Donations needed for Village II flood victims

Stephanie Bachmann is anxiously awaiting the New Year. It won't take much to beat 2004.

A recent car accident compounded the stress she had been feeling as one of the Village II residents who had her apartment flooded September 9. The flood caused major headaches for residents, temporarily displacing 60, and wreaking greater havoc for about 15 families. Losses were not covered by insurance or federal aid.

Mary Lane, with the Hilton Community Council, said most local residents have no idea how extensive the damage was at the apartment complex.

"People have lost everything," said Lane. "There are still some people who are having a hard time dealing with it. For Bachmann, it meant having to replace many things including a new couch and chairs and the loss of family photos and many beloved items. In Bachmann's apartment the water stood three foot high.

For some it was the loss of expensive medicines and irreplaceable items. "One woman lost 15 years of a daily journal," Lane said. "One person had $30,000 in damage."

Village of Hilton officials are trying to spread the word about how residents can help out the families that were most affected. Tom Tilebien, superintendent of Public Works, said the disaster cannot be covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "These people are in a difficult spot," Tilebien said.

Those affected by the flood have seen some help from organizations like the Hilton Community Council, but great need still exists. The Natapow Management Group that operates the apartment complex is hoping to collect donations through its Natapow Family Foundation.

To help

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:

Hilton Village II Relief Fund

c/o Natapow Family Fund

120 Corporate Woods, Suite 100

Rochester, NY 14623