A Sioux Falls man, who grew up in New Jersey, is on his way back to his hometown to help his mother. Her home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.
Rob Mickiewicz is loading up a trailer full of supplies to go help his mother, who lived about 200 yards from the shore when Hurricane Sandy came knocking.
"Water damage, half the roof was blown off her house, water came in the main level, there's about five feet of water in the basement, the tide has receded, but there's still water," Mickiewicz said.
Most of these supplies were donated by area businesses. From water pumps to gas cans to bags full of clothing, Mickiewicz is grateful to everyone who donated, so he could make this unexpected trip back home.
"It's been pretty cool to see how people's hearts have opened up just with donations we've received," Mickiewicz said.
Mickiewicz's mother, who is 58, is okay.
"She actually rode the storm out because she didn't want to leave her dogs, which I didn't agree with her," Mickiewicz
Don: Is that the Jersey in her?
Rob: That's the Jersey in her, didn't want to leave the house.
Mickiewicz isn't sure what to expect when he arrives because he's only seen pictures of the devastation on television. But he knows it's going to be an emotional trip.
"I've been almost breaking out in tears for the last couple of days and I'm sure when I get there, it's going to hit home, right now I'm just in a mode to get out there and help, but when I get out there and see the devastation, I'm going to need a couple of minutes to mourn the losses in my community," Mickiewicz said.
Mickiewicz doesn't know if his mother will be able to rebuild the home yet. For now, she's staying with a relative.
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