The HOPE Center to host Gift of Warmth/ Operation BBQ Relief in Toms River

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Oct. 25, 2022 - PRLog -- The HOPE Center will host Gift of Warmth/Operation BBQ Relief on Saturday, November 5^th from 10am to 2pm at 253 Chestnut Street in Toms River. This event will be held in partnership with Operation BBQ Relief supported by DRJ Catering, Prairie Fresh, Blue Rhino® and Airlink Disaster Response Delivered. To pre-register for Gift of Warmth-Operation BBQ Relief, please call The HOPE Center at 732-341-4447.

During the event, The HOPE Center will also distribute diapers, along with new hats, scarves, mittens, new and gently used blankets and "new to you" coats through the Gift of Warmth initiative. Donations for this year's Gift of Warmth were received from The Presbyterian Church of Toms River, Westminster Nursery School, First United Methodist Church, Toms River Greenbriar Woodlands Outreach and many generous individuals throughout the community.

"The HOPE Center would like to thank Operation BBQ Relief, as well as David Keith and his team at DRJ Catering and all the incredible partnering organizations and amazing volunteers who support us each year to make this event possible," said Amy VanBezooijen of The HOPE Center.

Looking to the future, The HOPE Center will host its annual Star Light Star Bright event on Wednesday, December 14^th from 10am to 3pm. Please check The HOPE Center's Facebook page for updates.

The HOPE Center opened its doors in February 2008 to provide services to those individuals in need of assistance. Today, the HOPE Center's staff and over 110 volunteers provide resources, advocacy and coordinating services with partner agencies. Volunteers assist clients in navigating the social service programs within the county to help resolve their issues of housing, utilities and other urgent needs.

The HOPE Center's mission is to serve clients with dignity and compassion and strives to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency. The organization provides food through its full-service, client-choice food pantry and community garden, shelter assistance, utility assistance and transportation to those in need. Special events and various drives are held throughout the year.

The HOPE Center is located at 253 Chestnut Street in Toms River. To learn more or for volunteer opportunities, visit houseofhopeocean.org. (http://houseofhopeocean.org/)

About Operation BBQ Relief

Operation BBQ Relief is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides hot meals to communities impacted by disasters and the first responders that are on the ground helping. The organization was founded after the Joblin, Missouri EF5 tornado in May 2011. To date, Operation BBQ Relief has served in over 30 different states and has provided over 9M meals. To learn more, visit operationbbqrelief.org. (https://operationbbqrelief.org/)

About The HOPE Center

The HOPE Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization initiated by the Clergy Association of Greater Toms River. Within a place of hope and faith, the mission of The HOPE Center is to serve families in crisis with dignity and compassion, providing for their basic human needs, and striving to empower each person to achieve his or her greatest level of self-sufficiency. Current hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm. To reach The HOPE Center, call 732-341-4447. After 4pm, for emergency services, please call 211.