OCNJ CARE Accepting Donations for Flood Relief Effort

OCNJ CARE, a volunteer organization formed hours after the hurricane subsided, has already helped hundreds of Ocean City residents with food, clothing and shelter needs.

The group has recruited dozens of volunteers from Ocean City and surrounding areas. CARE project partners include the City of Ocean City, Chamber of Commerce, Ecumenical Council, School District, St. Peters United Methodist Church, the Ocean City Tabernacle, Board of Realtors, Ocean City PTA, and the local Firemen and Policemen’s Benevolent Associations. 

The most pressing need at this point is cash donations to assist residents in obtaining temporary housing and to cover disaster related injuries, says Drew Fasy, CARE chairperson.

People have to be relocated and need financial assistance.

Fasy notes that some property owners have offered their rental units and in some cases summer homes, but the need goes far beyond that although he would appreciate on-going help from second homeowners.

Checks should be made out to OCNJCARE and mailed Post Office Box 807, Ocean City, N.J. 08226, dropped off at Ocean City Home Bank, 10th and Asbury Ave or visit www.ocnjcare.org.

OCNJCARE in cooperation with their civic partners have established the following assistance centers:

RELIEF CENTER: Open daily 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (worship Sunday, 8, 9, 10:45 a.m.) at St. Peters United Methodist Church — 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. free breakfast; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Coffee, Light Snacks, Sandwiches and charging stations; 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., free hot dinner.

MOST-NEEDED DONATIONS: Contributors are asked to take donations to the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street and Boardwalk. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. noon to 4 p.m., non-perishable food items, dry goods, new towels and cleaning supplies.

RELIEF KIT DISTRIBUTION & CLOTHING NEEDS: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th and Wesley Ave., non perishable food items, clean supplies and dry goods available.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE: Local base at Linwood Community Church 609-927-2950, free debris removal, cleaning and mold prevention. First priority given to uninsured and under insured properties.

WARD CAPTAINS: For additional assistance, calls confidental, help provided:

1st. Ward: Mike DeVileger, mdevlieger@ocnj.us (609) 231-8987.

2nd Ward: Antwan McClellan, amcclellan@ocnj.us (609) 517-6593

3rd Ward: Susan Sheppard, susansheppardocnj@yahoo.com (609)425-7710

4th Ward: Pete Guinusso, pguinusso@ocnj.us (609) 374-5272

OCNJCARE (Ocean City, clean up and recovery effort) is a not for profit organization 501 (c) (3)

Need help or want to help with relief efforts in Ocean City, register at www.ocnjcare.org