OCBA member Sandra Levine (Sandra Levine Productions) recently featured Barbara Farley—president of CAREing for Children—on her Dec. 23, 2025 episode of the podcast Still Time for Joy. The conversation offered a clear, practical blueprint for building a lean charity effort that truly moves the needle for local families.
The need in Ocean County is rising—while giving feels tighter
Barbara opened with what she’s hearing from front-line partners: more neighbors are asking for help with food, toys, and basic comfort. At the same time, many longtime donors are feeling the pinch of higher costs. That combination—greater need and thinner giving—puts real pressure on small nonprofits to stretch every dollar.
A grassroots model that works
Although CAREing for Children is an independent nonprofit, it was launched years ago by OCBA members who wanted their charitable giving to stay local. Today, the organization remains 100% volunteer-run, with every net dollar going to food and gifts for Ocean County families.
Fast, focused fundraising
This fall, with fewer than eight weeks to plan, Barbara and a small team executed a Charity Golf Classic and netted more than $22,000. How?
- Ask your network: Vendors, suppliers, and large companies often have charitable budgets. Clear, direct asks lead to sponsorships and in-kind support.
- Define roles: One person tracks and deposits donations; another manages prizes and delivery; another handles signage, programs, and print (donated by a supporter).
- Be consistent: Repeat the event each year so sponsors and golfers look for it and plan to participate.
Every penny counts: how purchases are made
Barbara shared practical ways CAREing for Children stretches funds:
- Wholesale only: She attends the New York toy show and buys directly from wholesalers, seeking free shipping, using the nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
- Toy standards: Preference for U.S.-made when possible, durable and educational items (STEM, wood), toys that don’t require batteries, and choices a child can enjoy independently.
- Food at cost: Relationships with restaurant and food distributors allow the team to purchase at wholesale pricing and schedule timely drop-offs.
Distribution through trusted partners
CAREing for Children amplifies impact by working with established community organizations—local food pantries, churches, police and fire departments, DYFS, and the Salvation Army—to identify families and deliver support. On a limited basis, the team also assists individual referrals from people who know a family in crisis.
CHAP Construction (Barbara’s employer) donates warehouse space so toys and food can be staged and picked up efficiently. Partners routinely share that these deliveries are the difference between serving families well—or cancelling distributions altogether.
Why Barbara serves
Barbara’s motivation is simple: she’s never had to worry about the next meal or seeing gifts under the tree—and she wants that stability for other families. Knowing someone’s day is better because of the effort keeps her going through the busiest season.
Her advice to anyone who wants to help in their own community: start. Identify a real need and a practical way to fill it. The rest follows—skills grow, partners appear, and momentum builds.
How OCBA can help—today
- Support the show: Subscribe to Still Time for Joy and share the episode featuring CAREing for Children. Follow Sandra Levine Productions on Facebook and YouTube, and consider backing the show on Patreon to keep these community stories coming.
- Support the mission: Donate to CAREing for Children or commit to a 2026 sponsorship, auction item, or volunteer shift. Your contribution turns into food on a table and lasting, high-quality toys for kids across Ocean County.