Freehold, NJ - VCS, a Freehold software company, developed two campaigns to benefit individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“Beach Town Backpacks” (BTB) and “Keep Warm After the Storm” (KWAS), were two initiatives created for their “VCS Gives Back” program. Through the two programs, VCS was able to collect more than 5,000 donated items to be distributed to individuals who were in need throughout the aftermath of the storm.

BTB relied on donated items such as toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo to be placed into a gently used backpack to ensure easy traveling for the people who would receive the items. VCS also encouraged donators to include a supportive note or card with their backpacks.

KWAS was a drive that focused on donated items such as coats, blankets, hats and scarves to make sure that individuals affected by Sandy could stay warm through the cold weather. Diane DiMemmo, Vice President of VCS, felt very strongly about this issue.

“The VCS Staff and I were impacted first-hand by Hurricane Sandy, so we know fully the devastation that followed the storm. We felt it was our social responsibility as a company to do what we could for those affected, and we were pleasantly surprised with the immense number of people who jumped at the chance to donate! With the help of an incredible number of concerned individuals, we were able to impact our surrounding communities in a positive way,” said DiMemmo.

Rapidly following the start of both drives in early November, donations of coats, blankets, diapers, toiletries and school supplies flooded into the company’s office. VCS even received donations from as far away as Massachusetts. This was not a one-man effort, as VCS employees from all different departments pitched in to spread the word, including adding their own personal donations.

“We would like to take this time to publicly thank all of the people who were so gracious and considerate of those less fortunate Hurricane Sandy victims,” DiMemmo said. “Thank you for your time and for your efforts, and thank you for assisting VCS with rebuilding lives in our surrounding communities.”