Asian-American Police Group Assists NY Cops With Donated Items

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ever since Hurricane Sandy hit, New York police officers have been working around the clock to restore order and keep their city safe.

Many haven't even had the time to cope with their own losses suffered because of Sandy.

But as CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports, some Chicago officers are stepping up to ease their burden.

For a week, donations have been pouring in -- everything from food, clothing, to toys and cleaning supplies.

All of it is headed to New York City to help police officers coping in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

"While most people are taking time off work to deal with what's happened back home, they're actually out there on patrol working long hours, and they have no help for themselves. They don't have time to gather the things necessary for their family," says Norman Kwong, president of Asian American Law Enforcement Association.

The Chicago-based organization decided to help the NYPD officers, some of whom were in Chicago just a few months ago for a conference. The New York officers are in need of pet food, diapers, among other things, Kwong says.

"It helps family members get their houses in order," retired Chicago police officer Mal Woo says. "Take a little pressure off of them."

The response from businesses and people in Chicago has been overwhelming.

"It's surprising, but we're really grateful and thankful," Kwong says.

By phone, the NYPD officer who's in charge of handing out all the donations there says it's awesome they're getting this kind of support from the Chicago area.

The local members of AALEA say they will make additional shipments if donations keep coming in. There are two locations:

--The Offices of Raymond Tu, located at 5120 N. Broadway Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640.

--The Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, located at 2169B S. Chinatown Place, Chicago, IL 60617.