We are happy to continue, due to overwhelming community response, with our 2020 campaign – “CauseWheels” Monthly Vehicle Donation Program – to help our neighbors and positively impact Ocean County. In 2019 Causeway had two requests for vehicle donations to local non-profit organizations. We were able to accommodate each of these requests. This prompted an idea to follow up 2019’s 50th Anniversary $10,000 Monthly Grant program.

We are proud to announce our May winner, United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

About United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) is a local nonprofit based out of Wall Township that has served our community for over 50 years. Originally founded in 1967 as United Way of Monmouth County, UWMOC was formed in 2016 by a merger with United Way of Ocean County (founded in 1969). The two United Ways had always worked closely together, especially rebuilding homes that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy, so it was a logical step to combine resources in order to better fulfill the organization’s mission. United Way serves the residents of both counties equally by building initiatives that address common goals.

UWMOC’s mission is to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in Monmouth and Ocean counties. In the wake of the pandemic, this work has never been more important. United Way is unparalleled in its power to convene partners, providers, volunteers and resources to address the needs of communities in crisis, much like it did in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. COVID-19 has been a new and unexpected challenge for everyone, but United Way was built for this.

COVID-19 Response & Donation Drives

In April 2020, UWMOC organized a COVID-19 Recovery Fund to address the unmet needs of our community caused by this crisis. Thanks to generous donations from individuals, corporations and virtual fundraisers, United Way distributed grants to a total of 11 local organizations. These funds enabled some nonprofits to reopen and adhere to safety protocols, and also helped 512 households financially impacted by COVID-19 with their basic needs.

In addition to funds raised to support our community, UWMOC coordinates donation drives through its Volunteer Center to help ensure that our residents’ basic needs are being met. United Way is bridging the gaps to non-food household supplies that are not available to purchase through government aid such as SNAP, including paper goods and diapers. Drives for senior comfort bags, books and winter coats also help alleviate the basic needs of our neighbors.

UWMOC held its 2020 Warmest Wishes Coat Drive to provide coats to local youth. Over 6,300 winter outerwear and holiday items – including 2,669 coats – were given to schools throughout our region to help keep kids warm over the winter months. In addition to hosting the Warmest Wishes Coat Drive, UWMOC was also a partner in “Operation Warm Up Jersey Shore”. Thanks to the South Jersey Funder Collaborative that included the Causeway Family of Dealerships, 3,200 children in Ocean and Monmouth counties received new coats for the winter.

The vehicles generously donated by Meals on Wheels of Ocean County and the Causeway Family of Dealerships will help facilitate and expand these drives by giving UWMOC a safe and reliable way to pick up and deliver donations of various items to our neighbors in need.

Moving Forward in a New Direction

“The Causeway Family of Dealerships and Meals on Wheels of Ocean County are assets to our community, and we are so grateful to have their support,” said Lori-Anne McLane, President & CEO of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. “These vehicles are integral to helping us advance our mission and implement our plans to shift the direction of our work in order to best meet the needs of our residents in a post-pandemic world.”

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties envisions a community where everyone achieves their greatest potential through a quality education, income stability and healthy lives. In order to achieve this vision, UWMOC will be focusing its efforts on programs throughout our region that address both immediate and long-term needs that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This includes providing resources and supports to help families build a pathway to financial stability, as well as youth access to health services and opportunities for vocational training.

UWMOC will also be addressing the increase in demand for basic needs by ensuring that there is a consistent, sustainable supply of products available to people experiencing hardship in our community. The “CauseWheels” vehicles will be largely used for this initiative to get essential items into the hands of those who need them.

Now, more than ever, United Way needs your support to do what they do best in the aftermath of a crisis – help Monmouth and Ocean counties respond, recover, rebuild and reimagine. UWMOC is working towards a more equitable and more resilient community because everyone deserves the chance to build a better future. To learn more about UWMOC and how you can get involved, visit uwmoc.org.

MAKE A GIFT

You can help improve the education, financial stability and health for everyone in our community and give hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Visit uwmoc.org/give for a variety of ways to make an impact.

GET INVOLVED

Make a difference in our community by volunteering your time and talent. Get involved with UWMOC’s donation drives or visit their Volunteer Portal to find virtual or safe in-person opportunities in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Learn more about volunteering at uwmoc.org/volunteer.

FIND HELP

Need help finding the services you are eligible for right now? Have you been financially impacted by the pandemic? FREE services are available for Ocean and Monmouth County residents through UWMOC’s Financial Success Center Network. Contact us today to connect with trained staff who will help determine the benefits you are eligible for, work on a budget and directly connect you with community resources.

For a list of services and more information, visit uwfinancialsuccess.org or call 732-414-6745.

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties partners with NJ 2-1-1 to provide a 24/7 link to resources for food, housing, health care, childcare, job search assistance, financial assistance and more.

To get help, dial 2-1-1 or visit nj211.org.

Once again, we want to send out a HUGE thank you to our friends Meals on Wheels of Ocean County. Executive Director Jim Sigurdson has now donated NINE vehicles to Causeway. Jim knows we will find the perfect non-profit that will put each vehicle to good use.