Getting into the spirit

Opportunities for giving are all around, By Cindy Weightman 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. The Ogdensburg First Aid Squad at 8 Willis Ave. is still collecting clothing for those in need. Call First Aid Squad President Stephanie Bavaro at 973-769-5448 or 973-827-4855 to arrange something. “We go to all lengths to help the community and we’re taking everything, anything material, linens, clothing. We’ll even give you a tax donation receipt,” Bavaro said. If dropping stuff off doesn’t seem personal enough, here’s a way to make a senior citizen smile. Westwind Manor’s president Todd Tavares says, “the seniors absolutely love visitors. To have that sense of community and interactive communication with another individual is extraordinary.” The catch is that visitors to the Franklin senior community have to be screened, so call ahead and ask for the administrator at 973-827-6575 to set up a background check. 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. Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. 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. Want to get even more hands-on? 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? Sussex County Friends of Animals in Lafayette states its mission as providing love, companionship, medical attention and other needs until permanent homes can be found for unwanted animals. It’s a great way to start and their number is 973-300-5909. There are many other shelters and organizations dedicated to helping animals around the county. Look online for them. Or how about helping to save a human life? Blood is always in short supply. 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. Holidays of course also mean shopping and for those too busy buying new stuff to give away the old consider shopping for someone who really needs a gift. Many stores have donation boxes right by the entrance or checkout where shoppers can also donate for a needy person. The opportunities to volunteer are all around. For more ideas, log onto Web sites like volunteermatch.org or www.njcares.org.