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Jersey Strong Hurricane Sandy fundraising bracelets bracelet

FLORHAM PARK -- Ridgedale Middle Schooler Amanda Bermel knows where Sandy really packed a punch.

And to help “Restore the Shore,” she’s come up with an idea to help the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

The Pinchbrook Road 13-year-old approached her mom, Cindy Bermel, not long after the superstorm struck last month, saying she felt compelled to help those in worse need than those in the borough.

Like many north Jersey children she has spent many summers at the shore, notably Wildwood and Mantoloking; her mother had also spent time at a family home in Ocean Beach.

So she was shocked when, after power to her family’s home was restored, she finally saw pictures of the devastation Sandy wrought to the shore area.

Seeing it spurred her into action. "I wanted to make a difference," she said.

She said she and her mother searched the internet for ideas, eventually coming up with the bracelet, a white on black affair that touts “Restore the Shore," the “O” in “Shore” formed in a red heart, on the front; the back bearing an outline of the Garden State with the words, “Jersey Strong.”

Priced at $5 each, their first order of 1,000 was almost sold out within four days, thanks in part to selling to friends, businesses that will accept them (Investors Bank in Madison is one); and dad Chuck, a mail carrier in Madison.

The Bermels have also reached out to Hanover Park High School's principal, Tom Callanan along with the Hanover Park Varsity softball Coach Kristin Hogan and the team to help sell the bracelets at the high school.

“Word of mouth spread and friends were telling friends, posts on Facebook and the demand to buy the bracelet became a reality,” said Cindy Bermel.

“I cannot believe the outpouring of support I am getting from everyone,” Bermel said. “I even sent some bands to Pennsylvania People see the band on one’s wrist and they ask where did you get that band. I want to buy some.

“Even when I opened a separate account at a local bank a man purchased a bracelet from me. It is so amazing and so unreal.”

While she has set no monetary goal, Amanda Bermel hopes to raise at least $5,000.

All of the funds are marked for the fund set up by Mary Pat Christie, wife of Gov. Chris Christie.

In fact, the Bermels have already sent a letter along with two bands to the Christies informing them of the fundraiser and the need to make a difference.

So far, however, the Christies have not responded.

The Bermels will be selling the bands at the Holy Family Church Holiday Craft Show, to be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 1m and also at the Calvary Nursery School Holiday Vendor Night, to be held 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

For more information, email [email protected] .