What kind of year was 2008 and how did Community Compass have an impact?  Due to economic conditions, the needs this year were great.  However, because we were able to collaborate with various non profit organizations, churches and ministries, we were able to meet the needs of many with ease.

Founder’s Day

In June we participated in the Toms River Founder’s Day.  For the first time, we were able to promote Community Compass to a large group of people, businesses, and other non-profit organizations.

Help for  Widows & Single Moms

We discovered that widows & single moms needed help with home repairs, so a new outreach team of 12 was created to do this.

Coat Drive

We held our second coat drive – coats, hats, scarves, and gloves were collected.  Over 1,100 coats and warm clothing were donated and all were given away at several local community outreaches.  In Lakewood over 500 coats were given away.  In Seaside over 75 coats were given away.

Food Drive

Alan Shawn Feinstein has a one million dollar challenge every year.  He challenges food pantries and non profit agencies to collect food.  Whatever food and donations are given, Feinstein will proportionately give money from his million dollars to those groups involved.

Fundraising

We held two fundraising projects; one was with Boscov’s Department Store selling shopping passes.  Proceeds from the sale of these passes were retained by Community Compass.  The second fundraiser was with a non profit organization, Dreams and Beyond that held a golf outing and donated 50% of their proceeds to Community Compass.            .

Future Fundraising

We are planning a Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser on March 29, 2009.  Each participant is asked to sign up five sponsors.  Each sponsor commits to donating 15, 20, or 25 cents per pin.  All who sign up will bowl three games FREE and receive shoes, soda, and pizza FREE.  Each bowler also has a chance to win special prizes.  This will be an afternoon of fun for all.

Housing

We have created “how to” ideas we will be sharing with other churches for people that would like to live on their own but can’t afford it.  With this plan, we along with other churches can help provide places where people can feel safe.  We will make the following available to the people in these houses:  mentors, Bible study, accountability partners, and life skills lessons.

Christmas Outreach

On December 20^th, Trinity Motorcycle Ministry, in conjunction with Community Compass, distributed 530 toys to 194 families, along with 500 coats and 40 food baskets. People walking into the Grace and Peace facility were overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to them by the more than 30 volunteers who helped that day; some were brought to tears. Needs were met far beyond what they ever imagined. For some, unforgettable Christmas memories were made that day.  Thirty businesses and government offices helped make this endeavor a success. Some provided storage, vehicles and finances; others were collection sites for coats.

Family Fun Night

This outreach is in its second year at the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights.  Families get together, play games, have friendly competition and end the evening with conversation and snacks.  Families get a chance to spend wholesome fun time together and build stronger family ties.

Creating Partnerships with Community Compass to Meet the Needs of the Community

This is an area that has been growing during the year.  We began 2008 with a dozen partners.  By the end of the year that number tripled.  Because most of our partners are near or in Toms River, we are considering a local year round effort collecting food and clothing.  By working with other non profit corporations, churches and ministries, we can lighten the burden of some and bring strength to others.

We invite you to join us with your time, talents and finances.  Each person can give something.  Together we can reach our community touching “One Heart at a Time.”

As our outreach expands, we have expanding needs which are:

Ø      Trucks and Vans to help transport food, clothing and other merchandise

Ø      Prepaid Gas Cards in increments of $10 to reimburse volunteers for travel while performing outreach trips

Ø      Warehouse/Storage Space in several locations in the county to more easily distribute to areas where needed - also space to store merchandise to be distributed to those in need

Ø      Volunteers needed to help organize and assist in picking up donations during food & clothing drives