LONG VALLEY, NJ — Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1 this year, but you don't have to wait until then to make a difference close to home.
Throughout November, local nonprofits, food pantries, animal rescues, community organizations and other groups are looking for donations, volunteers and other forms of support. Whether you have a few hours to give, items to donate or simply want to support a local cause financially, there are plenty of ways to help.
Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Long Valley. Needs and volunteer opportunities can change, so check directly with each organization for the latest information.
Here are some ways to make a difference in Long Valley this November:
The Long Valley Community Assistance Program, known as LVCAP, is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) that runs a food pantry and an emergency fund from the Long Valley Presbyterian Church, 39 Bartley Road. The pantry serves Long Valley residents and members of participating churches, and its site says it now helps more than 70 families.
The pantry accepts unexpired, non-perishable food on Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and is open for client shopping on Mondays. Its website lists current in-demand items, and monetary gifts go to P.O. Box 660, Long Valley, NJ 07853. Call 908-300-6773 or email longvalleycap@gmail.com.
Learn more about donating to LVCAP.
The Long Valley First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer, non-billing, non-profit squad that has provided emergency medical and rescue services to Washington Township since 1957. Its station is at 70 E. Mill Road.
Donations can be made through PayPal on its website, or mailed to Long Valley First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 111, Long Valley, NJ 07853. EMTs and support members 18 and older can join, and cadets 16 and older. Call 908-876-4567 or email donations@lvfas.org.
Learn more about supporting the First Aid Squad.
The township's senior center runs activities, programs and trips for township seniors. The township also coordinates Meals on Wheels through its recreation department.
To ask about volunteering or Meals on Wheels, email Bernadette Meola at bmeola@wtmorris.net, or call Washington Township Recreation at 908-876-5941.
Learn more about the local Meals on Wheels program.
The Morris County Park Commission manages Schooley's Mountain County Park, a 797-acre park in Long Valley, and the Columbia Trail.
Its natural resources stewardship volunteers protect and restore forests, meadows and wetlands, and opportunities exist for individuals and corporate groups. Volunteers sign up through a link on its volunteer page. It also runs a bluebird nest box monitoring program across 12 county parks. Contact Darrell Jones, Superintendent of Natural Resources Management.
Learn more about volunteering with the Park Commission.
Based in nearby Morris Plains at 2 Executive Drive, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network serves Morris County residents and says it's preparing Thanksgiving meals for 2,700 families this year. Each family gets a turkey and the ingredients for a traditional meal.
Donors can give through its Virtual Food Drive or organize a food drive. Food can be dropped off at the warehouse Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the pantry closes at noon on Nov. 25 and is closed Nov. 26 and 27. Volunteers can apply on its website.
Learn more about donating to the Interfaith Food Pantry Network.
Nourish.NJ, based in Dover, provides free community meals across Morris County, along with services that address hunger, housing and employment. Its programs are free and offered with no questions asked.
Its website has Donate and Volunteer pages, including a "How to Help" page with ways to support its work.
Learn more about volunteering with Nourish.NJ.
Family Promise of Morris County, based in Morristown, helps families with children who are experiencing homelessness. It relies on individuals, community groups, congregations and businesses.
Supporters can hold a drive for its wish list items, assemble kits such as Beat the Heat, Winter Care or Brown Bag Breakfasts, or join a Done-in-a-Day service project. Checks go to Family Promise of Morris County, P.O. Box 1494, Morristown, NJ 07962.
Learn more about volunteering with Family Promise.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Long Valley. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.
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