Giving back to the community is a wonderful way to teach our kids empathy and gratitude. As we enter the holiday season and all the joy, excitement, and madness it brings, get the whole family involved in community service or volunteer activities for causes you all care about. Here's our short list of ways to give back this holiday season.
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER BY ADOPTING A FAMILY/INDIVIDUAL IN NEED
The Volunteer Center of Bergen County is sponsoring its annual "All Wrapped Up" Holiday Giving Program that matches individuals and families in need with donors from the community who want to provide some holiday cheer to families or individuals who are living with illness, poverty or other hardhsips during the holidays. To adopt a family or individual click here to fill out an online form. Matching begins November 3.
FIGHT HUNGER BY SUPPORTING A LOCAL FOOD PANTRY
Donating to the a local food pantry is very simple and requires little to no effort. Check what you already have in your house for unexpired, shelf-stable or non-perishable food, toiletries or baby items such as diapers and wipes. If you're hosting a party, ask guests to bring a non-perishable item instead of a gift or dish. Some local food pantries that are accepting donations include:
Center for Food Action urgently needs $20 supermarket certificates, frozen turkeys, canned yams, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, canned pumpkin, canned fruit, canned spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned soup, 100% juice, instant potatoes, stuffing and muffin mix. To schedule your food donation pick-up, call Irwin Vogelman at 201-321-3142.
Church of the Holy Communion in Norwood has a Food Pantry with several drop off locations: 66 Summit Street, Norwood (the church and ECCS daycare); Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church at 211 Summit Street, Norwood; The Presbyterian Church at 701 Broadway, Norwood; St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 31 Lynn Street, Harrington Park; St. Lukes Episcopal Church at 43 Massachusetts Ave, Haworth; Norwood Boro Hall and Norwood Senior Center at 455 Broadway, Norwood. Call Rev. Jim Petroccione at 973-903-0355 or 201-768-0634 for more information.
Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale has receptacles available 24/7 at the rear doors of Fellowship Hall on Magnolia Avenue for small non-perishable donations such as shelf-stable milk, brownie and cake mixes, juices, canned meats and fruits, deodorant, soap and facial tissues. Donations are also collected during Worship Service on the 4th Sunday of every month.
Old Tappan Social Services accepts food and pantry supplies including instant oatmeal packets, macaroni and cheese boxes, pasta sauce, pasta, tuna, cereals, peanut butter and jelly, cookies, crackers, coffee, tea, juices and juiceboxes, shelf-stable microwave meals, paper towels, tissue paper, toilet paper, laundry and dish detergent, oil, mayonnaise, shampoos and conditioners. Items may be dropped off outside the Social Services door at the Borough Hall at 227 Old Tappan Road Mondays through Fridays 8:30AM-4PM.
River Vale Food Pantry accepts all food, gift cards and unused coupons on all items. Non-perishable items including toiletries may be left in the bin outside the pantry door. Perishable items as well as homemade dinner or dessert may be donated by calling Stephanie Muska at 201-280-0721.
St. Andrew's Food Pantry in Westwood accepts pasta, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, juice boxes, tuna fish, rice, pasta mixes, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cookies, cake mixes, brownie mix, candy, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, and cleaning supplies. Drop off at St. Andrew's Church located on 120 Washington Avenue in Westwood.
SHOP FOR A CAUSE
Support small businesses, find unique gifts and help a good cause by attending shopping events hosted by local charities and organizations. Click here for Macaroni Kid's list of Holiday Shopping Events.
HOST A COOKIES FOR KIDS CANCER BAKE SALE
Cookies for Kids Cancer is national non-profit organization that supports pediatric cancer research through local bake sales. In the past, Macaroni Kid - Northern & Pascack Valley has hosted a CFKC Bake Sale during Town Days (click here for Norwood Day 2012 and here for Northvale 2013). Local resident Marcia Lemberg has also successfully organized several CFKC bake sales (click here for her bake sale during Englewood's Sidewalk Sale in 2013). Having a bake sale could be as big or small as you want it to be, and the CFKC website has great resources to help you plan, promote and execute your bake sale. Ready, set, bake!
SHARE YOUR TIME AND TALENTS
The Center for Hope and Safety (formerly known as Shelter Our Sisters) is a Bergen County organization that helps support victims of domestic violence. General volunteers are needed year-round for various services including holiday gift wrapping, organizing donations, and administrative work.
For other upcoming and ongoing volunteer opportunities, visit Volunteer Center of Bergen County's website.
Have other ways to volunteer this holiday season? Share them with us below.
