Whether it’s the end of year tax season that sparks a call to action, or upcoming holidays to inspire a season of generosity, now is the time to be thinking of others. Where can your dollars and hours have the most impact? What are the best ways for kids to participate? Check out our Annual Volunteering in Bergen County & Give Back Guide and get involved!
Help temporarily homeless families get back on their feet through housing and other solutions through the Family Promise of Bergen organization. Families can band together and run one of the “Walk-In Dinners” by making and serving food for 150 needy guests, help out by donating items on the center's wish list or teens ages 14 and up can join the organization’s Youth Council which provides young people ample opportunities to donate their time. (Family Promise of Bergen, 100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, 201.833.8009 for the walk- in dinners or contact 201.833.8009 for the Youth Council)
Are you hosting a gathering for the holiday season? Invite guests to bring a children’s size jacket in lieu of “gift” or have your children help out by cleaning out their gently used jackets to donate to Bergen Family Center’s annual coat drive that helps keep families in need warm all winter long. (Bergen Family Center, 44 Armory Street, Englewood, Drop off on Tuesdays only, 11/21 through 12/13, 9am-5pm)
The folks over at Three Sisters Horse Farm know a thing or two about how horse therapy can impact kids with special needs. They’ve been experts in it since 2000 when Pony Power Therapies founder Dana Spett saw the benefits in her own daughter. If you’re at least 14 years old and attend a mandatory training session, you can volunteer as a horse walker and help out with light grooming and barn-keeping. (Pony Power Therapies, 1170 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, 201.934.1001)
Get even the youngest kids involved with Jersey Cares' by assembling and donating a “First Night Kit” which contains basic toiletry items that children and adults can use on the first night at a shelter or transitional housing. You can also read and respond to letters for Frosty's Friends and help make holiday wishes come true for children across New Jersey. Or get the whole family out for MLK Day of Service which mobilizes thousands to engage in volunteer projects around the state. (Jersey Cares - click here to find a volunteer opportunity that's right for you, 973.533.1993)
The Center for Food Action’s goal is to get food to where it's needed most. From participating in a Weekend Snack Pack Program, where healthy snacks are packed for needy school-aged children, to hosting a food drive or donating Thanksgiving items or meals, there are tons of ways to get involved and help out. (Center for Food Action, various locations, contact Kathy Mikula at 201.569.1804 x29 for volunteer opportunities)
Kids ages 15 and up can serve in Eva’s Village’s Community Kitchen which brings in willing volunteers to help serve breakfast and dinner to people in need. (The Community Kitchen at Eva's Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, contact Angela Vance at 973.523.6220 x248 or volunteer@evasvillage.org or click here to find out more about volunteer opportunities)
