DPOL -Jon Siebert

It's the end of October and the year is 2012. While this is usually a good time for a trick or treat, Halloween this particular year couldn't be any more scarier. For some it was just another holiday, but for many it was a time of real fear.
 
Starting in the Caribbean and eventually moving north up the Atlantic coast, Hurricane Sandy devastated 24 different states in its path. Between the millions of people displaced, and the billions of dollars in damages, Superstorm Sandy was one of worst natural disasters in United States history.
 
One of the many people affected by the storms is Jon Siebert. Forced to evacuate his Mastic Beach home on Long Island, Jon knew something had to be done.
 
“I had to evacuate to my mother’s house,” said Jon. “I'm in a small town in Central Suffolk, and the whole area was flooded out. Over 500 people in the community had to leave their home, and thousands more throughout Long Island.”
 
Inspired by hardship, and strengthened through a sense of togetherness, Jon helped create Friends of Long Island. This community based volunteer organization serves as the umbrella organization for the local community groups throughout Long Island. Friends of Long Island works to provide disaster response and emergency preparedness. Jon has helped rebuild homes and provide resources to thousands of people all throughout Nassau and Suffolk county.
 
Jon knows first hand the importance of collective effort. Whether it's coming together to provide children with school supplies, food drives for the hungry, or donations of furniture for those less fortunate, Jon believes the power of community collaboration trumps all.
 
“The only way to do things is with a collaborative approach,” said Jon. “Whether it's disaster related or any sort of community effort, it really does take a village.”
 
If you’re interested in finding opportunities to engage in your community through service, please check out All for Good for projects near you!