Holiday Tree Highlights Generosity of Ocean City Community

By MADDY VITALE There is a Christmas tree in the lobby of the Ocean City Community Center with a name that reflects the generosity of the people who have placed gifts under it to help those in need during the winter. It is the “Tree of Warmth,” from the Colony Club of Ocean City. Through Dec. 20, the organization is accepting winter wear such as mittens, hats, socks, scarves and other items needed at this time of year. All of the donations are being taken to the Ecumenical Council Clothes Closet. Colony Club member Cathy Ferber, who is in charge of the “Tree of Warmth” committee, said she was not surprised by the generous number of items left under the tree. “The community is just wonderful. I left with a big trash bag filled with items. That was only after having the tree up for four days," she said. "It’s always great and humbling to see how the community gets involved.” The Ecumenical Council Clothes Closet is located at 555 West Ave. in Ocean City. Ferber said that the Colony Club members will continue to deliver the items weekly to the Clothes Closet. The Colony Club asks that the items are in good shape -- from new to gently used. There have also been some handmade donations that added a special touch really showcasing the kindness in Ocean City. “The Colony Club appreciates it. The Clothes Closet appreciates it, and I am sure the people who use the Clothes Closet will appreciate it,” Ferber noted. The Colony Club has been in existence since the 1950s. In 2016, a member came up with the idea to decorate a tree and use it for drop-offs of donations for the worthy cause. They use purple clothes pins to put their brochures on the tree. “We use the brochures to hopefully get new members,” Ferber said. There are currently 55 members. The focus of the organization is giving out scholarships during the year. The club hosts a large fundraiser in June each year. It is a fashion show to generate funds to give out. “We are always looking for new members,” Ferber said. She noted that Ocean City Free Public Library Director Karen Mahar and other staff members inside the Community Center helped to make the holiday drive a success. For more information about the Colony Club of Ocean City visit colonyclubocnj.com.