Together with local volunteers and other corporate sponsors, Sherwin-Williams is helping cities like Highlands, NJ recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

Rebuilding hard-hit communities

When Hurricane Sandy pounded the eastern seaboard in October 2012, New Jersey was one of the hardest hit areas, with more than $29 billion in damage. Highlands, a small Jersey shore town known for its restaurants, marinas and fishing industry, was among the state's most ravaged communities. Storm surges reached more than 12 feet, causing significant damage to 80 percent of the downtown homes and many commercial and municipal buildings.

But residents and businesspeople did not give up on their hometown, and hundreds of volunteers have come together to rebuild the community.

Donations of paint and labor

The non-profit Highlands Business Partnership formed the Hope for Highlands committee to assist with the recovery and restoration. The Sherwin-Williams Company recently joined together with other local business leaders and corporate sponsors in a day of volunteerism to benefit the residents and businesses devastated by the storm.

In addition to donating manpower, Sherwin-Williams provided more than 250 gallons of paint and primer to makeover several Highlands buildings and local residences, including Chilangos, a Mexican restaurant famed for drawing people from across the country, including New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen.

"We are proud to partner with such a terrific group of volunteers, representing so many organizations, to help Highlands residents rebuild their homes, businesses and community," said Mark Sposito, vice president of marketing for the Sherwin-Williams Eastern Division. "With 250 gallons of premium paint and primer, we hope to add a little protection, brightness and color back to the Highlands community."

RELATED LINKS

Make a donation to Hope for Highlands

How painters helped businesses recover from Tennessee's "1000-Year Flood"

Professional Painting Contractor magazine archive