Seaford Salon Offers Relief to Sandy Victims

As Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc across Wantagh and Seaford last week, LaCole Salon and Spa owner Nicole Consi opened her doors to those less fortunate.

LaCole Salon and Spa in Seaford regained power shortly after the storm as more than 900,000 Long Islanders were left in the dark. With resources readily available, Consi and her staff began fundraising for those who lost it all.

"We didn't expect this much damage," said Consi, who operates the Seaford establishment alongside her sister. "When we came to the salon after the storm, we decided we had to do something. We had power, so we put on our Facebook page that we'd be collecting donations for the south shore area."

In just days, Consi said, an incredible amount of clothing, toys, food and non-perishable goods were delivered by local residents.

"It went viral and took on a life of its own," she said. "I really didn't expect to get as much as we did. People showed up with car loads of supplies. We've had tons and tons of stuff coming in and going out."

Consi said she saw an abundance of clothing in the last week, but items like batteries, paper towels, flashlights and diapers are key.

"I've gotten feedback that the demand is not so much for clothes anymore. These items are a bit more harder for people to donate, but we're trying to get what we can."

In addition to fundraising, Consi and her staff has offered area residents a free place to charge their phones, shower and find warmth as temperatures continue to drop.

LaCole Salon and Spa will continue to collect donations during the salon hours. Located at 3962 Merrick Rd. in Seaford, the salon is open Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.