Responding to the need for help from the Mercy Center in Asbury Park, Asbury Partners, LLC, master developers of the 56-acre Oceanfront Asbury waterfront redevelopment project, donated several thousand dollars worth of toys for distribution to families in need. The donation significantly increased the amount of toys received by Mercy Center this season and allowed them to extend their distribution efforts far beyond the 200 families originally slated as recipients.Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey, the Mercy Center provides comprehensive social services to the community. Recently, the organization issued a public request for toy donations to meet the needs of those less fortunate in the community.

Larry Fishman, chief operating officer at Asbury Partners, responded with his partners who, together, organized a delivery of more than $2,000 worth of toys to the Mercy Center on December 23.

"There is nothing like the joy on a child's face when he or she receives a brand new toy," noted Fishman. "The holidays are a special time for children, and we hope these toys will bring the spirit of the season to families throughout the area. Sister Carol Henry, who coordinated the project at Mercy Center, is to be congratulated on her amazing efforts on behalf of families in need."

A TRADITION OF GIVING

The toy donation is just one of many community initiatives on the part of Asbury Partners, which has consistently made a point of reaching out to community residents. "Our commitment is not just to the redevelopment project but to the community as a whole," Fishman explained. To that end, Asbury Partners has established links with a number of key community groups including S.T.A.R.S., the West Side Community Center, the Historical Society of Asbury Park, Interfaith Neighbors, Jewish Family Services, I Dream A City, the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, Epiphany House, and Asbury Park's two prominent ecumenical councils.

Asbury Partners also works with the Board of Education to involve students in the redevelopment project. For example, art students contributed a new logo for the landmark Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, and in return, Asbury Partners donated a new computer to the graphic arts program. In addition, Asbury Partners also hosted the students' Random Acts of Kindness Day. "These projects are among the true joys of my job," said Dr. Guy McCombs III, Asbury Partners' community outreach liaison. "In the case of Toys for Tots, Larry Fishman saw the need, and I had the pleasure of working with him to fill the void."

Founded in 1986 at 1106 Main Street, Mercy Center provides medical care, financial assistance, homeless prevention, clothing, screening and referral services, a food pantry and a family resource center serving more than 7,000 individuals, families and children.