KETTERING, Ohio (October 30, 2012)--Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was collecting relief supplies Tuesday in Ohio in an attempt to strike the right tone in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Romney told Dayton-area voters that Americans have "heavy hearts" because of suffering along the East Coast and thanked attendees for their donations, but didn't mention President Barack Obama in his brief remarks.

Romney's campaign had neatly lined up toothpaste, diapers, canned food and other goods before Romney's appearance.

After he spoke, he collected bags of relief goods from supporters.

The Republican initially canceled all events for Tuesday, the day after Sandy caused massive flooding, deaths and knocked out power to millions, but the relief event kept Romney in the public eye and media spotlight with just a week to go before Election Day.