OceanFirst team members are making waves across the footprint to support local causes that help our neighbors. 

The WaveMakers are off to a great start in 2025, tapping in their passions, talents, and networks to make a difference through local collection drives benefitting regional partners. 

One of the first efforts of the year tackled a critical need: diapers. With 1 in 2 American families struggling to afford clean, dry diapers, OceanFirst’s Women L.E.A.D. Committee stepped up to help meet the need. Working with WaveMakers across the tri-state region, they collected over 1,000 diapers and 5,000 wipes, supporting families through trusted partners including Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, Family and Children Services, Mighty Writers and Her Village.

Spring brought back one of our favorite traditions – Be-A-Bunny! The annual spring bucket collection delivered 170 beach buckets filled with books, hygiene essentials, sweet treats, and toys to children served by CASA for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties, CASA of Ocean County, CASA for Children of Monmouth County, Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, Gateway CAP, and Interfaith Alliance (PA). It’s a small act of kindness that helps to bring big smiles to youth across our footprint. 

What better way to spend a warm summer day than outside with your best furry friend? In partnership with All Fur One, OceanFirst hosted an animal adoption event at our Toms River headquarters – bringing pets on site to meet prospective families ready to welcome them home. After the event, WaveMakers kept the love going by collecting essential pet supplies on All Fur One’s wish list, helping animals in their care.

Our incredible WaveMakers at Garden State Home Loans rallied behind eight amazing local teachers by collecting classroom supplies to kick off the new school year. From notebooks to must-have materials, they’re helping students start strong and feel supported. Here’s to making a difference for our future leaders!

If your organization has a great project idea or needs volunteers, contact Julie Bellezza, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator at jbellezza@oceanfirstfdn.org.