Getting into the local spirit as holiday season begins

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season and with schools and offices closed, people may find a bit of time to take a breather and reflect on how to give to others in need. Whether it’s by writing a check or by clearing out the wardrobe closet, here are some ideas that should help promote the spirit of giving. For those with time and clothes, consider Sister Thomasina’s Second Choice Shop in Franklin. The shop is run by Catholic Family and Community Services and clothing is always appreciated. Call 973-827-4702 to volunteer. The agency also collects food and makes Thanksgiving baskets. The Church of the Good Shepherd in Wantage has a food pantry and soup kitchen on Saturdays at noon. Volunteers need to be at least 16 years old to help in the kitchen. The pantry is looking for servers now. Contact Susie at 973-875-0919. And for a list of other food pantries in the county, log onto the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition Web site at www.njahc.org. Agencies like SCARC, which serves the developmentally disabled, need people to work in residential, recreational and day programs, helping to make community connections for the people they serve. Call the Augusta office at 973-383-7442 for a volunteer application. Pass It Along based in Sparta has plenty of ways for young people to get involved. There’s Family Volunteer Day, a holiday toy drive and a coat drive. Note in a Coat has a special twist. Donors place notes of inspiration in the brand-new coat, which is later distributed to someone in need. Call 973-726-9777 for more information. Newton Memorial Hospital has a Junior Volunteer Program for teens aged 14-18. There’s a 50-hour time commitment but the ways to give are many. According to the hospital Web site, young volunteers help staff with non-clinical duties, which can include reading and writing letters for patients, running errands, distributing juice or water, even making beds. For more information contact volunteers@nmhnj.org. Habitat for Humanity is an organization that pairs community members with other volunteers to help build homes for those in need, but the Web site for its Sussex County chapter says there are many ways to help. “Don’t feel that just because you can’t ‘build’ a house that you can’t volunteer. We need all types of help, including making lunch for our work crew, picking up around a work site, manning a booth at a fundraiser or volunteering at our office.” Habitat’s Branchville office is looking for office volunteers to help answer phones and perform other duties. For more information, call 973-948-4850. Love animals? How about volunteering at a rescue shelter? Keep an eye out for the American Red Cross Blood Mobile or call the Sussex County chapter at 973-579-1600. According to their Web site, even a 16-year-old can give blood in New Jersey but parental consent is required. For more ideas, log onto Web sites like volunteermatch.org or www.njcares.org.