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The Camden Rescue Mission features a "Lend a Helping Hand" program during the winter holidays with a focus on providing aid to families in need. Their organization gathers and distributes food, toys, and clothing.
Kinnelon Borought Food Pantry provides holiday food baskets to families in need.
Second Chance Toys gathers and distributes gently used plastic toys to children in need.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My workplace is looking for a family in need in NJ. Last year we did the Adopt-a-Family, which worked out very well. Last year I actually knew of a particular family. This year I do not, but I would like to keep the program going. Any suggestions?
By MB
My significant other and I have 2 and a half year old little girl named Ryleigh. Ryleigh also has a half sister, Leila 6, who we get every other weekend and this Christmas is our year for her to spend with us. I have been looking for charities in our area to help us provide a few gifts for our daughters, so far we only found one who will give each girl one toy. Financially we just barley have enough for monthly bills let a loan Christmas.
Any help would be more then appreciated. My name is Sharon, Lamar is their father and we live in the city of Camden. Lamar is a manager of a shoe store but it doesn't allow for even a few gifts for our girls. If you know of any assistance please email me at sharonaspics AT aol.com
Hi, where in NJ are you? I'm looking for help myself. I lost my spouse 5 years ago and this year lost my mom. I'm struggling myself, Had hip surgery, out of work and taking care of my disabled sister whose 49 years old. She had a bad car accident age 18 and needs clothes n winter coat badly, plus my 18 year old daughter.
I read that your workplace is looking to adopt a family. My two daughters are my family. They are 13 & 11 and worthy of a Christmas. If there is any help you can provide, I would be so grateful.
I am a family of six. I wish I could find someone to adopt my family. Thank you.
hi i am not sure if you are looking for a family to adopt in NJ but we have a very interesting story i would like to share. we are in desperate need of a miracle.
hi im not sure if ur looking again this year, but my family needs a miracle and finding someone to help for Christmas would deff. be a start. we have a pretty interesting story that I would like to shar with you. please reach me if you or your work or if you know anyone that might be able to help this year. if ur looking or might be able to help please email me and I will fill you in on what's going on and why. we need help this year! thanks
Hello, I read that you are looking to adopt a family, I am a single mother of a beautiful little girl. she is seven years old. She does not a father. we do not have much of a family. We have each other my mother, she has a step sister that just lost her mother to cancer two days before Halloween. We are going through alot right now, we are facing losing our home we rent because ur landlord wants to move in which we heard is legal so we could be told to leave.
Hi I am a single mom of four girls I just had to move back in with my parents my kids father was abusive and is no help I could really use the help my kids are 2 3 5 8 if you all ready gave a family I understand and thank you for your time. My name is Kristen by the way hope you have a lovely holiday.
Hi, I'm a single mother of 3 and looking for help this christmas.
Sharon, would be happy to help you and your girls have a happier Christmas. I could either send you a few gifts or give you a gift card to Target and you can shop for them yourself.
I have a friend who is 58 years old has mental illness on SSI and other physical disabilities his check just covers his rent he is in dire need of clothes and shoes Mercer County Board of Social Services says they do not give clothing vouchers and I thought it would be nice if I could find an organization that could help him get basic necessities for Christmas. His name is John carretilla he lives at 135 Moffat Street Apartment hey Trenton New Jersey 08629 my name is Cynthia Chicaleski I can be contacted at 609 222-2800 thank you for your assistance and time
Hi Julie J - have you found someone to help you this Christmas? If not I would love to help.
Hi Latasha M. - me & my husband would like to help. What is your email? Let's connect
Did you get help? Please let me know as I would like to help you - Nicole
I am currently a single mother of 5. Unexpectedly I found out as I was giving birth on November 2nd that I was having twin boys. i am currently out of work and would love to give my kids a decent Christmas. The other 3 are girls, ages 7, 11, and 13. If anyone knows somewhere that will help in Cumberland County, NJ, please let me know ASAP. Everywhere I tried is closed because of deadlines and Toys for Tots has not been doing my county for the past 2 years.
