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The International WeLoveU Foundation (WeLoveU), Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), and OceanFirst Bank were at Gregory school in Long Branch on Sunday giving brand new coats to kids from ages 5-6.
LONG BRANCH — On January 5, 2025, the International WeLoveU Foundation (WeLoveU), Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), and OceanFirst Bank hosted a winter coat donation ceremony as part of WeLoveU’s Winter Weather Clothing Drive. The event, held at Gregory Elementary School, provided brand-new coats to children ages 5–10 across all six elementary schools in the Long Branch District.
During the ceremony, students received brand-new coats, enjoyed interactive games, and savored delicious food generously donated by the foundation and local businesses. WeLoveU’s Winter Clothing Drive began in 2021 and has since provided more than 3,000 winter coats and accessories including hats, gloves, scarves, and earmuffs to students in need.
“Community events like this mean a lot, even if it’s one person, it is so invaluable,” said Assemblywoman Margie Donlon. “We are so grateful for everything that [these volunteers] are doing for this community and for the world.”According to a 2023 report, 14% of children in New Jersey were living in poverty in 2021 and 17% of children were living in poverty across the U.S. As the winter weather becomes more severe, children are more susceptible to developing hypothermia or infections like pneumonia. In addition, rising inflation costs have caused more of a financial strain on low-income families. In response to these concerns, WeLoveU’s Winter Clothing Drive strives to provide students with an equal opportunity to receive resources for a warmer winter while alleviating family expenses.
“This year’s coat drive is needed now more than ever,” expressed WeLoveU Program Director, Jessica LoGreco. “Countless families are feeling the economic burdens caused by the rapid rise in inflation. WeLoveU hopes to alleviate that burden even a little bit and is committed to keeping children warm this winter.”
The event drew over 80 attendees, including 30 dedicated WeLoveU volunteers anddistinguished guests including: Mayor John Pallone, Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, Monmouth Medical Center Representative Amy Zheng, Long Branch Board of Education President Violeta Peters, NJ State Police Trooper Josh Gross, Author Modinat Ogunnaike, Long Branch Library Social Worker David Perez.WeLoveU also hosted winter coat donation ceremonies in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. in the month of December.
About the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Twenty years later, through the initiatives of emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being, over 300,000 volunteers in more than 73 countries inspire a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.
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