On Election Day, Sandy Looms Large in Prospect Heights

It might have been Election Day, but for many Prospect Heighters, providing relief for victims of Superstorm Sandy was the dominant concern.

As voters waited outside P.S. 9 to cast their ballots, volunteers collected coats, blankets, batteries, pet food and other items desperately needed by Coney Island residents hit hard by last weeks storm.

Darnese Olivieri, of Bushwick spent five hours manning the outdoor collection table in the bitter cold.

“We have a whole classroom full of donations,” she said.

In addition, the group of some 25 volunteers, collected well over $1,000 in cash donations for the cause.

“I was really surprised at how much we got,” said Ede Fox, President of the Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform, who organized the collection. “It was a bit overwhelming.”

Over at Ample Hills, the shop was giving 100 percent of its gross sales Tuesday to the Red Cross.

As of 9 p.m., well over $2,000 had been raised. Ample Hills also hosted an election watch party that night.

Nearly all the shop’s staff members volunteered to work for free that day, and there had been a steady stream of customers who showed up specifically to make a donation, said Eric Wu, the shop’s general manager.

“Everyone has bee really great about it. … It’s a really great show of community, Wu said.