Community Corner

Ways to Help Others This Holiday Season

Many opportunities available locally.

The holidays are just about getting stuff and stuffing one's self. Far from it. They are about family and friends coming together and giving thanks for what they have, and sharing in what they have with those they love.

Not everyone, however, has the resources to celebrate. For many, it's just a struggle to pay their bills, let alone buy a turkey for Thanksgiving, or toys for Christmas.

Luckily, there are a lot of opportunities for people to help others this holiday season. Here are a few:

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  1. Runners Want to Help: If you have running shoes, or would just like to make a monetary donation, you can give both to the , which is participating in the annual NYRR Running Shoe Drive for children in need, until Dec. 24.
  2. A Reader Suggestion: From Faith Teeple, friend of Patch, "Bring food donations (including those supermarket hams and turkeys you may have gotten for free during the holidays but won't be able to use) to the Interfaith Food Pantry, 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. Distribute supplemental and/or emergency food to eligible Morris County residents in need; provide hands-on opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors; educate the public about the issues of hunger in our area. http://www.mcifp.org.
  3. Annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive at : If you're already planning on having a drink or bite to eat at this Morris Street restaurant, consider bringing a toy or food item for donation, through Dec. 5. All donations benefit St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and the Interfaith Food Pantry.
  4. Market Street Mission Can Turn $2.75 Into Dinner: But, they need your help in doing so. Besides providing counseling and recovery services for addicts, also provides outreach to the greater community, including feeding an estimated 22,000 men, women and children this holiday season. Click the link to learn more on how you can help.
  5. is conducting its annual collection for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation from Nov. 26 until Dec. 18. New, unwrapped toys, games and books for children can be dropped off Sunday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coldwell Banker office lobby, 211 South St. in Morristown.
  6. Speaking of Toys for Tots: The also is currently seeking donations for the cause.
  7. Want to Give Some 'Hope for the Holidays?' For those struggling to just make ends meet, or who have no one in their lives to celebrate the holidays with, "Hope for the Holidays" program is there. And, you can be, too.

Do you know of other ways people can help others this holiday season? Post them to our events calendar, our announcements page or email John Dunphy at john.dunphy@patch.com.


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