Waves of Caring Collecting Toys and Gifts for the Needy

New toys are now being accepted for the annual Waves of Caring holiday toy drive that provides new toys and gifts to children of local families in need.

Unwrapped new toys for infants though age 13 are accepted through Dec. 10 at:

• in the lobby, 861 Asbury Avenue
• at Sixth Street
• , 1735 Simpson Avenue
• Henry S. Knight Building, 115 12th Street (Public Works)
• , 1735 Simpson Avenue
• , 1735 Simpson Avenue
• , 1001 Asbury Avenue

Items needed include:

• Infant toys
• Educational items for young children
• Gift sets for teenage girls
• Sports-related items for boys
• Games (please provide batteries, if required)

Not needed are stuffed animals, Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders games.

The mission of Waves of Caring is to collect and distribute funds and new toys and gifts for children of needy families in Ocean City and to provide financial assistance to residents on a one-time, unforeseen emergency basis, who do not qualify for other assistance.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated to enable Waves of Caring to provide children with a special gift request. Donations can also be made to the Trish Tolomeo Scholarship Fund, which provides summer camp scholarships to children in need. Donations can be made payable to Waves of Caring (please specify the fund you are supporting) and mail to Linda MacIntyre, City Hall, 861 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226.

The Ocean City Ecumenical Council provides food certificates. Donations can be made payable to the O.C. Ecumenical Council, P.O. Box 1001, Ocean City, NJ  08226.

All donations are tax-deductible, as Waves of Caring is a New Jersey nonprofit corporation. For more information on the program, call Chairperson Linda MacIntyre at 609-525-9323.

Need assistance for the holidays?

Individuals or families who need assistance for the holidays may register for food certificates and new toys and gifts at the Neighborhood and Social Services Office (609-525-9288) on the ground floor, north side of the Public Safety Building, 821 Central Avenue.

A one-time registration will include the Thanksgiving (food certificates) and the December holiday food certificates and/or gifts of toys.

Thanksgiving registration for food certificates only ends Nov. 16, 2010.

December holiday registration for food certificates and toys ends Dec. 2, 2010.

To qualify, applicants are required to meet criteria based upon gross monthly income. They are asked to bring proof of residency, income and identification.