Local disaster relief team collecting Xmas items

TIPP CITY, Ohio (WDTN) - The Church of Christ Disaster Response Team is asking residents across the Miami Valley to help spread the holiday cheer this Christmas. 

Members of DRT, a Tipp City based organization, continue to work in several of the northeastern areas affected by Superstorm Sandy. 

2 News spoke with the organization's co-director Laura Cremeans, who is in Union Beach, New Jersey, where she and others have been helping families the past few weeks.

"At first they went through a stage where they were in denial," said Cremeans in speaking about the victims.  "Then they were panicking and now, several weeks later, they are finally starting to see the light."

However, that glimmer of hope families have gained is being matched with fear.  Cremeans said many of the families don't have the money to supply Christmas for their children.

"That has been one of the things that has been really heavy on my heart," said Cremeans.  "We have had so many people express to us how their houses have been totally destroyed along with everything in them.  Some of them have lost their jobs because the buildings of the businesses they worked for are now gone."

Cremeans said the organization is making sure Santa visits these families this Christmas.

"We are asking residents here in the Miami Valley to donate new toys, new or "like-new" Christmas decorations, gift cards or monetary donations," said Cremeans.  "We are hoping to buy each child atleast one clothing outfit."

Cremeans said she wanted to thank the community for their support in donations when Superstorm Sandy struck the coast.  She said even the smallest of donations this holiday season would make a difference.

"Even just being able to have a Christmas and have gifts to open is just amazing to these children," said Cremeans.  "Many of them just assume they are not going to have a Christmas because their parents just don't have the supplies necessary this year."

You can take your donations to the DRT property located at 9285 state route 202 in Tipp City, Monday- Sunday from 9 am. - 3 p.m. through Saturday, December 15.

Cremains said the DRT property is not located in the church.  It is a nearby building.