Community Corner

Neighbors Help Seaford Family in Time of Need

A Seaford family forced to move back to their Sandy-damaged home has been overwhelmed by support from members of the community. 

On Friday, Tom and Maureen Johnson, along with their 11 and 12-year-old daughters Viktoria and Stephanie, returned to their house, which had its first floor destroyed when Sandy struck.

After spending their savings on a rental home in Wantagh, the Seaford residents returned home.

"We had to use all our insurance and savings, everything we had, borrow from my 84-year-old father,” Tom told CBS News.

Little did the family expect that help was on the way. 

From CBS News

Tom Sutcliffe, a businessman from New Jersey, filled their oil tank. John Liotta, a retired educator from Medford, sent the family $200. Bill Bongiorno of Great Bay Contracting in Bay Shore is helping the Johnsons finish repairs to their home. Lana Santorelli from Manhattan and her husband, Lenny, gave the family $15,000 as well as iPads and iPhones for the girls.

"Coming home is the greatest thing, but this is unbelievable to have this kind of help," Maureen Johnson added. "It’s wonderful, it really is. I’m so glad there are so many wonderful people in this world."

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