'Christmas On The Island' - A Bright Spot In A Bleak Season For Some

South Seaside Park resident Courtney Chibarro and a host of volunteers spread some holiday joy on the barrier island

Dec. 23, 2012 will go down in Courtney Chibarro's memory as one of the best days of her life. "It was amazing," a tired, but happy Chibarro said Sunday night. Chibarro's family home in South Seaside Park was high enough to escape the flood waters from Superstorm Sandy. But she couldn't stop thinking about neighbors and residents on the barrier island who weren't as lucky. That's how "Christmas on the Island" was born. Chibarro and a group of volunteers wanted to bring some happiness to those who are still reeling from the storm, even the first responders who have stood guard over the island in the cold and darkness. The Christmas caravan started off with a little party at Salon Allure in Toms River, where the donations had been dropped off…

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Hurricane Sandy

'Christmas On The Island' - A Holiday Event Takes Off

South Seaside Park resident comes up with way to thank first responders, cheer barrier island residents

Courtney Chibarro was luckier than many after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore on Oct. 29. Her family home on Roberts Avenue and the dunes in South Seaside Park were high enough to keep flood waters at bay. On Thanksgiving Day, when the chaos of evacuation had passed, she took a little time to reflect on how the storm had affected her friends and neighbors on the barrier island and the mainland. And she wanted to do something to thank the first responders and volunteers who are still helping out. "I called some of my neighbors and friends," she said. Chibarro asked them if they would help out with thank you cards and come up with ways to liven holiday spirits. That's how "Christmas on the Island" was born. The event will …

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