Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast with powerful storm surge and fierce winds. New York City and the New Jersey coastline were particularly hard hit by Sandy’s destructive nature. As residents struggle to return to a sense of normalcy after the storm, it’s clear that they will continue to deal with basic issues of survival such as finding food, locating fuel, living without power and rebuilding shelter.

In a series of statements obtained by MTV news, the stars of “Jersey Shore” expressed their condolences to the storm’s victims and their appreciation for the emergency workers who have spent countless hours rescuing flood victims and saving hospital patients when backup generators failed.

“Sandy destroyed Seaside — our second home,” Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi told MTV News. “It’s devastating to see our boardwalk and favorite spots ruined. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm.”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy, especially our friends and family in Seaside Heights,” Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio said. “A huge thank you to all the men and women who have been working around the clock to protect and help everyone, true heroes!”

“Over the last few years, it feels like Seaside Heights has become my second home,” Vinny Guadagnino said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was affected by this disaster in Seaside and all across the Northeast. I’m here to support in any way I can.”

“This is a devastating time for the East Coast and my prayers are with everyone,” Jenni “JWoww” Farley commented. “I am thinking about my second family at the Jersey Shore and know that we can rebuild and come back stronger.”

“The impact Hurricane Sandy had on the Jersey Shore is beyond devastating,” Sammi Giancola added. “So many families and homes were destroyed and my heart and prayers go out to everyone affected by this storm.”

Appearing on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” earlier this week, “JWoww” told the comedian that the house she shares with her fiance, Roger, in Tomas River, New Jersey, was only partially damaged.

“Fixable, I want to say. It’s really, it like hurts the heart a lot. It’s really kind of devastating,” the reality TV star said. “But as long as like my dogs, Roger’s safe, my friends are safe, we’re just all without power.”

Several of her “Jersey Shore” friends took to Twitter to sound off on Sandy. “Seaside Heights suffered bad from the hurricane and my prayers go out to everyone affected!” Ms. Polizzi tweeted. “We are all fine here.”

“Just saw our Police Chief Boyd of Seaside on the news risking his life to save people,” Mr. Guadagnino tweeted.

A number of celebrities have joined forces to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, reports The Los Angeles Times. NBC held an hour-long telethon to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy on Friday night. The concert featured performances from some of music’s best, including Sting, Mary J. Blige and Bruce Springsteen.

“Jersey strong. Keep your heart in it. We’re coming back,” native New Jersyean Jon Stewart said at the end of the benefit concert.