Problems, Camaraderie Mark Night at Farmingdale State Shelter

Flooding in the Farmingdale State gym, which was , began at 11 p.m. and didn't stop until 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

"The flooding was massive," said Red Cross Volunteer Tara Callan. "It was coming in through the hinges at the top and bottom and we think the ceiling."

Callan said evacuees immediately jumped up to help Red Cross volunteers control the flooding. Power remained on, but there were no sandbags on hand.

"A group of guys stood up right away to help us mop and board up, anything they could do to help," she said.

Working through the night, the volunteers and evacuees were able to keep the flooding under control before University Police and maintenance crews arrived in the morning.

But flooding wasn't the only challenge for volunteers. A delivery of cereal arrived for Sunday morning's breakfast meal - without milk.

"Me and another volunteer hopped in the car and drove to the Hess station to pick up milk for the 350 people here," Callan said. The Hess gas station was open because the owner's home lost power and they decided to take refuge at the gas station, she said.

Another delivery of fresh food arrived around noon Sunday, which the volunteers served to the 300 remaining evacuees at the shelter.

Evacuees were thankful for the work of the volunteers.

"We appreciate it so much," said Far Rockaway evacuee Fernando Rodriguez, who came to the shelter with his two young children.

Volunteers are encouraging residents to stay at the shelter until Nassau County says it is safe to return to their homes.

"Most have really been listening," Callan said.

Many volunteers at the shelter have been working since 7 a.m. Saturday morning, taking few breaks, and plan to work through the night Sunday for the evacuees.

"These people had no where to go but here," Callan said. "I'm just glad we could help them in some way."

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