The holiday season will probably be very different this year. We’ll be staying closer to home, avoiding big parties, and maybe even foregoing family gatherings in order to try to flatten the curve and keep everyone safe. Sadly, many in our Bergen County and surrounding community are dreading the holidays because they fear they will bring loneliness, food insecurity, and fewer gifts to exchange. For those of us with the ability and maybe a little extra time or money, there are even more ways for our families to spread some cheer and joy this holiday season. Here are Nine Ways to Give Thanks and Give Back in Bergen County this holiday season:
Deck their halls. Got some crafters in the group? Lots of elderly and differently abled individuals in independent or assisted living facilities will have to stay put this holiday season with visits to or from family or friends postponed indefinitely. Brighten their living spaces by offering to decorate their common areas, hallways or doors. One Bergen County Girl Scout troop has offered to make snowflake decorations for a local independent living facility. Since many residents are confined mostly to their rooms, outdoor decorations that can be seen from the windows will be a particularly great option. Just remember to call first and ask what the facility needs!
Say thank you with food. And hand warmers. Resurrect that basket of snacks and drinks you left out last spring for essential delivery workers but update it to the holiday edition. Leave holiday themed snacks and hand warmers for those delivery folks who will be working overtime to make sure all our gifts arrive on time and (hopefully) intact.
Sneak some holiday presents. Ghosting, or Boo-ing, doesn’t just have to be for Halloween. Why not put together some fun holiday treat bags – throw in seasonal candy, a few little tchotchkes and leave them on the doorsteps of friends or family? Pro tip: go at dusk and bring a flashlight to shine at all those pesky Ring doorbells. Also, wear a mask! You’ll stay healthy and your identity will be protected!
Pile it on. Fall sports are coming to an end but that doesn’t mean you don’t have weekends. If your family finds itself with a free day, why not grab some rakes and roam the ‘hood, pitching in wherever you see neighbors out raking the eleventy billion leaves that have fallen in the past few weeks (and that we know will continue to fall even after the first snowfall!). Which reminds us, this idea works for snow too. Grab your shovels and dig out some neighbors.
Pass some notes. This past spring, when all the world was still shut down, a group of girls in Ridgewood decided to stay in touch the old fashioned way. They became pen pals. Notes were passed through mail slots or left on door steps during family walks and then responded to and returned during yet more family walks. The kids, who were too young to be on social media but old enough to write independently, stayed connected during the long months when being together in person was impossible. Replicate this with neighbors and friends and make sure you ask lots of questions for them to answer in their replies!
Start a collection. As we all know, many of our neighbors have suffered economic misfortune during the past year. Too many residents are food insecure. But did you also know that toiletries, sanitary products, some baby supplies and pet food are not covered by government assistance programs? Why not start a collection of some of these items for local food banks. You can leave collection bags with a list of needed items on doorsteps in your neighborhood and arrange a time to return to pick them up. Women, mothers and especially families faced with the idea of surrendering their beloved pet in the face of sudden misfortune will be especially grateful.
Make a delivery. There are Community Meals on Wheels programs all over Bergen County. Find the one closest to you and volunteer as a family to make deliveries. Most routes take less than an hour and, if a weekly commitment isn’t doable for you, volunteer to be a sub during these holiday months. Then, have your kids draw little pictures to leave with each meal. That little bit of sunshine will mean a great deal to many of these meal recipients.
Keep them on their toes. One of the big challenges for homeless folks is how to keep their feet warm and dry. Between the walking and standing and the weather, socks wear out fast when you live outside. And though coats are a frequently donated item, no one remembers to donate socks. Sock it to Homelessness, started by two brothers and located in Edgewater, collects new, unused socks and distributes them to shelters in the New York and New Jersey area. So next time you’re replenishing the sock drawer, grab a few extra and keep someone’s feet a little warmer this winter.
Adopt a family. Local hospitals and many religious institutions will have a list of families who could use some assistance with making their holidays merry this season. Why not find a family that sound a little like yours and involve your kids in the planning and buying. Have them make suggestions about toys, books or clothes the kids in the family might like. It will mean much more to all of you if you can identify with the humans you are helping.
