When I think of November, I think about Thanksgiving which is the perfect time to write about some of our local charities/not-for-profits and the many opportunities to give back. Creating a culture of giving is good for the soul, good for business, and the right thing to do. It’s part of the DNA at Ridgewood Moving and I am happy to share some of our favorites:
Move for Hunger
Move for Hunger is an organization that collects unwanted, non-perishable food from those who are relocating. It’s a natural fit since so much food is tossed in the trash during a move, we ask… why not donate?! That’s why we joined forces with the Center for Food Action in New Jersey with the Move for Hunger Program. This program is bringing a tremendous amount of relief to those most desperate for our help. And anyone can donate – you don’t have to be moving!
Center for Hope and Safety
Center for Hope and Safety, a not-for-profit agency located in Bergen County, assists victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children. Items for mothers and children are appreciated, and gift cards are great. Check out the website for up-to-date needs. You may choose to support through volunteering or donations.
Women’s Rights Information Center
Women’s Rights Information Center is a not-for-profit organization, located in Englewood. WRIC provides knowledge and opportunities to support the economic aspirations, self-sufficiency, and emotional well-being of individuals so they may live with hope, security, and dignity. Donations are welcome for their career closet for both women and men. Please be mindful of seasonally appropriate and laundered clothing.
Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic
Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic services inner-city families with after-school assistance, summer camp, meals, and other quality programs and support services. Nearly 1,100 kids per day are cared for in both the Paterson and Passaic locations. During November and December, we will be collecting gifts for their Holiday Initiative. We adopt families and purchase gifts, clothing, toys, and gift cards, and involve many of our friends/colleagues in the area to participate with us. If you would like to participate with your own donations, you may drop them off at Ridgewood Moving through December 15th, 2022. We will deliver to Paterson.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, Bergen County’s mission is to provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families. Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses with the help of the homeowner families. We work with Habitat through their Re-Store, located in Westwood, with furniture donations from our moving families. There are so many ways to get involved in this organization even if you want to just shop the store!
United Breast Cancer Foundation
United Breast Cancer Foundation offers an array of programs and services in order to help and support families and individuals dealing with breast cancer. We include UBCF in our resource list as a top suggestion for donating women’s and men’s clothing, household items, and other miscellaneous items. They are very responsive and will pick up from your home.
Making it Home
Making it Home, a program of NJ Housing Authority provides home furnishings to formerly homeless, disabled, and low-income individuals and families in need. This organization welcomes furniture items and will pick-up from a home or business. For more information contact [email protected].
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc.
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc., an animal shelter located in Oakland, NJ, is devoted to rescuing abandoned, abused and unwanted animals and finding them loving homes. I advise my clients to donate comforters, blankets, and towels to them. Food and other supplies are always welcome.
Spring Lake Toys Foundation
Spring Lake Toys Foundation, founded in 2016, grants financial assistance to pay for the medical and related expenses of children with serious illnesses and special needs. For more on this heartwarming nonprofit organization, please visit their website, be a hero and help a child!
I truly believe that it is important to get involved in your community, help when needed and engage your staff to be involved – it’s a win, win for all…. Pay it Forward as you Move it Forward!