Thanks
You could get in touch with local churches, they often can help or give you a referral. Salvation Army in your area. Ask social media if there are any locations near you for Christmas help. Here are a few in your area - www.needhelppayingbills.com/
A lot of time the police department and fire departments in your local area have a fund drive to collect toys for children in need. There are also local churches and charities in your area that you can apply for now. it is a good time to start planning on this because there are a lot of people who need help right now. Check with your local churches in your area and see if any of them offer this type of help. All of this depends basically on what is available right now in your area. With this pandemic going on right now a lot of charities that helped in the past are cutting back on the help right now because they just don't have the funds. Check this out now and do some searching online. Make a few phone calls to some local fire stations and police departments in your area. They are an excellent source of information and can help you out.
I've been trying to find help for a couple of families and it seems most of the bigger charities are already 'closed' to new families due to many reasons but mostly funds. Many of the funding businesses just do not have the resources they have had in the past and there are so many in need of help it looks like it will be a slim Christmas for many families.
This is how we have found help:
Posted 'need help' ads on local Craigslist, Freecycle, Nextdoor.com, USA4Sale and any other local news group in our area.
Ad had to be very specific as to why the help was needed, what adults were available in household but could not work (reason), transportation to pick up items available, sizes of clothes, etc.
A lot of help came from all of these sites but many people would not donate food because they felt the food stamp program funds should be sufficient for their families needs (usually true).
I did not travel with them as I do not go anywhere that is not absolutely necessary but I did help find locations that might be able to help with clothes and maybe some gifts.
Salvation Army, many nonprofit thrift stores still give vouchers for clothing and usually one 'gift' item.
I feel sure there are churches in your area that might be able to provide some help and where children are involved most will try to find a way. You do not have to be a member but the church should be within your area. Of course, they will invite you to their church but that decision is up to you but maybe the children need some kind of social activity and that may be a place to start.
I have found that a typed story about your family and why you need help as well as a picture of the children is always a big help when asking for assistance. Be specific about what you need as far as clothing goes, especially sizes.
Take copies of this information when you visit places:
Fire stations, police branches, churches, thrift stores, anyplace you can think of that might be able to help.
How much help you receive will most likely depend on how much effort you put into finding what you need but it will have to be as quickly as possible.
My 5 teenagers and I lost our home and currently live in a motel in Absecon, New Jersey. Every place I call says my kids are too old. Anyone have an idea?
By Diane
I noticed on the right hand side of the page request is a link for help in New Jersey. I will try and think of something else but my mind is blank at the moment,
Try your local churches. Many should have Angel Trees where the childrens names will be placed on it with an idea of what they would like and someone at the church will buy it wrap it and place the name back on it. The presents will then be ready for distribution.
I am am ELK. Contact your local BPOE (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) We help families. Also, most lodges do a free Thanksgiving dinner for families and singles. A lot of people are alone for the holidays and it's a place to be welcomed. There is no charge. Your teens may even be willing to volunteer to help serve etc. But they don't have to. I would also contact churches.
Try some local churches; usually churches will "adopt" families for Christmas. I know my church is adopting a sigle mom and her children who range in age from 1 year to teen-agers. Also check with the Salvation Army.
Diane,
I am a Registered Nurse from Tampa, but I am from NJ and know many people with very big hearts who would like to help you over Christmas fill your wish list for your teenagers. Please contact me back. We would like to help make your Christmas special.
Happy Holidays, Tami
Charities that offer help during the holiday season in New Jersey. Please post feedback about any charities you may know about.
Editor's Note: Do NOT post here if you need help. ThriftyFun does not have resources to give direct help to those in need.
YOUR LOCAL UNITED WAY OFFICE IS A CLEARING HOUSE FOR ALL CHARITABLE AGENCIES IN YOUR AREA.
From Amy (Guest)
Here is a list of Charity Organizations that may be able to help. They are listed by name, number and then county.
