Non-Stop At Wall Distribution Center

They keep coming.

Thousands so far, driving their cars through a zig-zag entryway at the parking lot of the Circle Factory Outlet center, Atlantic Avenue and Route 35.

Ralph Addonizio, volunteer at the Wall Community First Aid squad, said the emergency workers and other volunteers have loaded about 3,000 cars with ice and water since 7 a.m. Friday – the first day that the regional distribution center opened in the shopping center’s lot.

Addonizio is helping organize the massive relief station – one of three in the county.

“We’ve managed to help a lot of people so far,’’ Addonizio said. “But it’s a massive undertaking.’’

There were about 60 volunteers at the distribution center early afternoon, mainly from Wall’s fire and first aid squads, but also some National Guard and civilian folks who wanted to help out.

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Volunteers are needed at the distribution center, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday. Drop by the center or email Ralph Addonizio at raddonizio@wcfas.org
Donations of blankets and other items are being accepted at the center.
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The supplies – five tractor-trailers so far – were donated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Jersey Central Power & Light, Addonizio said.  Supplies are taken from the trucks by a forklift donated from nearby Atlantic Farms.

The center opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m. It will be open every day until the supplies are gone.

Each vehicle is allowed two bags of ice and two cases of water, loaded into the trunk by volunteers. Drivers need not even get out of the car.

Instead, someone such as Olivia Hedberg – a volunteer with Wall’s Community First Aid – will load your supplies.

Hedberg, who said she also does not have power and dwindling supplies, has been out on the line loading cars since 7 a.m.

“I can’t even tell you how many bags of ice I’ve given out,’’ she said. “Or how many cups of coffee I’ve had.’’

Addonizio said the center is collecting and distributing other necessary items like coats and blankets to be distributed when or if people ask for them.