By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City Republican Club hosted its annual members Christmas party this year at the Flanders Hotel. Guests were decked out in holiday garb with red and green and sequins abound, but this year there was an added holiday sparkle – unwrapped, donated gifts for local families struggling to put presents under the tree.
The club, at the advice of Cape May County commissioner and club member, E. Marie Hayes, decided to give back to the Ocean City community, pairing up with the charity group Waves of Caring, which helps families in need throughout the year, not just at the Christmas season.
The Republican Club was eager to jump on the opportunity to give back. More than 100 gifts were donated and approximately $3,000 was raised by the organization, whose 150 members enjoyed an evening of dining, conversation and fellowship.
Mike Allegretto and Gary Jessel, who lead the Republican Club, were quick to point out the generosity of the group and those who gave back. Jessel also noted that eight bikes were donated by the local VFW, all of which will benefit families in Ocean City.
Waves of Caring, the charity that will distribute the gifts to families in Ocean City, is grateful for the assistance during the holiday season. Waves of Caring has been in operation since the 1980s, helping families in need throughout Ocean City during the holiday season, as well as throughout the year.
Ocean City Fire Chief Jim Smith, who has headed Waves of Caring since 2012, knows how crucial it is to help improve the lives of those living within the eight miles of Ocean City.
Not only does Waves of Caring support families during the Christmas season, it also has a number of initiatives throughout the year. They include the Son Club, free after-school care for students in the district.
The Waves of Caring programs also include one time, case-by-case financial assistance for those who need it, and Holiday Helping, serving those students throughout the district who are on free and reduced lunch during non-school times such as Christmas and spring breaks.
Smith noted that although Ocean City may be viewed as an affluent community, there are always those who need a helping hand, and that’s what community is all about.
“We often think of giving back at Christmas time, but there is a need not just at Christmas,” Smith said at the holiday event. “We want to be able to give throughout the year to those in our community.”
He added that if any other charitable organizations are looking to help the community, Waves of Caring is always willing to listen and work together to help the greater good.
No matter the time of year, it’s nice to know the community and its members will come together to help those who need it most, Smith said.
