8 Ways To Give Back To Others This Season

’Tis the season to help others, and there are many ways to do so in Bergen County.

You might’ve been busy shopping the sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and you’ll probably be in and out of mom-and-pop shops and malls until Christmas Eve. But between checking off everyone on your list, remember that it’s also the season of charity and giving back to others.

Whether it’s donating toys to less fortunate children or volunteering your time at a senior center, there are lots of ways to give a smile to everyone in your local community. Below are a few ways you can donate in Bergen County. You’ll feel great knowing you’re helping those less fortunate—plus, it’s a great holiday lesson to teach the kids!

Donate toys. There are plenty of local opportunities to give less fortunate kids the joy of a new toy. For example, donate new toys for children and teens to the North Jersey division of Toys for Tots until Saturday, Dec. 16 to ensure volunteers have enough time to distribute the toys to young ones across the state, including kids in Bergen County.

Donate coats. Give gently used coats that have been sitting in your closet a new life by donating to the annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive, now through Jan. 7. Depending on how many coats you’re giving away, there are drop-off locations throughout the county, including in Ramsey and Garfield (check the website for specific locations).

Donate time. Many local organizations are opening their doors to in-person volunteers. Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, for example, is always open to volunteers, who assist with social activities and even do weekly shopping trips for residents. Another option is to spend time at a local animal rescue such as C.A.T.S. in Westwood, where volunteers work in the gift shop, do data entry and create social media posts and/or work directly with the animals.

Donate food. Food insecurity continues to be a problem in many parts of Bergen County, so food pantries and local charities are always in need of canned goods and items. This list of emergency food providers in Bergen County has drop-off locations in the county.

Donate money. If you want to make the holidays a little bit brighter for families that are struggling financially, you can donate as much or as little as you’d like to Jersey Cares or the Salvation Army’s New Jersey Division. If you’d rather donate tangible items, you can do so at a Salvation Army drop box location near your home. Lastly, the Salvation Army offers an amazing option to “Adopt-a-Family,” and Bergen Volunteers has its “All Wrapped Up” program, both of which will pair you with a New Jersey family or individual in need. Once you receive your match, you can purchase Christmas gifts for each family member.

Donate miscellaneous items. Do you want to open your heart but aren’t sure how to do so? Local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County will accept most donations, whether that’s a monetary gift, school supplies and devices, sports equipment or video-style games for tweens and teens.

How will you be giving back this holiday season? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj!