As we approach the season of giving, my family and I are reminded of the many blessings we have, and think of those who are less fortunate than we are, particularly seniors, children with cancer, single women with children, and the homeless whom have been particularly hard hit due to the COVID pandemic. In the spirit of spreading love, joy, and kindness this holiday season, I hope you'll join me in supporting the following causes this holiday season:
FOOD INSECURITY
🎁 Center for Food Action - this local organization in Englewood provides local families with food assistance throughout the year. If you would like to volunteer, here are several ways to become involved: host a fundraiser, organize a food drive, help with administrative work, sort donated food/stock the pantry shelves/deliver food packages. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
🎁 Family Promise of Bergen County - the daily Walk-in Dinner Program in Hackensack offers nutritious meals to anyone in the Bergen County. Volunteers, ages 18 and up, sign up to prepare and serve a hot meal one week in advance. Volunteers pack up donated meals, which are distributed at the loading dock at 120 South River Street in Hackensack and some trained volunteers will deliver to shelter residents that have moved to motels. The time commitment is approximately 2 hours, from 3:30PM - 6PM. Hats, masks and gloves (provided) are required to participate. For more information, click HERE.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
🎁 Habitat Bergen ReStore - shop for new and gently used furniture, household goods, and building materials at the retail store located at 121 Carver Avenue in Westwood Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10AM to 6PM. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Bergen County, which helps build affordable housing for local families. You can also donate new or gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. Check the list of accepted donations HERE.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS
🎁 Oasis - based in Paterson, this haven for women with children offers hot meals, emergency food bags, clothing, and social work assistance. In response to the COVID crisis, they are offering emergency assistance to Paterson families by collecting monetary donations, as well as gift cards to purchase at restaurants and food and personal care items. See the list of needed items HERE.
🎁 Women's Rights Information Center - join Jersey Women Strong for its second annual Ugly Sweater Shuffle 5k December 11 to December 13. This year's race will be done virtually, so run/walk/stroll with your friends in your best festive gear! Registration is $25. 100% of the proceeds benefits the Women's Rights Information Center in Englewood, which provides women with the resources they need to be economically self-sufficient to provide for themselves and for their families. Not a runner? You can still donate by texting HELPWOMEN to 243725
PEDIATRIC CANCER/MILITARY FAMILIES
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🎁 PBA Annual Toy Drive - local Bergen County Police Departments will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to bring joy to children with cancer as well as military police and military families this holiday season.
Do you have a favorite local charity? Email angelines@macaronikid.com and let us know about it. We will publish the best stories to share with the Macaroni Kid community!
WANT MORE FAMILY FUN?
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Proudly serving Northeast Bergen County area families in Closter, Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake since 2010.