Agencies Listed Alphabetically (View agencies listed by county)
Army Community Service 609-562-4245 Ocean
Army Community Service 609-562-4245 Burlington
Atlantic Human Resources, Inc 609-348-3901 Atlantic
Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation 201-437-7229 Hudson
Bergen County Community Action Program, Inc. 201-968-0200 Bergen
Bergen County Community Action Program, Inc. 201-968-0200 Bergen
Bethel Development Corporation 856-327-9092 Cumberland
Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services 973-680-4017 Essex
Bromley Neighborhood Civic Center-Hamilton Twp. 609-587-8100 Mercer
Burlington County Community Action Program 609-835-2464 Burlington
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. - CUI 856-964-6887 Camden
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. - North Center 856-966-4453 Camden
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. - UWC 856-365-8989 Camden
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. - West Berlin 856-767-3320 Camden
Cape Human Resources 609-522-0231 Cape May
CASA PRAC 856-692-2331 Cumberland
Cathedral Community Development Corp 732-826-8207 Middlesex
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Newark (Cranford) 908-497-3966 Union
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden (Atlantic City) 609.345.3448 Atlantic
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden (Camden) 856.964.2133 Camden
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden (Penns Grove) 856.299.1296 Salem
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden (Rio Grande) 609.886.2662 Cape May
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden (Vineland) 856.691.1841 Cumberland
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Metuchen (Middlesex) 732-826-9160 Middlesex
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Metuchen (Middlesex) 732-826-9160 Middlesex
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Metuchen (Somerset) 908-722-1881 Somerset
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton (Delanco) 856-764-6940 Burlington
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton (Lakewood) 732-363-5322 Ocean
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton (Lakewood) 732363-5322 Ocean
Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton (Trenton) 609-394-8847 Mercer
Catholic Charities - Newark (Essex PAC) 973-266-7991 Essex
Catholic Family & Community Services 973-279-7100 Passaic
Center for Food Action (Elmwood Park) 201-703-9857 Bergen
Center For Food Action (Englewood) 2015691804x0 Bergen
Center For Food Action Northwest (Mahwah) 201-934-5085 Bergen
Centerville Outreach Ministries, Inc. 856-342-7215 Camden
Community Action Partnership 856-451-6330 Cumberland
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of New Jersey 973-267-4324 Morris
Dress for Success 201-451-8600 Hudson
East Orange Division of Senior Services(East Orange Seniors Only) 973-266-8832 Essex
Essex County Division of Community Action 973-395-8350 Essex
Family Service Association (Egg Harbour Township) 609-569-0376 Atlantic
Family Service Association (Pleasantville) 609-272-8800 Atlantic
Freehold Area Open Door, Inc. 732-780-1089 Monmouth
Hamilton Township Senior Services (609) 890-3686 Mercer
Hammonton Family Community Center 609-567-2900 Atlantic
Hope Community Development Center 201-833-8588 Bergen
HOPES Inc. - Family Resource Center (Hoboken) 201-876-2935 Hudson
HOPES Inc. (Hoboken) 201-656-3711 Hudson
Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. 732-775-0525 Ocean
Ironbound Community Corporation (Essex & Hudson Counties) 973-589-3353 Essex
Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County 609 987-8100 Mercer
Kearny Department of Public Health 201-997-0600 x3511 Hudson
Lakewood Resource & Referral Center 732-942-9292 Ocean
Lean on Me Agape Ministries (Mays Landing) 609-476-4100 Atlantic
Lion of Judah Faith Center, Inc. 609-656-0300 Mercer
Long Branch Concordance 732-571-1670 Monmouth
Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation 732-324-1580 Middlesex
Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation (Somerset County) 732-324-1580 Somerset
Mizpah Inland Human Services, Inc. 609-476-2002 Atlantic
Monmouth Cares (Agency Clients Only) 732-222-8008 Monmouth
Monmouth County Division of Social Services (Atlantic Highlands) 732-872-3200 Monmouth
Monmouth County Division of Social Services (Freehold) 732-431-6118 Monmouth
Monmouth County Division of Social Services (Neptune) 732-502-5800 Monmouth
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs 973-644-4884 Morris
New Community Corporation 973-824-7994 Essex
New Shoes International 973-273-0955 Essex
Newark Emergency Services for Families 800-696-7063 Essex
