Waves of Caring Toy Drive Underway in Ocean City

The Waves of Caring Toy Drive was created to make life brighter for children and families in need during the holiday season.

It was started more than 30 years ago by the late James F. Penland, Ocean City’s legendary artist and business owner, who had toys dropped off at downtown businesses. The toys were then distributed to those struggling to “make ends meet.”

The drive was later taken over and expanded by the city under the direction of City Clerk Linda MacIntyre.

As in past years, Waves of Caring is requesting the public’s assistance in providing brand new toys for children ranging in age from newborns to 14 years. The program annually assists more than 100 families and 200 children who would normally go without toys at Christmas time.

Waves of Caring also accepts financial donations and offers one-time assistance to needy Ocean City residents. These requests are evaluated and channeled to the program by the city’s Public Assistance Office.

Waves of Caring also supports the Trish Tolomeo Fund in memory of its former board member. The fund offsets the cost of summer camps and related equipment for needy children.

Checks in support these charitable programs should be made out to Waves of Caring and sent to 550 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, N.J. 08226. Waves of Caring is a 501 C-3 Charity. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Wave of Caring is working in partnership with Toys for Tots. Look for drop-off boxes labeled Toys for Tots at the following locations:

• 6th St. Fire House, 550 Asbury Ave.
• Public Works Building, 115 12th St.
• Ocean City Free Public Library, inside entrance door, 1735 Simpson Ave.
• Aquatic and Fitness Center check-in desk, 1735 Simpson Ave.
• Varsity Inn, 605 8th St.
• Bank of America, 34th St. and Simpson Ave.
• Ocean City Airport Diner, 2602 Bay Ave.
• Sturdy Savings Bank, 101 E. 34th St.
• Flanders Hotel, 719 11th St.
• Butterfly Boutique, 119 Asbury Ave.
• Port O’ Call, 1510 Boardwalk
• Thomas Heist Insurance Agency, 700 West Ave.
• Ocean City Home Bank, 10th and Asbury Ave.

Any business that would like to be a toy drop-off location should call Jim Smith at (609) 525-9187.

— News release from the City of Ocean City