Local store donates kitchens to Breezy Point storm victims

Two Sandy victims from Breezy Point will be recipients of new kitchens, thanks to Arlene Lewis, owner of Joe’s Appliances.

The first was donated to a nurse whose home was destroyed. She was the winner of a lottery held at a Hurricane Sandy benefit at Salty Dog on November 18. The lucky recipient received a new refrigerator, oven range, dishwasher and over-the-range microwave, or micro hood.

While at a meeting with a buyer’s group, Lewis shared the story. Representatives of appliance giant Frigidaire were so moved, they told her they would donate a second kitchen.

“While I was helping a customer here buy normal merchandise, a guy walked in whose house was also destroyed in Breezy Point,” Lewis recalled, adding that the home was his permanent residence. “I told him, ‘Great, you are the recipient of a new kitchen!’ He couldn’t really believe it. So I have two people who will be getting kitchens whenever they are ready.”

Lewis said she was happy that she was able to give back. “I felt like I was able to afford it and these people needed help,” she said. “I don’t have the time to give volunteering, so I did it this way.”