The Season of Giving Begins with You

The Season of Giving Begins with You

By Steffen Klenk

The Season of Giving is upon us. We are only two weeks away from Thanksgiving and Christmas and Chanukah are right around the corner. Locally, there are many ways to help individuals and families over the holiday season.

Each year, the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program helps collect toys throughout the year not only to support children at Christmas, but anytime there is a need for a family. The program is expected to launch its 2018 initiative in the coming weeks. More information can be found at www.toysforkidsprogram.com.

Over the next month, several organizations will be giving back to our local communities by hosting food drives. Each donation will be ensured to help families living in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. The Atlantic Medical Imaging Foundation will hold its 10th Annual Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank of Southern New Jersey and the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  From now through November 19th, donors may bring canned or non-perishable food items to any AMI office in the region.

Longport Media will be holding their 11th Annual Operation Help food drive from Saturday, November 17th – Wednesday, November 21st at 3pm. WMGM will be camped outside of Chickie’s & Pete’s as they collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey Southern Branch.

Starting a clothing drive can bring local families warmth and comfort over the harsh winter season. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties is actively seeking donations. The Atlantic City Rescue Mission has several drop-off bins in the region where you can recycle gently-used clothes and shoes for the homeless.

Don’t forget about our local animal shelters and humane societies. All throughout the year, shelters may ask for basic needs such as food, paper towels, blankets, pillows, toys and other items essential for shelter pets. To find out how you can help, call your local shelter or visit the shelter’s website. They would be glad to hear from you.

Besides donating a bag of canned goods or several new unwrapped toys (which there are never enough of), there are also many other ways to give back. Mailing Christmas cards to our troops domestically and overseas serves as a constant reminder that we are thinking about them. There are several “Adopt a Soldier” programs that can provide resources to those who are interested.

The holidays can be an exciting time of year, especially for a child. Experiencing the magic of their joy can be much fun to celebrate. Yet iit can be easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the season. It’s more than just gift giving, going to see Santa or taking in a favorite Christmas movie. It’s also the perfect opportunity to develop a philanthropic way of thought while activating an attitude of gratitude in both adults and children.

Giving back does not have to be monetary. Donating your time to charity can be a very fulfilling and worthwhile service It is important for us to remember how vital these organizations are. Many foundations rely on year-round donations and volunteer efforts in order to serve their communities. No matter how large or little the contribution, giving back can go a long way in helping others in great need.