North Hudson Community Action Corporation 201-866-9320 Hudson
NORWESCAP (Hunterdon County) 888-454-4778 Hunterdon
NORWESCAP (Sussex County) 888-454-4778 Sussex
NORWESCAP (Warren County) 888-454-4778 Warren
Ocean, Inc. 732-244-9041 Ocean
PACO 201-217-0583 Hudson
Paulsboro Community Development Center 856-224-1401 Gloucester
People Help of Sussex County 973-729-1745 Sussex
Puerto Rican Action Board 732-886-9395 Ocean
Puerto Rican Action Board, Inc. 732-828-4555 Middlesex
Puerto Rican Action Commitee (Pensgrove) 856-299-5800 Salem
Puerto Rican Action Commitee (Woodbine) 609-861-5800 Cape May
Puerto Rican Action Committee - Salem/Cape May 609-861-5800 Cape May
Puerto Rican Action Committee - Salem/Cape May 856-299-5800 Salem
Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. 732 442-1081 Middlesex
Rahway Community Action Organization (RCAO) at the JFK Center 732-382-9311 Union
Saint James AME Church - Social Services Corporation 973-624-4007 Essex
SASCA-Hispanic Social Service Center 609-835-1111 Burlington
Save Latin America, Inc. 201-271-7474 Hudson
Social Service Association of Ridgewood (covering: Ridgewood, Glen Rock, HoHoKus, Midland Park, Waldwick and Wyckoff) 201-444-2980 Bergen
Somerset Community Action Program, Inc. 732-846-9888 Somerset
St. Francis Community Center, LBICC 609-494-8861 Ocean
St. Matthew NIDA 973-678-8955 Union
St. Matthew NIDA 973-678-8955 Essex
St. Vincent de Paul 609-698-7477 Ocean
St. Vincent de Paul Society (Holmdel) 732-224-1395 Monmouth
St. Vincent De Paul Society - Ascension Church (Bradley Beach) 732-774-4113 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Holy Eucharist Church (Tabernacle) 609-268-0005 Burlington
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Holy Family (Keyport) 732 264-8132 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Holy Innocents Church (Neptune) 732-922-4242 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Holy Innocents Parish (Neptune) 732-922-4242 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Holy Trinity Conference (Long Branch) 732 222-3216 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - OLPH (Highlands) 732-872-1290 Monmouth
St. Vincent De Paul Society - St. Aloysius (Jackson) 732-370-0098 Ocean
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Barnabas (Bayville) 269-2208x134 Ocean
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Catharine's (Holmdel) 732-224-1395 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. James Conference (Red Bank) 732-741-0500 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Joseph's (Keyport) 732-290-1878 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Mary's (Barnegat) 609-698-7477 Ocean
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Peter Claver Parish (Asbury Park) 732-988-5310 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - St. Rose of Lima (Freehold) 732-303-1793 Monmouth
St. Vincent de Paul Society - Visitation (Bricktown) 732-477-0028 Ocean
Test Agency 609-555-5555 Atlantic
The Christian Caring Center-Pemberton, Inc. 609-893-0700 Burlington
The Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton (Princeton) 609-921-2135 Mercer
The Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton (Trenton) 609-396-9355 Mercer
The Cumberland County Office on Aging and Disabled 856-825-8707 Cumberland
The Salvation Army (Atlantic City) 609-344-0660 Atlantic
The Salvation Army (Montclair) 9737443312 Essex
The Salvation Army (Morristown) 973-539-2700 Morris
The Salvation Army (Newark) 973-623-5959 Essex
The Salvation Army (Salem) 856-935-0305 Salem
The Salvation Army (Vineland) 856-696-5050 Cumberland
The Salvation Army (Williamtown) 856-728-9840 Gloucester
The Salvation Army- Red Bank 732-747-1626 Monmouth
THE SALVATION ARMY/SALEM 856-935-0305 Salem
THE SALVATION ARMY/SALEM 856-935-0305 Salem
The Salvation Army-Bridgeton 856-451-0999 Cumberland
Township of Nutley 973-284-4977 Essex
Tri-City Peoples Corporation 973-676-5506 Essex
Tri-County American Red Cross 908-756-6414 Union
United Passaic Organization 973472-2478 Passaic
United Progress Inc. 609-392-2161 Mercer
Urban League of Hudson County 201.451.8888 Hudson
Urban League of Morris County 973-539-2121 Morris
Urban League of Union County 908-351-7200 Union
Volunteers of America 856-853-0350 Gloucester
Wayne Welfare Department 973-694-1800 Passaic
Westfield Community Center 908-232-4759 Union
check with the churches in your area they can help you
Does any one know where I can get help with Christmas? I have a 16 year old son. I'm a single mother. Everyone I call can't help or will not help because he is a teenager.
if anyone knows of anywhere please let me know. I live in south Jersey.Were you able to get help? Where in South Jersey do you live?
