Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Toms River Council members celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of the Ortley Beach A&P supermarket on Thursday.

The Lt. Governor said, “People can now buy the fundamentals of life here at A&P. They can get coffee, food and other necessities so that people can start coming back.”

Councilwoman Maria Maruca stated, “The opening of the store is like the heart of the community, because in order to have a vibrant town, you need a place for people to buy groceries as a process to rebuild their lives. I am pleased and grateful to A&P to their commitment to the barrier island and especially to Ortley Beach.” Maruca added, “I’d like to thank the Lt. Governor for attending today because that also shows the commitment of her and the Governor to the people of Ortley Beach and Toms River.”

“What makes this Grand re-opening so important is that when you drive over the bridge, it’s one of the first buildings you see, “ Councilman John Sevastakis said. “Now you’ll see people with shopping carts, finally able to buy groceries locally. It creates a sense of normalcy to buy milk at a local store and it’s absolutely needed because people are starting to repopulate. It’s a necessity here.”

In the same shopping plaza, a new Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Center will provide recovery services and goods for Hurricane Sandy survivors.

According to the Salvation Army website, “This center offers nonperishable foods, blankets and bedding, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, electric heaters, coolers, coats, baby supplies, children’s toys and clothing. To receive these items, residents must provide either their FEMA number or proof of residency in an affected area. Please note this center is not a drop-off site.”


The center is located at 5 Ortley Plaza in Ortley Beach within the A&P Shopping Center. Hours of operation are: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm. The center is closed on Sundays.

The space for this center has been made available by the generosity of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea, Co. (A&P).

“As a part of the Ortley Beach neighborhood for nearly 46 years, we are honored to donate our space to the Salvation Army so they may assist our neighbors during this difficult time,” said Sam Martin, President and CEO of A&P. “Through our partnership with the Salvation Army, hundreds of families will receive vital resources they need as they recover from Hurricane Sandy.”   

As Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno toured the new Salvation Army site, she stated, “The generosity of people is mind-blowing, “ and encouraged those reeling from the storm to stop by the Salvation Army for their services.

(Photo by Debbi Winogracki)

The newly renovated Ortley Beach A&P supermarket has now re-opened, since being shuttered by Hurricane Sandy.

(Photo by Debbi Winogracki)

Toms River Councilmen Al Manforti, John Sevastakis, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Councilwoman Maria Maruca and Councilman Jeff Carr tour the new Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Center located at 5 Ortley Plaza in Ortley Beach.