As part of its mission to instill light and joy in the communities they serve this holiday season, Ocean County law enforcement officials gathered on Wednesday at Steals & Deals in Toms River to collect holiday gifts that will be distributed to needy children across the county.
Arranged by the National Chaplains Association, a nonprofit organization that works tireless around the country to cultivate relationships between communities and their local law enforcement agencies, the toy drive brought together officials and members of Ocean County Department of Corrections PBA 258, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, all of whom had one mission: sharing happiness and love with the communities they cherish.
The toys were sponsored by Steals & Deals proprietors Dave Rothenberg and Nechemia Figa in a tribute to Ocean County and the people that call it home. “There is so much to love about Ocean County and there is nothing more rewarding than being able to bring our dedicated law enforcement officers closer to our communities,” Mr. Rothenberg said. “The opportunity to spread love and joy this holiday season was one which we didn’t want to pass up,” added Mr. Figa. “Even a single child in need being benefited by this sponsorship would make it all worth it.”
Law enforcement officers and officials attending the toy drive at Steals & Deals exhibited near childlike exuberance as they loaded their vehicles with thousands of dollars’ worth of toys and gifts for underprivileged children. Among them were several members of the Ocean County Department of Corrections PBA 258, whose ceaseless efforts to safeguard the community is often unknown to the communities it serves. “The work of the Department of Corrections to keep our communities safe is almost always unseen, so it is deeply helpful and appreciated when officers are given the opportunity to be in direct contact with the communities they serve, especially in such a positive and joyful way,” said Ocean County Department of Corrections PBA 258 State Delegate Rebecca Roth.
“It is truly exciting to be able to be a part of this, and it is heartwarming to see the community come together to assist those who can use a helping hand,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “This toy drive is a perfect representation of the relationship between our officers and the community.” “Every child deserves a present during the holidays, and every child deserves to feel the wonder and cheer of the season. This is just one aspect of our work to spread that cheer around,” said Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Anthony U. Carrington. “We are deeply grateful to the generous owners of Steals & Deals for bringing this toy drive to reality. Giving back to the community is a core tenet of their business philosophy, and their dedication to it truly shined today,” said Ms. Rose of the National Chaplains Association.
“Beyond the hundreds of children and families who will be thrilled by these gifts, this toy drive shines a light on the incredibly positive work of the men and women in uniform,” added National Chaplains Association co-founder Chaplain Yaakov Wenger. “Bringing law enforcement and residents together today will bring a brighter tomorrow for us all.”
