Wareham has been bludgeoned by its share of winter storms this year, but in Staten Island, N.Y., residents are still recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy last October.

The Wareham Hurricane Sandy Coalition was formed last year to help the New Yorkers, and has been working with Guyon Rescue, nonprofit that provides assistance to Staten Island families.

The town sent down a truckload of donations. A fundraising effort is underway. The cleaning process has made a lot of headway, and now, the Coalition is looking for people to take a trip to Staten Island to help in the rebuilding effort.

"They went in and mucked out about 500 houses," cleaning mold and tossing out the ravaged remains of the homes' contents, explained Claire Smith of the Wareham Hurricane Sandy Coalition. "Now they're in the rebuilding stage, where they're sheet-rocking, and they're looking for some help."

While some homes have been completely gutted, others have just a ruined room or two.

"If [volunteers] have experience, that is absolutely wonderful," said Smith, adding that people without construction experience will still be able to help by carrying things, cleaning up, and doing general labor.

To get involved, call Claire Smith at 508-295-4356.

The Coalition also continues to raise money for the cause.

Volunteers are looking for items and services that can be auctioned off at the May 19 WCTV Live Auction. The proceeds from the auction will be split between the Coalition and the Christopher Donovan School, WCTVs two nonprofit partners for the event.

"The more auction items we have, the more successful we'll be," said Smith.

In addition to antiques, sports memorabilia, Red Sox tickets, and other items, Smith is hoping local businesses will step up and offer up a variety of services, and that residents will get creative with their donations.

"If someone has a condo by the beach or a summer house and they're willing to offer off a week's stay," it would be very much appreciated, says Smith.

And "Coinks," the little blue piggy banks that have become the Coalition's mascot, have been busy collecting loose change at area businesses and schools.

Every time the pigs collect $500, the Coalition sends the money to Guyon Rescue, said Sally Morrison, who organized the Coink project with Eastern Bank on Main Street. One $500 check has already been sent.

Coinks are everywhere -- look for the blue pigs with the band-aids! While the banks are a fundraising tool, they also serve as a reminder of the disaster for people who may not have a direct connection to it.

"It keeps it fresh because this is going to take a long, long time" to clean up, said Morrison. "Coink is plugging along, day after day."

To donate items or services to the WCTV auction, contact Sally Morrison at sammorrison@comcast.net or visit www.warehamtv.org/auction.

The Coalition is also collecting gift cards for Home Depot and Lowe's, which may be sent to the Onset Bay Association, P.O. Box 799, Onset, 02558. Include a note that the cards are for the Hurricane Sandy Coalition.