Sandy Victims Trying To Find Sense Of Normalcy This Thanksgiving - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Sandy Victims Trying To Find Sense Of Normalcy This Thanksgiving

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WILDWOOD, N.J. -

At two weeks old, a small Days Inn hotel room is the only home Nicholas Barnes has ever known.

The baby was born just days after his family, pets and all, were evacuated from Seaside Heights when Hurricane Sandy ripped through the area.

"Honestly, the hardest part is having the kids and going through this. I mean, if it was just me and my husband, we'd be okay," Kelly Barnes told FOX 29's Chris O'Connell.

In another room, the only possessions left from Brian Sotell and his family's home are now crammed into boxes and bags that sit on a hotel room floor.

The Sotell family is among 200 families who are now staying at Wildwood's four hotels.

"They lost all their stuff and I'm their mom," Renee Sotell said.

"I'm supposed to take care of them and make my life better."

The family is waiting on FEMA to get an apartment, but when that will be is anyone's guess.

"How long can you live in a hotel? All my stuff is in bags and most of the stuff I had was donated," Brian Sotell said.

On a week where many will gather around a dinner table with family, a small army is making sure these evacuees get a decent Thanksgiving meal.

Former candidate for U.S. Senate Christine O'Donnell is playing host this Thanksgiving. She teamed up with Saint Ann's Church to feed the hundreds of Sandy victims in an attempt to give them a sense of normalcy.

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