Teach your kids there’s more to the holidays than an Itunes Gift Card. We found 5 Bergen County charities where the whole family can get in on volunteering this holiday season.
Bergen Family Center
How you can help: Grab the kids after school and head on down—it’s as easy as that. Spend some quality time with young children at the center- crafting, reading and goofing around.
When: Monday-Friday after school
Where: 44 Armory St, Englewood
Second Chance Toys
How you can help: Give unwanted toys a good cleaning and a new home and drop them off at one of the donation locations around the county. If you can collect 50 or more toys, Second Chance will match you with a local organization (Head Start, etc.) where you can drop off the toys directly.
When: November 1-December 20
Where: Drop-off locations begin registering on November 1st, see website for locations near you.
Jersey Cares
How you can help: Participate in Frosty’s Friends by answering letters and granting wishes to kids in need or grab the kids and go hand-me-down shopping in the basement for old coats to donate to their 19th annual Coat Drive.
When: November 1-December 15
Where: See website for info on both programs here.
Volunteer Center of Bergen County
How you can help: The All Wrapped Up Holiday Giving Program matches families in need with sponsors from the community. The program has several levels of participation. At the highest end, sponsors can adopt an entire family, responsible for buying food and gifts. Other options: adopt an individual, or buy supermarket gift cards.
When: Sign up now online or call the Holiday Hotline at 201-489-9454
Where: Click here for information on where and how to donate.
Center for Food Action
How you can help: Donate all the Thanksgiving classics. Turkey, cranberry, soup and stuffing are all in demand. Don’t feel like shopping? Make a cash donation. Providing 3500 holiday meals is not cheap.
When: Until November 25
Where: Englewood, Ringwood and Mahwah
