An Ocean County charity started by three friends will be donating supplies to victims of two major hurricanes that impacted the southern United States this year.

Juicy Fruit Party Dragon became an official charity last April. In the organization’s short existence, it has collected over $200,000 worth of necessities for those in need.

“We’re just people helping people. That’s all that matters,” says co-founder Justin Greco.

The founders say that while shopping at Lowe’s in Toms River recently the store’s manager overheard their plans to buy items for hurricane victims.

“He said, ‘Funny story. Do you have a minute? Follow me,’” says co-founder Thomas Nuara.

The Lowe’s manager showed them 20 palates of merchandise that the store was planning on throwing way. The manager gave the items to the charity.

The Beachwood-based charity may be small, but the founders say that the work they have done so far has been quite massive.

The group focuses on dozens of causes a year, including schools and toy drives and replenishing shelves at food banks. The group works with local community leaders and also big-name companies.

They say that they hope everyone will come pitch in to help.

“Get up and do something for your neighbor,” Nuara says. “Do something for the guy next to you. If you’re at a restaurant, pick up a random check…Just do it. It feels amazing.”

A company out of North Carolina will help truck the supplies back to the state, free of charge. The supplies will then be dropped off at a local charity, which will deliver them to those in need.  

Juicy Fruit Party Dragon was named Ocean County’s best charitable organization by a local newspaper. Information about making a donation or helping out can be found at their website.