SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Community organizers reached across Ocean County to help others have a warm and safe winter.
A coat drive launched by Lakewood Police, Unity Pride, Calvary Lighthouse Church, Jersey Shore Sigmas, NJ Rise, and Cobra One Motorcycle club of South Toms River collected coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves and thermals to later give out to those who need them.
“As a member of my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (Iota Chi Sigma Chapter/Jersey Shore Sigmas) – we firmly believe in our principles – Brotherhood Scholarship, and Service and our Motto – Culture for Service, Service for Humanity,” said Robert Taylor, who is also active in Manitou Park with his group called Community Pride. “So this event, this coat drive here is something that we need to do … providing for those in need.”
Taylor added, “It’s not always about where you’re from, never about the color or pigmentation of one’s skin … to me, to us, it’s about who needs assistance, no matter where you live or where you’re from. It’s about being there for others no matter what. It’s going to be a cold winter when it arrives and we are all here to help.”
“Yes, it’s going to be cold in South Toms River, in Beachwood, in Bayville … but it’s also going to affect Lakewood and surrounding areas,” he noted.
John Marshall, who has more than 40 years experience as a Lakewood Police Officer, was also there with Cobra One Motorcycle club of South Toms River.
A large number of coats and other supplies were given to people at a recent event. (Photo courtesy Chris Melvin Sr.)
“It is always a good thing to show the community that there are organizations from different backgrounds that will come together to do positive things for those in our communities,” he said. “It’s not always the negative scenario that needs to be posted on social media outlets. There are some positives out there that need to publicized.”
“Here we are, along with Unity Pride and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma – Iota Chi Sigma chapter, showing the community that we are here and we care about everyone,” he added.
“I must say it was an extraordinary day for all in attendance. We (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated – Iota Chi Sigma Chapter) brought in the range of 250 to 300 jackets/sweaters, 500 pairs of socks, bagels, waters and to see everything go was simply amazing,” said Christopher Melvin Sr, who is the Sigma/Zeta (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated/Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter (Ocean/Monmouth County Chapter) Liaison for the chapter.
Cobra One and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated members supported a 2024 Autism Walk held at First Energy Park, Lakewood, earlier this year. (Photo courtesy Chris Melvin Sr.)
“To see the smiles on the parents and kids … to see the eyes of the men and women widen with joy out there, to hear thank you and gracias over and over again was such a great feeling,” Melvin added.
“We thrive on community service much like the other organizations represented out there alongside of us, Unity Pride, the Lakewood Police Department, Calvary Lighthouse Church of Lakewood, Cobra One Motorcycle Club of South Toms River, the NJ Rise Program, so at end of the day we were all able to say, ‘mission accomplished’.”
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