The holidays are a time of celebration with friends, family and loved ones, but it’s also a time to reflect and give back to those in need. Here are a few simple ways you can make an impact today to help others tomorrow.
1. GIVE BLOOD
Most people have blood to spare, but there simply is not enough to go around. Help ensure that blood is on the shelf when it is needed and you will end up being someone’s hero. In fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation. Click here to learn more (http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood).
2. VOLUNTEER
Visit VolunteerMatch (https://www.volunteermatch.org/?l=United+States) to be connected to organizations with local events that match your interests.
3. DONATE
Time to clean out the closets, and get rid of all that excess “stuff” that is just lying around the house. Donating is easy. Simply visit one of these websites to schedule a dropoff or pickup.
GreenDrop
GreenDrop converts lightly used clothing and household items into critical funds for great American charities (like the American Red Cross, Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind and St. Vincent de Paul.
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey
Goodwill Industries empowers individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain independence through the power of work.
Habitat for Humanity®
Donate goods to Habitat ReStores, home improvement stores that accept small and large donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Procededs from the sales of these items help Habitat’s work in the community and around the world.
https://www.habitat.org/restores/donate-goods
You Give Goods
YouGiveGoods makes charitable giving easy and completely transparent with our free, innovative online drive system where supporters shop online for a cause. A personalized YGG drive gets needed goods to nonprofits and makes a tangible impact in your community.
Donation Town
Donation Town allows you to select from a directory of charities that offer a donation pickup service.
Don’t forget the pets!
Pets are in need, too. Donate pet supplies or food to your local animal shelter. Visit http://njshelter.org or the http://njspca.org to learn more.
