For the past six weeks, the United Way of Ocean County has been very busy coordinating various holiday drives to benefit children and families of Ocean County.
"The outpour from the community wanting to help has been amazing," said Stephanie L Lucas, community building coordinator for the United Way. "There have been numerous businesses and individuals calling wanting to make holiday wishes come true."
Many food, coat, clothing, Christmas tree and gift drives have helped more than 150 families celebrate the holiday season with joy, she said.
According to a press release, Ocean County businesses that have made donations include: AmerGen Energy, Boscovs, Brick High School, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Central Mothers of New Jersey, Express, The Gap, Harley Davidson, Good Friend Electric, KS Fitness, law office of Joseph A. DiCroce, Leisure Park, Old Navy, New Jersey Natural Gas, New York & Company, Silverwoods Assisted Living Facility, Solomon Smith Barney, Sovereign Bank, South Toms River Baptist Church, Structure, Target, Victoria’s Secret, Wachovia Bank and Watchung Spring Water.
United Way of Ocean County has raised more than $23 million since its inception in 1976. The current board president is Alan Meyer, who has 45 additional board members from the community to support him.
United Way is committed to helping solve critical issues in the community and has 52 partner agencies that offer programs and services addressing these issues in Ocean County, some of which are: emergency food and shelter, overcoming disease and disability, strengthening families and neighborhoods, caring for the elderly, investing in the youth, and helping the working poor, according to the press release.
To learn more about United Way of Ocean County, visit its Web site at http://www.unitedwayofocean.com or call the office at (732) 240-0311.