newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

New Jersey is looking for volunteers to help with emergency responses and to clean up communities after Hurricane Sandy finally leaves the area.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said a volunteer hotline was established earlier in 2012 to improve the state’s reactions to emergencies.

“During Hurricane Irene, I saw firsthand how individual New Jerseyans worked selflessly to help others during a crisis,” Guadagno said, according to NorthJersey.com. “We established this volunteer emergency response hotline to enhance our responsiveness and better organize volunteers.”

The volunteer emergency response hotline can be reached at 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Trained volunteers who are affiliated with an emergency response organization are being asked to contact that agency to volunteer their services.

Backup hotline numbers are 609-775-5236 or 908-303-0471, and volunteers can also e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .According to the Atlantic Highlands Herald, anyone requesting help from volunteers can call 211 or go online at www.nj211.org.

Groups are forming locally as well. The Mahwah Elves came together after residents felt the impact of Hurricane Irene last year. The Elves need volunteers to help clean up after Sandy, and residents with generators who will take in displaced families. According to Mahwah Patch, people can volunteer with the Mahwah Elves by calling 201-485-6352, or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .