September 30, 2022
On Thursday, October 6th, OceanFirst Bank will participate in CommunityFirst Day, a company-wide initiative helping nonprofits that focus on providing housing, alleviating food insecurity, supporting the military, protecting the environment, aiding our future generations, building inclusive communities, fostering economic empowerment, improving health and wellness, and assisting arts and culture.
“Over 20 years ago, OceanFirst Bank believed in the CASA for Children mission and became one of our first community partners and funders. Throughout the years, their commitment to providing a CASA volunteer for children living in foster care has never wavered. We are thankful for the relationship that has furthered our mission, strengthened our community, and given hope to so many children over the years. CASA is proud to participate in CommunityFirst Day when OceanFirst volunteers will exchange their computers for brushes and give a much needed fresh coat of paint to our Somers Point office!” Lauren Crenshaw, Executive Director, CASA for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties.
This year, OceanFirst Bank employees, or WaveMakers, will volunteer at various service project sites organized in partnership with OceanFirst Foundation throughout New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Boston. Some of these nonprofits include Housing Families, Maryland Food Bank, Vetgroup, Clean Ocean Action, O.C.E.A.N. Inc., Special Olympics New Jersey, Revive South Jersey, 914Cares, and Chhange.
“We are so grateful to be a part of CommunityFirst Day, engaging OceanFirst WaveMaker volunteers for two of our signature programs that address hunger and food justice. WaveMakers’ service will help ensure Monmouth County senior citizens have access to healthy meals by assembling shelf-stable meal packages for our Meals on Wheels homebound recipients to be delivered for the upcoming Winter season. At Kula Urban Farm, WaveMakers will help in maintaining and harvesting healthy fresh produce that is distributed to local food pantries and feeding programs.
Thank you for your support! We are a proud partner with OceanFirst in helping our neighbors in need!” Paul McEvily, Executive Director, Interfaith Neighbors
In total, more than 750 WaveMakers will participate in more than 3,000 volunteer hours. As a result, approximately $100,000 of volunteer value will be contributed that day.
“Vetwork is proud to be able to partner up with OceanFirst volunteers to assist us in some much-needed beautification and update to our facilities. Our historic building is in the center of downtown Forked River and is over 100 years old. She has seen many local veterans in need walk through her doors as she greets them with open arms. I have no doubt that once these outstanding volunteers are completed with their graceful work, she will make any Veteran proud to visit. ‘Changing Veteran futures because they sacrificed to build ours’” - Joe Starkey, Director, Vetwork
OceanFirst Bank N.A., founded in 1902, is a $12.4 billion regional bank providing financial services throughout New Jersey and in the major metropolitan markets of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Boston. OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing solutions, trust and asset management and deposit services and is one of the largest and oldest community-based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey.