The HOPE Center in Toms River distributes Tools For School
The nonprofit serves 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.
Toms River, NJ – A new school year means new beginnings and new adventures, and The HOPE Center is doing its part by sending students back to school with the tools they need to launch into another great year of learning. The Toms River nonprofit distributed 65 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help students get ready for the new school year.
The HOPE Center distributed the backpacks on August 24 to 28 local families. In addition, Each Stitch Counts, a new nonprofit organization in Toms River, generously provided first day of school outfits to 12 students who were entering Kindergarten or the first grade.
“We were also able to provide Washington Street Elementary, Walnut Street Elementary and Westminster Nursery School with various supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, markers, paper, pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks and folders,” said Amy VanBezooijen of The HOPE Center.
VanBezooijen says Tools For School would not be possible without the overwhelming amount of community support. “Thank you to our team of amazing volunteers who helped to organize all of the donations and pack the backpacks with school supplies,” she said. “Please accept our deepest appreciation for all that you do to help so many children and youth in our community.”
Most recently, the nonprofit also hosted a Labor Day Giveaway and provided 120 families with all the fixings for a fabulous barbecue meal to celebrate the holiday. Items included chicken, sausage, ground beef, condiments, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and a variety of desserts.
The HOPE Center serves 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. The nonprofit accomplishes this goal by offering vital services, food through its client-choice pantry and community garden, emergency shelter assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, transportation, advocacy, coordinating services with partner agencies and other resources.
The HOPE Center is located at 253 Chestnut Street in Toms River. To learn more or for volunteer opportunities, visit https://houseofhopeocean.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.
