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
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.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
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.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
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
If you live in New Jersey and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
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 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 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