Bringing Holiday Hope to Ocean County Families
CAREing for Children Featured on “Still Time for Joy” with Sandra Levine
The need in our communities has never been more real.
Rising costs, a tightening job market, and shrinking disposable income have left more families struggling to meet basic needs—especially during the holidays. At the same time, many generous donors are finding it harder to give as much as they once could. Yet even in the face of these challenges, hope continues to shine through the power of community, compassion, and action.
That message was at the heart of a recent episode of Still Time for Joy, hosted by Sandra Levine, featuring Barbara Farley, President of CAREing for Children, a small but mighty nonprofit serving families throughout Ocean County, New Jersey.
A Growing Need — And a Grassroots Response
During the conversation, Barbara shared what she hears consistently from the organizations CAREing for Children partners with:
- More families are seeking help than ever before
- Donations are declining as households struggle to keep up with rising costs
- Food insecurity and lack of basic resources are becoming increasingly common
Despite these challenges, CAREing for Children continues to step up—ensuring families have food on their tables and children experience joy and dignity during the holidays.
Doing More With Less: A Small Team, A Big Impact
One of the most inspiring parts of the episode was the story of how CAREing for Children successfully organized a golf fundraiser in just eight weeks, netting over $22,000 with a very small volunteer team.
So what’s the secret?
According to Barbara, it comes down to:
- Strong relationships
- Asking for help
- People who genuinely want to do good
Through connections within the Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) and long-standing relationships with vendors, suppliers, and sponsors, businesses stepped up to support the cause. Many companies already have charitable funds available—they simply need to be asked.
As Barbara put it best:
“The worst they’re going to say is no.”
Making Every Dollar Count
CAREing for Children is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, meaning every dollar donated goes directly to helping families.
Barbara shared several strategies that ensure funds stretch as far as possible:
- Purchasing toys directly from wholesalers
- Attending the New York Toy Show to source high-quality, affordable items
- Prioritizing educational, durable, and often American-made toys
- Choosing toys that don’t require batteries and can be enjoyed long-term
- Sourcing food at wholesale prices through trusted community partners
- Eliminating costs like taxes and, whenever possible, shipping fees
The goal is not just to give something—but to give something meaningful that lasts.
Partnering With Trusted Local Organizations
Rather than reinventing the wheel, CAREing for Children partners with established organizations already serving families on the ground, including:
- Local food banks
- Churches
- Fire and police departments
- The Division of Youth and Family Services
- The Salvation Army
- Other trusted community nonprofits
This approach ensures donations reach families quickly, responsibly, and with dignity.
In addition, Barbara and her team do their best to help individuals who come to them directly, whenever resources allow.
Community Support That Makes It Possible
CAREing for Children is also grateful for the support of Chap Construction, where Barbara works full-time. Chap generously donates warehouse space to store food and toys until distribution—an invaluable contribution that helps keep overhead costs at zero.
When partner organizations arrive to pick up supplies, emotions often run high. Some have shared that without this support, they may have had to close their doors or turn families away.
Those moments serve as powerful reminders that every donation truly matters.
Why This Work Matters So Deeply
For Barbara, this mission is deeply personal.
She has never had to worry about where her next meal would come from or whether there would be gifts under the tree for her children. That stability is something she believes every family deserves, and it’s what drives her to keep going—despite a demanding job, family responsibilities, and limited hours in the day.
“No matter what my struggles are, I know someone else’s day is better because of what we did.”
That feeling, she says, is priceless.
A Message to Anyone Who Wants to Help
If you see a need in your community but don’t know where to start, Barbara’s advice is simple:
Just start.
Find the need. Figure out how you can help. Take one small step.
Whether it’s volunteering, donating, organizing a fundraiser, or supporting a local cause, momentum builds once you begin—and others will join you along the way.
How You Can Help Today
The work of CAREing for Children is only possible because of generous supporters like you.
Please consider making a donation today to help provide food, toys, and hope to families in need throughout Ocean County.
Your contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure children don’t miss out, families feel supported, and communities stay strong.
You can also:
- Share this story with others
- Encourage your business or organization to get involved
- Support community-focused initiatives through groups like the OCBA
- Tune in to inspiring conversations like this one on Still Time for Joy with Sandra Levine
Together, we can continue turning compassion into action—and ensure there is always time for joy.
Donate. Share. Get involved.
Because every little bit truly helps.