The Gift Of Giving

From holiday toy drives to Thanksgiving food collections, there are plenty of ways to make the season brighter for neighbors in need.

A new toy can light up a child’s face, a bag of groceries can ease a family’s worries and a warm coat can make a cold day a little more bearable. As the holidays approach, there are countless ways to make a difference for neighbors in need across Monmouth—and you don’t have to wait until December to get started.

With Hanukkah arriving early this year, many holiday toy drives are already underway. Meanwhile, local organizations are collecting everything from nonperishable food and toiletries to clothing and pet supplies, helping individuals and families get the essentials they need. Whether you donate a new toy, fill a bag with pantry staples or drop off a few much-needed items, your generosity can go a long way toward making the holidays brighter for everyone.

Toy drives

• Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. This nonprofit collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children in need. Check the organization’s website for drop-off locations in Monmouth.
• Frana & Silk Real Estate Group Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations to the real estate office at 119 Avenue at the Commons in Shrewsbury.
• Lunch Break Holiday Toy Drive. Donations of new toys and gift cards will be accepted at the Lunch Break office, 121 Drs James Parker Blvd. in Red Bank.
• YMCA of the Jersey Shore Holiday Toy Drive. New, unwrapped toys and items may be dropped off at YMCA locations at 470 E. Freehold Rd., Freehold; 166 Main St., Matawan; and 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank.

Food drives

• Lunch Break Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Red Bank nonprofit is accepting holiday food donations through Nov. 25. Donors can drop off holiday side dishes and food donations, with an option to sponsor a family’s Thanksgiving meal.
• Pier Village Holiday Food Drive for Fulfill. Now through Dec. 13, food donations can be brought to Pier Village in Long Branch to help the Fulfill food pantry. Items can be dropped off at local businesses such as Piazza on the Pier, The Baked Bear, Turning Point and Wave Resort.
• Fulfill. The Neptune-based food pantry accepts donations year-round. Needed items include canned protein, peanut butter and shelf-stable milk (no glass), among other nonperishable items. Weekday drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Coat drives

• United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties—Warmest Wishes. The Eatontown office is accepting coat drop-offs through Dec. 18. Consider donating brand-new coats with tags for boys and girls, sizes 3T through youth XL. Donations are distributed to local schools and community partners serving children in need.
• Jersey Cares Annual Coat Drive. Multiple collection sites throughout our counties will be accepting new and gently used winter coats for men, women, children and infants through Jan. 6. Check the organization’s website for drop-off locations in Monmouth and throughout the state.
• Market Street Mission. The nonprofit’s Asbury Park location seeks warm coats and other new clothing items. Donations also can be shipped using the group’s Amazon wish list.

Did we miss your upcoming toy or food drive? Tell us about it on Instagram @monmouthmagazine.