400 Irish volunteers descended on Rockaway and other areas slammed by Hurricane Sandy on Saturday for a Christmas Meitheal (helping neighbors in need).

They fanned out to several stricken sites led by the Ancient Order of Hibernians who organized a massive manpower effort to help damaged areas.

It was the second time in two months that the Irish community had come together to help out those in need after the hurricane.

Over $30,000 in gifts and needed resources was given out during the day plus the work crews who helped out did so in several distressed areas as far apart as Staten Island and Long Island .

A toy drive with breakfast for kids and Irish dancing also took place.

Deputy Irish Consul General Peter Ryan told the volunteers, “Thanks again for making our Meitheal dream real again today.”

Ryan and Consul General Noel Kilkenny had played a huge role in co-ordinating the outreach along with the major Irish centers in New York and a host of voluntary organizations.

Buses left pick up spots in Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx for the Rockaways and other destinations at 7 a.m.

“We are immensely proud of all the volunteer effort.” said Consul General Noel Kilkenny. “We can see first hand the goodness of heart in our community in helping those in need.”