Finding Ways to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

It’s already been a week since Hurricane Sandy hit the tri-state area and we’re focusing our efforts on helping those in need. Ciao Bella team members have been helping their communities. Tell us what you’re doing to support the relief efforts.

After coming back to our office after the power outage, the Ciao Bella team came together and decided that we needed to give back to those who lost more than just power. A few people had already volunteered in their own communities by donating food and goods to warming centers, helping shelters organize food for distribution, and making donations to the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.

Keep an eye out for our blue Ciao Bella truck as we travel to different parts of northern NJ helping local communities in need. If you catch us on the road, snap a photo and post it to @ciaobellagelato on Twitter and/or Instagram! Just this morning our truck helped a local community leader, Majella, and her group deliver food and household items to the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris Plains.

In addition to local assistance, beginning Monday, November 12^th until Sunday, November 18^th, Ciao Bella’s Grand Central Terminal location in NYC will be giving away free scoops of gelato or sorbet with any purchase if you show the employees your text message or email confirming your donation to the Red Cross. (To make donations to the Red Cross, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 or visit their donation page.)

Below are just a few tips for those affected by the storm:

• If you have relatives or friends with power & heat, stay with them until your house is warm & lighted.
• Check for water-boiling advisories on the water supply in your area. Many water systems were affected due to flooding.
• See if there are shelters or warming centers in your area where you can go to charge electronics and stay warm for a few hours.
• Never leave the gas burners on or bring your generator in the house. They give off deadly fumes that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep in mind that if your Ciao Bella gelato, sorbet, or Adonia Greek Frozen Yogurt has been completely melted, it is not recommended for consumption. Ingredients may separate and ice crystals are likely to form once it refreezes.

Our team hopes that all of our fans, along with their friends and family, are safe and able to return to their normal routines as soon as possible. We would also like to celebrate all of the volunteers who are coming together in this time of need.