09/09/2011
No one among us will ever forget the sight of those smoking towers so tragically visible that clear late summer morning from the grounds of the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Shortly after the 09/11/01 tragedy everyone was looking for a way to help, something to do to make things better, to fill the empty feeling inside.
The Meadowlands staff got that opportunity to give of themselves when the Meadowlands became a collection site for equipment, supplies and provisions needed by the search and recovery team at Ground Zero.
The collection was to take place at the Bubble and surrounding lots. Our Human Resources division solicited the help of our staff both part time and full time to assist in unloading trucks and personal vehicles that would come to deliver supplies.
The Bubble was utilized for small items. The secured lot was used to stock pile larger items.
Everyone pitched in to get the job done.
I received a call from a Red Cross station in New York, that had heard of our site, requesting very specific items be brought to the Ground Zero location for the search teams. They were in need of pick axes, work boots, work gloves, particulate masks, helmet lights, water, sani-wipes, among other things. I remember asking some of the truck drivers that were making drop offs if they could get their hands on any of the items that were needed to please bring them back. People were so excited that their donations were actually being brought directly to the search teams. They made several trips back and forth with specific items and called upon friends to do the same.
We couldn’t get large trucks into the city so our ambulances loaded up along with private panel trucks and drove caravan style to the tunnel where I called ahead with the plate numbers and what was on board. Fed Ex offered two small rigs for the weekend, which they manned for driving in and out with supplies. One of our EMT’s called several companies requesting their participation. They stepped up to the plate and truckloads of paper products; tools, masks, flashlights and toiletries were delivered.
Our CEO stood beside us while the work was going on and offered any assistance we needed.
Upon arriving in our ambulances close to Ground Zero there would be people lined up cheering for us. They knew we were delivering much needed supplies. We would pull up and exhausted fireman with soot covered faces would pour into the back of the ambulance or truck and find a pair of boots, gloves, helmet lights, drink water and leave.
The soles of their boots were literally burned through.
On Monday, the secured lot was filled with provisions, which were delivered to Chelsea Piers and near Ground Zero.
This was not the only event held at the stadium where staff all came together for a good cause but it was the most rewarding one.
