The mayor of Belmar says he wants to do his part to help out the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Mayor Matt Doherty says that beach access and parking will be free Labor Day Monday. The mayor is asking beachgoers to instead leave a donation for hurricane victims in one of several boxes around town.

Mayor Doherty says that he will take the money collected at the beach and local restaurants directly to Rockport, Texas himself. 

“We want to help as much as possible with the financial burden that’s going to be coming down the road,” Doherty says.

The mayor says that he wants to give back because of all the support Belmar received following Superstorm Sandy. Doherty says that the town received $1 million in private donations to help recovery.

Towns across New Jersey have been pitching in to help the victims of Harvey.

Doctors, nurses and police officers have volunteered to do down to help in the relief and rescue effort, and towns across the state started donations drives.

The mayor of Perth Amboy organized a donation drive for her town for this weekend. Volunteers are taking donations of toiletries and personal items, as well as household goods like blankets, towels and cellphone chargers. They are not taking food or clothing at this time.

Mayor Wilda Diaz says that she was also inspired by all the support New Jersey received after Sandy.

How to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims
American Red Cross Website
Call: 1-800-RED CROSS
Or Text Harvey to the number 90999
Save the Children
The Salvation Army
North American Mission Board
Heart to Heart International