Bergen County Volunteer Center Seeks Donors to Fill Gift Requests

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County is looking for companies, religious and civic groups, chambers of commerce and other community organizations, as well as individuals and families, to participate in its annual All Wrapped Up Holiday Giving Program.

Participation in All Wrapped Up will help needy children and families, troubled youth, lonely seniors and disabled adults, who may be passed over this holiday season unless generous donors come forward to offer assistance.

Information for potential donors wishing to make contributions can be found at www.bergenvolunteers.org; click on Holiday Programs. Registration is open now; donor-client matching will begin November 1.

“We are asking groups of all kinds to step up and help those in need. We’ve already received a record number of requests from social service agencies for their clients. Groups can collect gifts or raise funds to help others find some joy in the holiday season,” says Janet Sharma, executive director of the Volunteer Center.

All Wrapped Up has two components: Adopt-a-Family and Heart to Heart.

For Adopt-a-Family, the Volunteer Center regularly receives gift requests for more than 800 families, ranging in size from two to seven people. Donors will be given a family profile, with specific gift requests that could include clothes, toys or household items. Donors should plan to spend about $50 per family member. Donors may also provide gift certificates to stores or supermarkets.

Donors with limited budgets or those who would like to focus on one needy person may help an individual through the Heart-to-Heart program. The Volunteer Center regularly receives up to 1,000 requests for assistance which are submitted for seniors, lonely or disabled adults and children. Donors are asked to provide supermarket gift certificates, clothing and gifts for the individual they select and should plan to spend approximately $50.

Non-profit agencies are currently submitting profiles of needy individuals and families to the Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center, in turn, is compiling lists of groups and individuals willing to help. Donors will have no direct contact with individuals or families; all gifts will be delivered to and distributed by the non-profit organization.

In 2013, 735 families and 1,015 individuals, referred by 41 area non-profit agencies, were “adopted” by other families, individuals, community groups and companies. Over 900 donors from the community responded with contributions of gifts, gift certificates, toys, clothing and household items, totalling more than $282,000. Over 3, 500 people coping with illness, unemployment, isolation, domestic abuse and poverty were helped by these generous donors.

To participate in the program, visit the Volunteer Center’s website at www.bergenvolunteers.org, click on Programs, the All Wrapped Up to complete an application form. Registrations are being accepted now; matching begins on November 1. Donors will receive profiles with specific gift requests. For more information, call Debbie Emery at (201) 489-9454 Ext. 118.

All Wrapped Up is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. The Volunteer Center strengthens the community by connecting people through service and developing civic leaders. For more information about All Wrapped Up or to inquire about other volunteer opportunities, visit the website at www.bergenvolunteers.org, or call (201) 489-9454.