United Way Celebrates Summer Solstice with Volunteerism

It's summer and things tend to slow down a bit. But one Morristown-based nonprofit is not looking for a leisurely season.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is inviting area residents to join a national day of service on Friday, to have the greatest impact on the longest day of the year, according to a news release. 

Each year on the Summer Solstice United Way "Day of Action" encourages residents to make the most of extra daylight hours by lending a hand in the local community. This year, United Way is helping to raise awareness of the need to help stock food banks and pantries, which traditionally experience a drop in donations during the summer.

Residents are encouraged to help stock shelves by holding a healthy food drive, sharing homegrown vegetables and encouraging family members and friends to do the same.

To sign up to help a local food bank, pantry or soup kitchen, or to find other volunteer opportunities in the local community, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/BecomeAVolunteer. The site lists volunteer opportunities across the region year-round. Residents can search the local area either by zip code or keyword, and locate volunteer opportunities.

"Each one of us has the potential to help improve lives and make a difference in our community," said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. "And the need is out there. Our United Way ALICE research shows that despite the appearance of affluence in our region, there are thousands of individuals and families struggling to afford basic needs such as food."

In the five-county northern New Jersey region of Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, ALICE research shows that 27 percent of households can not keep up with the high cost of living to afford the necessities of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation.

For more information about United Way "Day of Action," email Lisa.Galonardo@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 908.253.6503.