It’s been about two-and-a-half weeks since Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, and the confectionery industry is doing it’s part to help recovery efforts.

Both the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and Hershey are finding ways to help the affected communities.

NCA sets up relief fund

The NCA’s Confectionery Foundation has established a Rockaway Disaster Relief fund, named for the Rockaway Peninsula of Long Island in the New York City borough of Queens.

The community — home of one of the NCA’s long-standing members, Madelaine Chocolate — was especially hard hit. Many of the homes in the area washed away completely or were reduced to rubble, and fires erupted throughout the peninsula.

Jorge Farber, president and ceo of Madelaine, has agreed to serve as the executor of the Fund.

“Jorge is on the ground in the community and will have a deep understanding of how our donations can best be used by various local organizations,” says Larry Graham, NCA president. “There are many people trying to help the community, but the needs are tremendous at this time and our donations will make a difference to local police and fire departments, food banks, and community shelters.”

Companies or individuals who would like to make a donations can contribute to the NCA’s Confectionery Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and 100% of the funds will go directly to benefit the Rockaway Disaster Relief Fund.

Hershey donates $50,000

To children use the "create your own candy bar" station at Hershey. The chocolate maker donated $5 from every purchase made Nov. 3-4 to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Photo provided.

Meanwhile, Hershey has been doing its part to help with relief efforts as well. The Hershey, Pa.-based company contributed $50,000 to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund before the storm hit so the funds could be immediately available.

Hershey employees also are being guided on how they can make personal contributions to the Red Cross and the United Way.

The chocolate maker also donated product to the Red Cross shelter in Somerset, N.J.. Ten pallets filled with about 5,000 bags of Hershey candy, including: Hershey’s, Kit Kat, and Reese’s snack size items were delivered, Nov. 3.

In addition, Hershey’s Chocolate World donated $5 from every “create your own candy bar” purchase made Nov. 3-4 to the American Red Cross, raising more than $10,000.

Hershey also is partnering with the Derry Township Police Department to gather relief supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims in the Howard Beach section of Queens, N.Y., as well as other locations where there is need. And, Hershey and its logistics partner, CR England, have donated a trailer and transportation to bring needed supplies to those impacted by the storm.