Wayne Magazine Holiday 2017 | Page 18

list ’ Tis the season for giving Who’s on your list? COLOR MY WORLD Gather the kids, break out the colored pens and Crayola crayons and create holiday cards for senior citizens. Most nursing homes are amenable to volunteers dropping them off or dropping in to distribute them. Note: Contacting the home ahead of time to get instructions on rules and regulations is recommended. CAREONE AT WAYNE (973) 692-9500 RENAISSANCE GARDENS Pompton Plains (973) 831-3504 ST JOSEPH’S HOME FOR ELDERLY Totowa (973) 942-0300 BRANCHING OUT The popular giving tree is a great option for all ages to get in the spirit of giving back. Many local community centers, churches, mosques and temples offer holiday giving trees, or adopt-a-family programs that allow individuals and families to purchase gifts for homeless children and adults. And don’t forget about our four-legged friends: Local animal shelters now have pet projects and holiday wish lists, too. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WAYNE (973) 956-0033 PACKANACK COMMUNITY CHURCH Wayne (973) 694-0608 GENTLE GIANTS INC. RESCUE & SANCTUARY Pompton Lakes (973) 835-4774 FEED THE NEED Food baskets are always in needed — especially around the holidays. Make it extra special by putting together a full meal including a festive tablecloth, pretty paper products, dinner candles and a gift card to a local bakery or fresh produce store. It will feed the need and create a memorable dining experience. ST MARY’S FOOD PANTRY Pompton Lakes (973) 831-4442 LINCOLN PARK FOOD PANTRY (973) 694-2890 NO LICENSE REQUIRED Setting up a clothing drive is the ideal way to get teens involved in giving back. It can be as simple as a hat and glove collection set up through a local school or scouting troop. Or the whole family can pitch in and put together a cold-weather package complete with pajamas, bathrobe, socks and slippers. Hand warmers are always a welcome item for homeless men and women. SALVATION ARMY Pompton Lakes (973) 839-4492 WAYNE YMCA (973) 595-0100 VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA Wayne (973) 628-8924 16 HOLIDAY 2017 WAYNE MAGAZINE CHRIS T he holidays are all about giving. However, not all gifts come with wrapping paper and ribbons. Sometimes the most appreciated present is the act of doing something mean- ingful for someone else. Share the gift of giving back with friends and family this sea- son. It’s the best way to spread holiday cheer.