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Besides a thumbs-up from Gov. Christie, the couple and their relief effort — Immediate Supplies for NJ EMS and FIRE Depts affected by Hurricane Sandy — will be hailed by the Lakewood BlueClaws and the popular Point Pleasant restaurant, Joe Leone’s, during one of “70 Sandy Ovations” this season.
“We didn’t apply for it,” said Nadine (Nicastro) Demczyszyn, whose family has produced generations of police officers. “I got a call from the BlueClaws saying there were many nominations put in our name.
Moonachie ambulance squad members with Nadine Demczyszyn, in hooded sweatshirt, and her husband, Rich, next to her. ALL PHOTOS by Sherri Ciarocco
Rich (originally from Lodi) and Nadine (Palisades Park) originally set out to collect and distribute supplies to Shore-area firefighters and emergency responders who were stretched beyond thin by Hurricane Sandy.
They posted a request on Facebook seeking medical items – the kinds of things you’d find in the first-aid aisle of a drug store – for Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright.
It seemed a simple enough gesture, true grassroots support for those sworn to protect people and property no matter the circumstances. As Rich began making deliveries to Sea Bright and Union Beach, Nadine created a new Facebook page seeking items that first responders could use: facebook/NJIEFS.
Within a week, their venture went viral. Donations of fire and EMS equipment and supplies came in not only from throughout the state but from across the country — and around the world.
It even brought the Jackson Township couple back to their Bergen County roots:
- YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: Relief of another kind comes to New Jersey this weekend when two 18-wheelers filled with donated fire and EMS equipment, as well as other essential goods arrives at The Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah from Chicago and South Carolina. READ MORE….
“Our intention was never to be in the spotlight,” Nadine Demczyszyn told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “We just wanted to make sure that EMS and Fire had the supplies they needed.
“The generosity of people is beyond belief.”
All told IEFS has distributed more than $500,000 in item donations to first responders statewide. Local recipients include: Moonachie Fire, Moonachie First Aid & Rescue, Little Ferry Fire, Bergen County SWAT paramedics and The Center for Food Action of Bergen County.
Because they can’t accept cash donations, Rich and Nadine have focused on using their Jersey Shore printing business, On The Spot Graphics, to co-sponsor fundraisers.
Those familiar with the Demczyszyns know they’re not about receiving credit. But they’re clearly touched by their latest honor.
The BlueClaws are honoring a different company, individual, or charitable organization that contributed to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts at each of their 70 home games in Lakewood this year. The Demczyszyns and IEFS are scheduled for May 30 (SEE: 70 Sandy Ovations).
One of them gets to throw out the first pitch, be honored on the field between innings and be interviewed on the BlueClaws radio broadcast, among other distinctions.
“The ovation is really for all of those involved, including everyone who dropped off donations and those who’ve been recipients,” Nadine told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “We hope many of them can come to the game.”
To find out more, click on the image below. Or call the Demczyszyns at On The Spot Graphics: (732) 994-5112
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