Ocean City Ecumenical Council Puts Spotlight on Volunteers

By MADDY VITALE Each year, the Ocean City Ecumenical Council helps feed and clothe those in need. The Ecumenical Council, a faith-based organization, runs the food cupboard and clothes closet in the resort. The items are shared by all churches in Ocean City to help families and individuals who are less fortunate. When a fire broke out last January, displacing 23 Ocean City residents, the Ecumenical Council was right there to offer donations. Last week, the Ocean City Police Department participated in a food and goods drive in partnership with the Ecumenical Council. Collectively, the volunteers brought in more than 3,800 pounds of food and goods to serve people in need. The volunteers from the Ecumenical Council, many of whom work behind the scenes to make sure that the food shelves at the Food Cupboard are stocked and that there are plenty of clothes at the clothes closet to distribute. On Tuesday, all of the volunteers who help to provide food and clothing to 2,400 people each year were celebrated during a luncheon at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. It was the first such affair since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ocean City Councilman Dave Winslow, is dark blue suit jacket, is among the attendees. There were about 50 attendees and they included the members of the Ecumenical Council, members of City Council and others in the community, said Regina Ralston, the Food Cupboard coordinator and vice president of the Ecumenical Council. Will and Carol Evans received the Special Recognition Volunteer Award and Lucille Worley received the Special Volunteer Recognition award. Ralston said a few words about why they were chosen for the honors. She noted that Will and Carol Evans were selected “for their continuing work with the Food Cupboard, Clothes Closet, and many other projects.” In her remarks during the luncheon, Ralston said that they are “always working at the Food Cupboard, checking inventory, buying our food supply from many sources, working with the clients, taking donations to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and Hope Pregnancy Center for both the Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet." Food Cupboard coordinator Regina Ralston stacks shelves at the Food Cupboard in 2022. She continued, "They help at the Thanksgiving and Easter Sunrise Services, and I am sure that this is just a partial list of all they have done throughout the years.” Ralston added that Will even "sanded and painted the Food Cupboard shelves in his spare time.” Will Evans said that he and his wife have volunteered in Ocean City since about 2007. Carol Evans' grandfather moved to Ocean City around 1923. Will, who is 90, and Carol, 88, volunteer for some very important reasons, Will pointed out. “We just do this because we feel it is the right thing to do. Our spiritual belief teaches us to help other people,” he said. “We are very fortunate to work with such a good group. We really enjoy doing it and we take some satisfaction from the fact we are trying to help people.” Ralston also said that the Ecumenical Council would be remiss if it did not recognize the hard work of Lucille Worley. Worley took over the presidency four years ago when the council was in need of leadership with people stepping down. “Lucille Worley accepted the offer to become an interim president – the interim lasting 3 years. With her leadership, the Ecumenical Council has established processes, procedures and guidelines that will help future new officers and leaders succeed," Ralston noted. She continued, "Our organization is better and stronger and will continue to improve." The Ecumenical Council Clothes Closet is located at 555 West Ave. in Ocean City. Worley said a few words about the honor. “I do it because I want to do it. I want to help. To be awarded and acknowledged like this is a great honor, though,” she said. “The Ecumenical Council is such a good group of people. It doesn’t matter what church we are from. It doesn’t matter. We are trying to do good and help anyone who needs to be helped.” The Food Cupboard is located downstairs at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at 501 E. Eighth Street and The Clothes Closet is located at 555 West Ave. For more information, visit https://ocecnj.org/ Ecumenical Council member Jen Bowman gives a smile about the cake.