Many frustrated Gloucester County residents still without power

WOOLWICH TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Frustrated residents in Gloucester County got some much needed help Saturday as they continue to wait for their power to be restored after this week's storms.

Volunteers arrived at Kingsway Regional High School at 8:00 a.m., giving out ice and water to hundreds of people.

LeAnn Gramenzi says her home on Lincoln Drive in Gloucester Township has been without power since the storm hit Tuesday.

"We can't cook, we have to order takeout. I can't use anything electrical. At night we live by candles," said Gramenzi.

Hundreds of dollars in food are in the trash. Now, they're using a few coolers with ice to get by.

She and her neighbors in Gloucester County say they call Atlantic City Electric daily, looking for updates.

"They say the tickets out on the street, and when they get to it they get to it. Well that's not good enough," said Gary Smith.

Smith says the storm did about $21,000 in damage to his roof and siding.

But what's even more frustrating? Coming home to a dark house.

"I call them every day. Every couple hours we call them," said Smith.

One family says the past few days have been like camping in their own home.

They went out and bought a generator on Thursday but say that's costing them $50 a day in gasoline.

"I can't understand how the whole neighborhood has power and maybe eight houses don't have power. It doesn't make sense," said Matt Schaffer.

An Atlantic City Electric spokesperson said hundreds of crews are working to restore power and are fixing the equipment that will bring the most homes back online first.

Individual homes or small groups without power will take some time.

"All I can do is pray that tomorrow night at 11:59, miraculously I'll have light at the end of my tunnel," said Gramenzi.

According to Atlantic City Electric, they hope to have many of their customers back on by Sunday - Monday at the latest.

At Kingsway Regional High School, volunteers will be giving out ice and water until 8:00 p.m. and Red Cross officials say they say they'll keep doing this as long as they're needed.