Care Packages for Students Needed

AFT Local 1904 is calling on members to help with donating care packages and hosting a pizza party for students who live on campus during the winter break.

The care packages will be distributed to students during at a pizza party the Local will be sponsoring and hosting on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in The Machuga Heights.

Care Packages should consist of a plastic shoe box (which can be purchased at most Dollar Stores) that contains most of the following:

Small Travel Games

Playing Cards

Gloves

Gift Cards to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts

Cough Drops 

Travel Packets of Tissues

Cocoa

Ramen Noodles/Cup of Soup

Granola Bars and other snacks

AFT give-aways such as post-it notes, pencils, etc.*

* These items will be provided by the Local.

The drop off location is at Charity Dacey's office University Hall, Suite 1160.  

If you would prefer to make a donation to help underwrite the cost of a care package, please send $15 to the Local's office in College Hall, Room 314A. Checks should be made payable to 'AFT Local 1904'. Contributions need to be received by January 10th. 

Questions? Contact the Local's office at ext. 4453.

AFTNJ Superstorm Sandy Fund

A fund has been established in partnership with the AFT Disaster Relief Fund to assist AFTNJ members and retirees suffering losses from the storm and its aftermath. The fund is part of the union’s tradition of solidarity with members overtaken by natural or man-made catastrophes.

The fund will provide some relief— $250 per member household—to help members meet their immediate essential needs for this disaster. While we know it will not help members pay the lion share of the bills incurred by the catastrophic loss, it serves as a token to show that our union stands together.  To learn more or to access the application, go to AFTNJ's website.

Educators Helping Educators and Students

At our November 14, 2012 general meeting, we passed the hat to raise money for the students and teachers of the Robert L. Craig School in Moonachie, NJ, who lost their school as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The amount donated was matched dollar for dollar by AFT Local 1904 and a total of $400 was raised. The money was used to purchase 40 -$10 gift cards to Staples and Target. The gift cards were sent to the Robert L. Craig School Relief Drive so the teachers and families can purchase much needed supplies.

“The members of Montclair State University AFT Local 1904 wanted to help the kids and our colleagues in Moonachie,” said Richard Wolfson, President of AFT Local 1904.  “We were fortunate at Montclair State University to suffer only minimal damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy and we wanted to help the families and teachers in Moonachie since they have suffered so much," Wolfson said. 

Disaster Recovery Information

Here are some important contact information that may be useful after Hurricane Sandy and the Nor'easter Athena. 

Assistance for MSU Students:

If any of your students find themselves in a seriously difficult situation that may be impeding their ability to continue their studies to contact Office of the Dean of Students at 973-655-4118 or askdeanofstudents@mail.montclair.edu. 

Assistance for MSU Employees:

Any employee who is experiencing serious difficulties related to the storm should be in contact with his or her supervisor, dean, vice president, or with Associate Vice President Gilbert Rivera in Human Resources. He can be reached at ext. 5317 or via email at riverag@mail.montclair.edu.

Assistance from AFTNJ for Unit Members:  

AFTNJ’s Executive Committee moved money to provide some limited compensation to those who suffered from losses to their homes, cars and property. If you suffered significant losses or want to volunteer to participate in recovery efforts, please complete a short survey. Additional help is also provided through AFT National and other agencies, click here.

For non-immediate health matters or other assistance:
Call 211 or go online at www.nj211.org for help with non-emergency issues, including basic human needs. support for seniors or persons with disabilities, children, or mental health issues.

To file a claim with FEMA:
Call 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362). Make sure you register with FEMA. To file a claim online go to: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

To file an insurance claim, if you can't find the company or agent's number:
Call the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance at 1-800-446-7467 or go to
http://www.state.nj.us/dobi.

To report complaints about insurance companies:
Call the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance at 1-800-446-7467 

A printable complaint form is here: http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/complain.pdf 

To report possible consumer fraud or price gouging by contractors or others:
State law makes excessive price increases illegal during a state of emergency, and for 30 days following the end of the emergency. Call the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at 862-209-0130 or 973-220-3474.

To provide volunteer assistance in the cleanup and restoration effort:
Call 1-800-JERSEY -7 (1-800-537-7397). Backup numbers: 609-775-5236 or 908-303-0471. Volunteers may also send an email to rowena.madden@sos.state.nj.us. This service is managed by the NJ Business Action Center and the Governor's Office of Volunteerism, both divisions within the NJ Department of State.

To request volunteer assistance:
Call 211 or go online at www.nj211.org.