video transcript

Hurricane Sandy ravaged New York's Rockaways in October 2012 - leaving the string of coastal towns looking like a war zone. Days after the storm Glam4Good founder Mary Alice Stephenson and her team blew into town determined to use their fashion connections to help the victims. SOUNDBITE: Mary Alice Stephenson, Glam4Good, saying (English): "For me, you know, fashion is this glamorous armor that we have that helps us sometimes face more difficult thing. And if you feel like you've been pampered or taken care of or protected in something beautiful, it often helps you get through far more devastating things." Stephenson is a fashion editor known for her magazine work. She began the foundation 20 years ago. And since, has used the feel-good power of fashion to help those hit by hard times. After hurricane Sandy, Stephenson realized turned to social media to solict goods from big brands like H&M and Donna Karen. But let's face it, sometimes there's just no substitute for retail therapy - which is why Stephenson created two large scale events dubbed "shopping sprees for free." Days before Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Stephenson set out on another mission. SOUNDBITE: Mary Alice Stephenson, Glam4Good, saying (English): "We are crossing into Rockaway right now, and we are about to do Operation Pearl Drop, which is a random act for Glam4Good." A school crossing guard was among the first recipients of the pearl earrings donated by Help Our Wounded. Jen Kelly said people in her community have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. SOUNDBITE: Jen Kelly, Rockaway resident, saying (English): "Everything that we're getting back in the community is just wonderful. From all the people that have been volunteering and helping us out - it's so emotional." And at the end of the day, Stephenson believes that fashion can be the best medicine.