Ocean City community shows heat with clothing drive

By MADDY VITALE

Each year, the Ocean City Council of Realtors holds a clothing drive to help those in need during the winter.

Realtors, local organizations, business owners and residents join in generously donating new and lightly used items, from warm coats, hats, scarves and gloves to blankets, sweaters and other cold weather items.

And this year, the Warmth for Winter clothing drive received more items than any other clothing drive the council has run since 2011, said realtor Gloria Votta, chair of the council of agents’ community service committee. real estate.

“This year has been the most successful race we have ever had,” Votta said on Saturday.

The clothing collection is done in cooperation with the Clothes Closet of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council, an association of local churches that helps families in need.

Donations were collected until November 24. Items are distributed to the local community through the Ocean City Ecumenical Locker Room.

In addition, clothing and other donations are being turned over to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Votta said.

In addition to clothes, people donated blankets and toiletries, among other necessities.

“The outpouring of generosity from the community has been wonderful,” said Votta. “It is a real blessing to live in such a caring city.

In February, the Board of Realtors and the World Council will team up to organize the annual food drive.

Votta said the clothing drive couldn’t be possible without the help of some real estate agents who work year after year to make it a success.

They are Ocean City Councilor Pete Madden, Realtor / Broker / Owner, and Kevin Best, both of Goldcoast Sotheby’s, and Nick Marotta., by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors.

Votta said a special thank you to these organizations and businesses:

The First National Bank of Sea Isle made a large donation of clothing and coats with a collection to the bank and a $ 500 donation from a special donor.

St. James Church AME provided new children’s coats, gloves and hats as well as handmade scarves

Samantha Kurtz-Seif, Director of Social Services for Ocean City, gathered at her professional event.

Community donations:

Ocean City Real Estate Council

The real estate agents who volunteer their time every year to the reader, Kevin Best, Pete Madden, and Nick Marotta.

Cathy Sauerzopf and Vicki Heebner.

Rissa Trofa, who volunteers her time and organizes the items in the ecumenical locker room.