Residents Re-charging Batteries in More Ways Than One

In the midst of a mess left behind by Superstorm Sandy, businesses in downtown Garden City are stepping up to the plate and helping residents power up, take a shower or just offer a place to warm their toes.

Dunkin' Donuts on Seventh Street offered up a power strip that local residents are taking full advantage of to recharge essential items like cell phone batteries, iPads and computers.

"It's just nice to sit in a warm place for a while," one local resident who lives in the Wyndham said. "I have no heat at home."

New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) on Franklin Avenue is opening its doors now through Nov. 14 so affected residents can "take a hot shower, to charge a cell phone battery, or simply to recharge their batteries with a stress-relieving workout." Patch readers can find a participating club by visiting www.mysportsclubs.com. (All clubs north of 38th St. in Manhattan will be open. Residents 18 or older must show a photo ID.)

Leo's, also on Seventh, is open for business, letting folks power up their electronics there as well.

A Patch readers are reporting that Chase Bank, also on Seventh Street, the new German restaurant Prost Grill & Garten on Franklin Avenue, the High Top Shop, also on Franklin, and A New Leaf on Seventh are also letting people power up on Wednesday.

"Here at A New Leaf we are open with hot tea, optimum WiFi and outlets for you to charge your devices," owner Kimberly Orlic said.

"I noticed Prost Restaurant is letting people recharge their devices and work on their Optimum Hot spot," one reader told Patch.

Betsy Andromidas adds, "The Andy Foundation's High Top Shop has not only been helping their volunteers power up but others who need power have been coming to the shop and plugging in. Many have even brought donations!"

Know a business lending a helping hand to those affected by Sandy? Let us know in the comments section below or email us at carisa@patch.com.