OceanFirst Foundation Provides New Winter Coats to Kateri Day Campers

It may have been the middle of summer, but winter arrived early at Kateri Day Camp.

Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation, joined OceanFirst team members and Collier staff on campus to provide new winter coats to approximately 200 campers. The donation was made possible through OceanFirst Foundation’s partnership with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that provides new coats and shoes to children in need.

Despite weather alerts and frequent downpours, the team spent the day helping campers find the right size and choose their favorite color. By the end of the distribution, every child had a coat ready to bring home for the colder months ahead.

“For many families, a new winter coat is a real expense, especially when children seem to outgrow everything overnight,” said Durante. “Thanks to our partnership with Kateri Day Camp, we were able to reach many children in one place and make sure they head into winter with something warm, new, and entirely their own.”

Kateri Day Camp is one of several programs operated by Collier Youth Services, a nonprofit organization that has served children, young people, and families since 1927. The seven-week summer program welcomes children ages 5 to 13, many from families facing financial hardship, and provides them with a full camp experience at little or no cost.

Campers spend their summer swimming, playing sports, exploring the outdoors, taking part in creative activities, and building friendships. For many, Kateri is also a place where they feel safe and supported, a place they can enjoy their summer days, simply being a child.

Collier also operates therapeutic middle and high schools, a transition program for young adults, and residential services for young women who have experienced trauma. Across its programs, Collier provides education, counseling, and practical support to meet the needs of each young person.

“OceanFirst understands that helping a child can take many forms,” said Sr. Debbie Drago, Executive Director of Collier Youth Services. “Sometimes it is education or counseling. Sometimes it is a safe place to spend the summer. And sometimes it is a warm coat that gives a family one less thing to worry about. We are grateful that their team spent the day with our campers and took such care in making the experience special for them.”

The coat distribution reflects OceanFirst Foundation’s broader work to support children, families and nonprofit organizations in the communities served by OceanFirst Bank. It also builds on Collier’s long-standing mission to give young people the resources, stability and encouragement they need to move forward.