Columbia, SC — After 10 days without heat, light or running water and only food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration, my family’s electricity was finally restored by five wonderful, hard-working men from South Carolina.

I want to send out a big “thank you” to all of the workers who came north to help those of us who are struggling to recover our lives after Hurricane Sandy. These workers sacrificed their time and effort and took time away from their own families to help us. They are good, good men.

My 4-year-old twin boys and I are mighty grateful to the people of South Carolina for their generosity and kindness in our time of need. Each day I watch caravans of trucks from out of state travel up and down the highways, on their way to help families desperate for heat and running water. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who is helping to put our lives back together.

Carrie Ciripompa

Bloomsbury, N.J.