Causeway CARes – Collaboration, Coats and Care

MANAHAWKIN, N.J. - Jan. 6, 2023 - PRLog -- December is finally here, and, according to long-range forecasts, this winter is expected to be a cold one. But families in need from one local parish will stay a little warmer thanks to the joint efforts of local nonprofit organizations.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lakewood recently received 600 coats through Operation Warm. The donations were made possible through Causeway CARes/The Wintrode Family Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation and The Citta Foundation.

David Wintrode, President of Causeway Family of Dealerships/Causeway CARes, saw the need for a coat distribution after donating a cargo van to the parish through the CauseWheels Vehicle Donation Program on October 3^rd. "In the process of donating the van to Our Lady of Guadalupe, I learned that the parish has over 3,600 children attending on a weekly basis and a coat distribution would be welcomed," he said.

In just a few short weeks, through the collaboration and support of area nonprofits, Causeway CARes was able to secure 600 coats for distribution to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. "We saw the coat distribution as an opportunity to also distribute fresh produce boxes," said Joe Stroffolino Director of Advertising and Marketing for Causeway Cars/Causeway CARes, as well as Fulfill's Board Treasurer. "I called Fulfill and they quickly made the arrangements and had the boxes delivered in time for the event!"

"I am very grateful for the generosity of Causeway CARes, OceanFirst Foundation and Fulfill, as well as the support of Senator Robert Singer and his office," said Divine Word Missionary Father Guilherme Andrino, the Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. "Now our families can stay warm throughout the winter season."

Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation, says that nonprofits must unite its resources together in order to create a greater impact in the community. "Partnering with Causeway CARes and Operation Warm allows us to extend our impact even further into the community," she said. "It's been a pleasure collaborating with the team at Operation Warm, Dave and Joe at Causeway, providing children with warm winter coats and nutritious meal boxes from Fulfill for their families this holiday season. We know this joint venture was successful in providing warmth, hope and confidence to the children and young adults at Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"The key is always collaboration," Wintrode added. "That's the whole purpose of Causeway CARes – to give back to our nonprofit partners."

SIDEBARS

About Causeway CARes

Causeway CARes' mission is to make a direct and profound impact in and around Ocean County in the areas of education, food security and quality of life. Founded in 2004 and funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation, Inc., Causeway CARes strives to make the community a better place to live grow and thrive. To learn more, visit CausewayCARes.com.

About Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a parish that has merged into one multi-cultural parish that celebrates and ministers to the diversity of cultures as it continues to strive to be united as one, holy Catholic Church. The Parish Community of Our Lady of Guadalupe includes Saint Mary of the Lake Church, Saint Anthony Claret Church and Holy Family Church. To learn more, visit https://www.olglakewood.org/.

About OceanFirst Foundation

OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation's priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 9,000 grants totaling more than $45 million to nonprofits and schools within our footprint. Learn more at oceanfirstfdn.org (http://www.oceanfirstfdn.org/).

About Fulfill

Fulfill's mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and make sure that all people at all times have access to nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. To learn more, visit https://fulfillnj.org/.