Aids recovery in hurricane-hit communities.

Last week Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast, severely damaging many areas in the northeast. One community that has been at the center of much of the news coverage is the Rockaway Peninsula, a peninsula of Long Island in the New York City borough of Queens. Rockaway Peninsula, home to more than 10 individual communities including Breezy Point, Seaside and Rockaway Beach, saw water rise as high as seven feet last Monday and many homes washed completely away or were reduced to rubble. Fires erupted throughout the peninsula devastating other areas.

Rockaway Beach is home to one of NCA’s long-standing and valued members, Madelaine Chocolate. Knowing the severity of the situation on Rockaway Peninsula, several NCA members reached out to the Association asking what they can do to help this special community surrounding Madelaine Chocolate.

As a result, NCA’s Confectionery Foundation has established the Rockaway Disaster Relief Fund to help aid in the recovery of the community. Jorge Farber, president and CEO of Madelaine, has agreed to serve as the executor of the Fund.

“Jorge is on the ground in the community and will have a deep understanding of how our donations can best be used by various local organizations,” said NCA President Larry Graham.”There are many people trying to help the community, but the needs are tremendous at this time and our donations will make a difference to the local police and fire departments, food banks, and community shelters.”

Companies or individuals contemplating making a donation to assist hurricane recovery efforts should consider making a financial contribution to NCA’s Confectionery Foundation to assist a community that is home to members of the confectionery industry. All donations are tax deductible and 100% of the funds will directly benefit the Rockaway Disaster Relief Fund. They will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 14.

This relief fund is a special project of NCA’s Confectionery Foundation and falls under one of its three core missions: philanthropy, education and research. This campaign is a meaningful way to help a community with a special connection to the candy industry recover from a devastating natural disaster.

NCA has been in touch with many of its members in the areas that received the most damage to ensure the safety of their employees and facilities. Some NCA members have contacted us to offer help with maintenance, storage and other services to companies that were impacted by the recent storms. If you know of an industry member that was affected and who needs help of that type, please contact NCA.