MONROE - The Hurricane Sandy Samaritans project, originally started by young members of the St. Clare's Youth Ministry, raised food and gifts for those who survived Hurricane Sandy in December.

Two weekends were spent collecting, sorting and boxing food and gifts. Trucks were supplied by Mike Jerge to move items to various locations. Jerge allowed the ministry to box items, shrink wrap and palletize all the materials, and store the boxes at his business. Parents and youth ministry kids, assisted by younger students, assembled 11 pallets of warm clothing, shoes, blankets, cleaning products, toys, games and a stereo system to play Christmas music.

The ministry's original plan was to drive the supplies out St. Mary's in New Jersey, which houses a homeless shelter, and meal and gifts for the folks of St. Francis de Sales parish in Belle Harbor, New York. Due to the wintry weather, though, the group ended up shipping the food and gifts, and the items arrived at St. Mary's and St. Francis de Sales on Dec. 22. St. Francis was able to give Christmas back to folks who are still dealing with a lack of electricity, phone service and Internet services.

St. Clare's is also planning a trip to Belle Harbor, possibly in the spring, to bring them a check and members willing to help.