Home Depot of Toms River Associates Support Autism Acceptance

At the heart of Home Depot, there are values that include a commitment to customer service, strong relationships, giving back and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. These values came to life during the month of April at the Home Depot of Toms River. During Autism Acceptance Month, the store 0920 Associates held a month-long fundraising campaign to support the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, a New Jersey registered 501(c)(3) that provides direct support to individuals on the autism spectrum.

Store Manager Justin Mauro expressed his views that autism is an awesome cause. “We take care of our associates and the community” he indicated. He noted that the Toms River store in particular is proud of their support of community efforts and non-profit matching efforts. Mauro shared his thoughts that while autism is everywhere, it seems that in this part of New Jersey there are many more children with autism.

The store’s month long campaign kicked off on World Autism Day. There were games, raffles, candygrams, chocolate covered pretzels, tee shirts, pins, sock, s’mores kits and more to engage the associates and generate donations throughout the month. Additionally, local businesses including Wallach’s Deli, Broad Street Dough Company, Mike’s Crumb’s , Wing and Things, and Chic-fil-A of Brick donated treats and lunches for the associates. A wall thermometer tracked fundraising progress and the associates enjoyed adding more beans each day.

“The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation were great partners in making this fun and exciting.” said Mauro. “We were happy to get behind this event.”

Sandy, a 21 year associate shared her pride in being a Home Depot associate. “I enjoy helping customers which is one reason I have been here so long. The other is that Home Depot’s values and the support Home Depot provides to the community is unbelievable. And the associates love to donate to causes and always give back.”

“Home Depot gives back to its associates and the community. They really follow the values” said Jennifer Conboy a 16 year associate. “Whether there is an associate in need, or a community effort, we are happy to provide direct donations or matching grants.”

Morgan Marie Michael Foundation co-founders Amanda Witkowski and Alyssa Lego shared their thoughts.

“We are truly appreciative of everything Home Depot of Toms River has done to support our mission.” said Witkowski, “the associates are true community builders in every sense of the word.”

“Added to that is the tremendous generosity of the restaurants and bakeries,” said Lego.” The pandemic presented many fundraising challenges, and we know these businesses all struggled. Yet, they generously stepped up for this cause which is especially meaningful to me as my younger brother has special needs.”

“Thank you, Justin Mauro, and everyone at Home Depot of Toms River. As we distribute equipment through the iCaniPad AAC program, sensory and coping devices, special events through our inclusion programming and more, know that it is through your generosity that this is made possible.” Witkowski said.

“We are humbled by every donation that comes to us” added Lego. “Ours is an all-volunteer organization and the work we do is only possible through the support of the community.”