Jersey Shore Dream Center thanks Levine for his donations

By Neil Schulman
Long Branch — The Jersey Shore Dream Center presented a plaque of appreciation to Steve Levine of The Windmill last week, for his help in bringing food and gifts to the needy.

Gary Bickham and Mary Macneill of the Jersey Shore Dream Center present a plaque to Steve Levine of the Windmill, who donated (and helped serve) meals for the needy as well as presents for children.

The Jersey Shore Dream Center, based in Asbury Park, offers many services to help those in need. One of those is Claudia’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen that serves over 300 people every Thursday night, says Gary Bickham, public relations representative for the center.

Last month, Levine came to help, bringing along his wife, daughter, six volunteer cooks and helpers from MONOC, and hot dogs with all the fixings.

“He came out right before Christmas,” Bickham said.

That’s not the only thing he’s done to aid the organization. He’s also brought in new toys to be distributed to needy children.

Bickham said that they presented a plaque to thank Levine for helping them to help others.

The soup kitchen is just one of many programs that the Dream Center offers. It’s not even the only program designed to address food needs. Valerie’s Food Pantry, 700 Grand Avenue Asbury Park, supplies groceries to those in need. And for those who can’t travel, the Center has a mobile food truck, which visits seven different sites to provide groceries and supplies.

The Center also provides supplies for young children through the King’s Kidz Baby Pantry, and has a clothing ministry.

Serving the poor and hungry isn’t the only goal of the center, Bickham said. It provides after school programs, and has an Adopt-A-Block ministry.

According to Administrator Mary Macneill, the Jersey Shore Dream Center has reached out and helped 27,000 people so far.

For more information, visit jerseyshoredreamcenter.org.