The holidays are often a time of excess but this time of year also brings with it opportunities to give back, and there are so many ways to help others right in your own community. From donating clothing to buying holiday gifts for families in need, many organizations need help. And when you take time to lend a hand, you’re also teaching your kids important lessons about the true meaning of the season.
At Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, volunteers can help in many ways, from serving lunch to helping women prepare for the US citizenship exam to providing childcare for their little ones while they receive an education.
Survivors of domestic violence need support, so reach out to Women Aware of Middlesex County or the Center for Hope and Safety in Bergen County. You can host a Dress-Down Day or create a restaurant or Facebook fundraising page.
Sign up to receive a child’s wish list through Jersey Cares’ Frosty’s Friends. By fulfilling a child in need’s gift request, your own child will see Christmas presents in a new light. Spread some warmth by donating a coat to Jersey Cares’ Coat Drive. Helpers are also needed to sort coats.
The Salvation Army has its Red Kettle program, or you can apply to its Adopt-a-Family program to help a family that’s less fortunate with tangible needs during Christmas. The virtual fundraiser that began during the pandemic is still in effect, in case you don’t see volunteers in public.
The S.M.A.R.T Foundation is dedicated to aiding single mothers by providing resources and assistance to help them provide for their children. In collaboration with Strickland’s Steakhouse in Woodbridge, The S.M.A.R.T Foundation will be collecting toys to be distributed at its annual Winter Wonderland event on December 22. You can make a donation via the nonprofit’s website or view the Amazon wish list. SMART is also collecting gently used coats for women and children.
If your family loves animals, you can volunteer at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Some positions require volunteers to be 18 or older, so check with the center about ways to pitch in.
The United Way is also looking for people to spread holiday cheer, donate clothing, money and gift cards to those in need.Â
Many food banks and religious organizations request donations of food baskets prior to the winter holidays. Consider buying a turkey, baking a pie or possibly driving/delivering the meals to a family or senior citizen in need of some company this holiday season. HomeFront will accept baskets for Thanksgiving at 1880 Princeton Ave., Lawrence Twp.
Support a diaper drive since families need the basic necessities even moreso during holiday time. Reach out to Central Jersey Diaper Bank in New Brunswick to see what their requests are year-round.
The Giving Machines will make their New Jersey debut at the American Dream mall in Easth Rutherford from December 18 to January 5, 2025. These unique vending machines offer items from charities like the Community Food Bank of NJ, Moms Helping Moms and St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center, ranging from diapers, clothes, a portable crib and school shoes, to birthday cakes, pet food, animal toys, vaccines and even a goat. Items can be purchased as easily as buying a soda or candy bar and range in price from $7 to $300.
Not all help has to come in the form of a check or online donation, and not all volunteer opportunities need to be organized. Sometimes a simple act of kindness, such as checking in on elderly neighbors to see if they need help with running an errand or clearing snow from their driveway, or visiting with a senior at a local center can make the greatest impact. This holiday season we challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and check in on those around you. Isolation is the hardest part of the holidays for many people so even if you can’t make a monetary gift, give the gift of your time!
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