked to call 2-1-1 — the statewide social services information line — to access assistance.

Additionally, the DHS’s Division of Mental Health Services — Disaster Branch, in conjunction with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, is proving a toll-free crisis counseling helpline. Counselors can help locate counseling assistance for evacuees or other individuals experiencing emotional stress related to the hurricane. The helpline number is 1-877-294- 4357.

Chiropractic Family Health Center, 57 Village Court, Hazlet, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is holding a fund-raiser through Sept. 30 for victims of Hurricane Katrina. In exchange for a $30 donation to the American Red Cross, Steven Loniewski of the Center will give all new patients an orthopedic/neurological exam, spinal stress test, consultation and health history, and written report of findings. Existing patients visiting the office Sept. 30 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and making a $20 donation will receive a free adjustment. Appointments are necessary for the above and may be made by calling (732) 888-9141.

Robert Gerber Hair Salon, 100 W. Front St., Keyport, will hold a wine tasting Sept. 21 from 7-9 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross, Hurricane Relief Fund. The event is in conjunction with the Wine Sellers of Holmdel, and Brennan’s, Rumson, which will provide the food. For more information, call salon manager, William DeVizia, at (732) 888-7575.

Hazlet Township will collect food and water for the hurricane victims Sept. 24 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Department of Public Works Facility at Leocadia Court. Needed are canned foods, nonperishable foods and bottled water. For more information, call the Township at (732) 264-1700.

Sea Girt Animal Hospital, 2129 Route 35, will hold a dog wash Sept. 27 and 28, with proceeds benefiting pets left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Patrons are asked to make a $25 donation for a dog grooming, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting animal shelters in the Gulf region. Owners’ appointments are required. The hospital is also collecting items for the shelters housing the pets, as well as school supplies for children, and monetary donations for Habitat for Humanity. For an appointment or items needed, call the hospital at (732) 449-9224 or visit seagirtanimalhospital.com.

Diane Howes, Keyport, recently created several handmade knotted blankets, “CareKnots,” to help families left homeless by Hurricane Katrina, and is seeking volunteers to teach how to create the blankets in order to reach as many hurricane victims as possible. Howes will also help coordinate the purchase of discounted fabric, laundering and delivery. Each blanket also includes a tag for crafters to personalize. For more information, call Howes at (732) 739-1933 or visit CareKnots@aol.com.

Holmdel Community Church recently partnered with the Bridges Program, and Holmdel High School Boys’ Soccer Team to send 30 boxes of supplies to a United Church of Christ, Spring, Texas. The Texas church is working with victims of the hurricane in the Houston Astrodome, to provide summer clothing, toiletries and medical supplies for victims.

Principal Melissa Whelan Molloy, and teacher Kerry Harvey of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Highlands, recently traveled to the Gulf Coast region with supplies for Catholic schools and parishes in the Diocese of Biloxi, Miss. Donations collected at the school included food, water, school supplies and religious articles. The student council also sold lollipops to raise money for the relief effort. For information on making a donation, call Principal Molloy at (732) 872-0281.

Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., Quincy, Mass., has announced its customers have donated $1 million to hurricane victims as of mid-September. The company began collecting donations Sept. 2, and will donate a combined $1 million for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts of the American Red Cross and America’s Second Harvest, bringing donations to $2 million locally. Stop & Shop has stores in Aberdeen, Middletown and Shrewsbury.