Donation Fund Set Up For Homeless Man Beaten By Youths
Local charity accepting monetary donations
The Wall Police Department and a local charity have set up a donation fund for the homeless man who was attacked and beaten by area youths earlier this week, police said Tuesday.
Police have coordinated with Wall Helps Its People (WHIP), a township-based charitable organization, to set up the fund, Lt. Walter Pomphrey said.
Authorities have identified the man as David Ivins, 50. Ivins is currently staying at the Belmar Inn on 12th Avenue in Belmar, where he has been given a room until Jan. 2.
"We just felt very bad for him and he's outside in the cold weather for Christmas and the holidays and we just want to put him over here,'' said Dee Mavani, Belmar Inn owner. "We really felt bad that this happened to him -- it's completely ignorant. We thought it was the right thing to do."
Wall Township Committeeman Jeff Foster said he has been besieged with calls from people as far away as Philadelphia who want to help out Ivins.
Foster, a past president and 20-year active member of WHIP, said the organization was contacted by the Wall Police on Monday. The group, which provides money and other necessities to Wall residents in need, agreed to set up a fund.
But the tsunami of support has been nearly overwhelming, Foster said.
"I'm getting slammed with phone calls,'' Foster said. "This is getting pretty big.''
Foster said he had planned to sit down with both the police department and Ivins, possibly as early as Wednesday, to map out the best strategy and meet Ivins' needs.
"What happened to him should never happen to anyone,'' Foster said. "I'm appalled by it. And we're going to sit down and figure out how to help this guy out.''
Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty also said he has has been inundated with calls from people who want to help.
The borough is collecting donations at Borough Hall, 601 Main Street, Belmar, to help provide Ivins with food, clothing and housing after Jan. 2.
They'll accept any donations, but most people are giving money. No amount is too small, Doherty said.
There is also a Facebook page set up and dedicated to helping Ivins. Access it here.
Anyone interested in making a monetary donation can mail it to:
WHIP
P.O.Box 1214
Wall, NJ 07719
The organization will not accept clothing or food donations. All money received will be used to provide food, clothing, shelter and other necessities, Pomphrey said.
Please include a note indicating where you would like your donation to be directed using either "David Ivins'' or "Assault Victim'' the memo line of the check, Pomphrey said.
Terry Waldh
6:59 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
So sorry David for the harm that came to you by these cowards. Let us, the majority of people, show you the human kindness that you, and all people deserve. May we use this terrible occurence in your life and change it to a wonder Christmas surprise for you David.One that brings more caring people into your life that you could ever dream of! Merry Chriistmss David & Happiness thru out the year! Sincerely, Terry Walsh of Freehold NJ
Carol
7:16 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
A former resident of Wall I am disgusted that these Animals and they are animals are so cruel and heartless! I am ashamed to say I was born and raised in Wall! We are all struggleing in these hard times and NOBODY should pass judgement on this poor man. I am pretty sure he did not say 'When I grow up I want to be homeless' The people who did this should be ashmed of themselves, and their parents should hang there heads in shame! God Bless you David, may you find peace in knowing there are people out there who truly care.
Keith Brown
8:34 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wall Helps Its People is an all-volunteer organization that has been
around for decades. One hundred percent of every dollar it raises goes
right back out to the people who need it, according to the current and former officers of the organization I've spoken to. Just FYI
Kathleen Auen
10:19 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The money collected by this fine volunteer organization will most assuredly go to Mr. Ivins.
michele cresitello
10:36 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I'm happy to see something finally being done for someone in need! And David...please don't judge all man kind from this shame full incident that happened to you. God allows everything to happen for a reason...maybe it was your turn to have a good outcome in your life! God Bless you and keep you safe...Merry Christmas!! <3
Bennington, Alex
1:12 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Why would Law Enforcement allow such depravity to take place within its Community. And, to afflict such malevolence towards one of its own Citizens! A Community, in which its own Citizens cause such Disgusting acts upon its own Citizens is a reflection upon that given community (as a whole).
Maybe, after this incident, he will "Now" be recognized by a Community that has all but considered this Man to be an outcast. I wish this gentleman all the best in his future endeavors. And, I am very sorry if this was this Man's 15 Minutes of Fame!
In addition: I feel sorry for this Community for the Negative attention that they will be receiving in the coming days ahead. Yes, the young men who perpetrated these hateful acts need to atone for their sins-But, so do those who ignored this Man's wanderings throughout their Town! Like it or not YOU are your brothers keeper. And, your Inactions are indeed Actions! It makes no difference if its from an individual person, or from "Your" Community Services/Government Services-You are responsible for ALL "within YOUR Community!" If, this Man's condition was handled appropriately, by whomever-someone that cared, this mite not have happened
Keith Brown
8:28 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
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Michael Megill
4:24 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Mr. Bennington, Alex . . . Law Enforcement did not "allow" the depravity. You are being extremely judgemental in your assumptions that citizens of Wall or surronding communities did not reach out in the past to this gentleman. Did you ever consider he may have chosen to be homeless? Though you are entitled to your opinion, community/government services cannot be responsible for "ALL" within a community. My opinion is folks should take personal responsibility for their actions and situations. Life in not fair Mr Bennington, Alex and it will never be fair. It be what it be. Happy Holidays!
disgusted homeowner
9:07 am on Friday, December 23, 2011
If you watch News12, you would have seen their interview with the adult attacker's mother, who lives in Belmar. She actually said this was no big deal, the guy only got a bloody nose. She says her son has had issues since his father's death. So he goes out and commits "agravated assault"? Against a mild mannered middle aged homeless man minding his own business?? And that is no big deal to her. Real good parenting skills on this woman's part. She should do 2 years in prison right next to her piece of ------ kid.!!!!!
Megan
9:52 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
the 20 yr olds father died this month...it is no excuse but it looks like everyone could use some compassion...
LuAnne Murken
7:13 pm on Thursday, December 29, 2011
compassion my @$$.what if it happened to your brother or father,you would be the first one screaming for blood!yea,compassion.
knarfie
6:36 pm on Friday, December 30, 2011
I have lost people close to me during my lifetime. I didn't go out and beat up a helpless person. The kids are scumbags and I hope he gets his in jail, and the other "juvenile"
somehow gets his.