We could possibly help you. Please contact me.
Cindy Cook
Hello,
Were you able to get help? Where in South Jersey do you live? We could possibly help. Please contact me.
Cindy Cook
My sister-in-law is in a terrible situation. She lost her 1 year old baby boy (my nephew) to violence. She is struggling financially and has two other kids. Where can I sign her up for help with Christmas?
By Jeremy Jay G. from Lodi, NJ
Most of the Christmas charities have a deadline of around Thanksgiving for taking applications, they also have an age deadline of 12 years. Each kid only needs one gift from their parents, and the gift doesn't have to be designer clothes or electronics or expensive toys. We all know Christmas comes at the same time every year and there is no reason a person can't buy one gift a month. As the uncle are you giving them anything? Also don't these kids have a Dad, grandparents and other aunts and uncles that will be giving them gifts? I also know a lot of people that do their gift shopping at dollar stores, and thrift stores. Also speak to your pastor about this, because sometimes they will take up a special offering for a needy member of the congregation. I was diagnosed with stage three cancer in mid-September and was really glad I had all of my Christmas shopping all done at the time and that includes buying for about 10 people. I am 74 and live off a total of $700.00 a month. By doing my shopping one gift a month I am able to spend about $15.00 on each person.
redhatterb always has good foundational information that makes sense - for many people. I follow the same path so it is difficult to understand why families are not at least partially ready for Christmas.
It is true that some cannot "plan ahead" but as noted - even Christmas charities have to make plans in advance to be able to fulfill the ones they help.
At this late date she may be able to visit her local church or just try the local charities to see if they can help.
Maybe she should start with her (and her husband's) families since they must be aware of the circumstances.
I recently was staying in a shelter. My family and I are now in an apartment, but times are hard. Last year we did not have a Christmas. I don't want my family to wake up Christmas day with nothing under the tree.
If you know anyone that can help, I would really appreciate it. I live in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Salvation Army is no longer helping. Thanks so much.If you are still having problems this year again here is a website for NJ that lists all the charities that help families at this time of the year. If you are doing better, maybe you can volunteer at one this year to give a little back to them for all they did for you
My sister recently lost her job. She's a mother of five. We also have a brother with disabilities age 16. It's very hard to buy them gifts this year. I recently had a baby girl and I have a 3 yr old son, so I am a currently stay at home mom. I feel so sad for the children this year it just breaks my heart that they will wake up with no gifts. They don't even have a tree. I wish I could get some advice for where to look for help. God bless.
By Melinda
Most of the charities that are nationwide and provide Christmas help quit taking applications mid-November, this is so that they can do their budgeting. They also have age cut off limits of 12-13 years, and most of them don't let disabilities change their minds. Most of them also want proof of income, because what one person considers low income might not actually be low income. Also the the disabled boy should be receiving disability income, which should be going to your sister because I suppose she is caring for him.
Talk to your social workers at the Department of Social Services (I assume you both have them.) Also speak to your pastor, sometimes they will take up an anonymous special offering for a needy member of the congregation. One thing I have learned over my many years kids only need one gift each, and it doesn't have to have a designer label on it or be fancy electronic gadgets.
I have a friend who has two small children at home and her fiance just lost his job this week. They live pay check to paycheck so they were waiting till after they paid their rent to Christmas shop. After paying their rent his was laid off. She has an 11 year old boy and a 15 month old girl. She say's she's contacted several charities and all have full lists and cannot help. Does anyone know of any charities that don't have full lists and can help this family?
By Angie from West Windsor, NJ
