Oceanside Letters to the Editor

Give back with OCS

To the Editor:

2014 was a challenging time. World events swirled out of control — a country was divided over many ideological stances most everyday people didn’t care about or understand as the media portrayed whatever generated revenue. In Oceanside, we continued to “stand strong” — neighbor helping neighbor — no judgments, just help.

Oceanside Community Service was able to continue its mission to help feed and clothe children, pitch in for an oil delivery, pay a utility bill, assist with rent, raise funds for families hit by a catastrophic event, or many little everyday things most of us take for granted. But to a family in which a job was lost to downsizing, OCS was able to fill the gap — often helping a family keep it together until times improve.

During the 2014 holiday season, OCS and its many friends got together to collect toys, turkeys, fresh eggs, butter, potatoes, vegetables and fruit to feed more than 230 families in need. Each family received toys or gift cards for their children, lovingly donated by our children and their teachers. On Dec. 20, with the help of the Oceanside Fire Department, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Key Club, Builders Club, Kids Club, OHS Student Activities, and — most important — you, the good citizens of Oceanside, OCS delivered more than 350 baskets to neighbors in need. I was humbled beyond words at the magnitude of support. No other community I know supports its own like Oceanside!

As we start this new year, we are optimistic that the plight of those less fortunate in Oceanside and surrounding communities will change for the better. If you’re reading this and saying how good this all is, please get involved and see why our motto, “You have not lived until you have helped someone who can never repay you,” is a feeling you will never forget.

You can help every week by dropping a can of food in our Pantry Partner bins located around town, or at your child’s school. Or drop by an OCS meeting at 145A Merle Ave., at 7 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month and see how you can pitch in. And please support our fund-raising efforts throughout the year. These are crucial in our efforts to continue helping those in need. With the Herald’s support, we hope to be able to get news of these events out to the community. You can also visit our Ocean-side Community Service Facebook page to see the latest news and all the pictures of our numerous Holiday Drive activities. Maybe you’ll see some neighbors and friends out there!

Wishing you a new year filled with the joy of giving back!

Bob Transom

Oceanside Community Service Inc.