The giving season is here and there are plenty of organizations in South Jersey where you can spread the holiday spirit. Check out 10 ways to give back:
Food Bank of South Jersey
foodbanksj.org
What’s needed: non-perishable food items, especially peanut butter, canned vegetables and soups, applesauce, canned tuna or salmon, cereal and pasta.
Oaks Integrated Care
oaksintcare.org
What’s needed: unwrapped gifts and toys for people of all ages, like board games, fleece blankets, journals, duffle bags, gloves and hats, and gift cards. You can also sponsor a family and provide gifts for all members.
Cathedral Kitchen
cathedralkitchen.org
What’s needed: volunteers to plate and serve meals, seat guests and clean up. Volunteers with SUVs or station wagons are needed to pick up food donated from local restaurants. Children can help at home by assembling utensil packets and decorating placemats.
Cherry Hill Food Pantry
cherryhillfoodpantry.com
What’s needed: Help restock food shelves every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm, hold your own food drive or drive the van to pick up donated food.
Distributing Dignity
distributingdignity.org
What’s needed: feminine items that are rarely donated, like bras and tampons, for distribution to women in need. Drop-off locations: Advocare Epstein Gynecology Associates in Maple Shade, the Cottage Resale Shoppe in Marlton and the Village Quilter in Mount Holly.
The Neighborhood Center
neighborhoodrising.org
What’s needed: The center is currently looking for volunteers to lend a hand in its community kitchen and garden, and with its children’s programming.
Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation
Victoriousfoundation.org
What’s needed: Donated items for teens fighting cancer in the hospital, like books, handheld electronics, lip balm and socks.
Sister Jean’s Kitchen
609-348-4300
What’s needed: food donations and volunteers to help serve food.
Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter
friendsofbcas.org
What’s needed: drop off pet food, kitty litter and leashes, or volunteer to walk dogs and cuddle cats.
Camden County Animal Shelter
856-401-1399/ccasnj.org
What’s needed: you can find the shelter’s wish list on amazon.com. Items include cat litter, chewy toys, pet thermometers, aromatherapy oils and treat dispensers.
