Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

The holiday season offers us a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in our communities and help those in need. It’s a time to shift our focus from our own desires to the needs of others. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or any other celebration, the act of giving is a universal language that knows no bounds. To embrace the spirit of giving during the holiday season, we have compiled a list of ways to give back to our local Hunterdon County community.

Flemington Area Food Pantry

154 NJ-31, Flemington, NJ
www.flemingtonfoodpantry.org

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year at Flemington Area Food Pantry. This is the season when our Hunterdon County neighbors in need receive a full Thanksgiving & winter season meal beyond our regular food and personal product distribution. Each bag includes a choice of meat, all the sides, and a dessert. With the help of generous donors and incredible volunteers, we can ensure our families enjoy a bounty during the holiday season. This is especially important because our number of visits is at an all-time high … rising 20% again this year. Over 500 new families were warmly welcomed in 2023 by our volunteers who serve our clients with kindness and dignity. The holiday season can be stressful for folks living on a very tight budget and our goal is to make this a true celebration for families. For those that want to help, we welcome financial donations via our website at www.flemingtonfoodpantry.org. We also publish a suggested donation list that can be dropped off any weekday between 9am – 3:30pm. Volunteer opportunities are also listed on our website. Happy Holidays!

Jingle & Mingle at the Mane Stream Holiday Open House

83 Old Turnpike Road, Oldwick, NJ
ManeStreamNJ.org

Get in the festive spirit and come Jingle & Mingle at Mane Stream’s Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at 83 Old Turnpike Rd. Oldwick, NJ. The horses and ponies are excited to meet everyone. And they aren’t camera shy! Capture the magical moments as you pose with the beloved Mane Stream herd. The hard-working herd love treats too! Candy canes, mints, carrots, or apples are all welcome and watch their hearts melt. But it’s not just our four-legged friends who will be treated, humans also deserve some love too! Warm beverages and delectable snacks will be provided for all guests.

So gather your family and friends for an evening of holiday cheer at Mane Stream’s Holiday Open House. We can’t wait to see everyone there, spreading the joy, laughter, and love that the holiday season brings. Can’t attend? Donations for the mission are always welcome!

The Mane Stream Mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives. (501c3 non-profit)

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County

PO Box 83, Annandale, NJ
https://www.fssphunterdon.com

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County, in conjunction with Russ’ Wrench; owned and operated by our President, Russ Crosby, have the annual Toys for Tots campaign at 154 Center St. in Clinton. The Drive concludes on December 1st. Unwrapped new toys are accepted. The Friendly Sons ask that people remember the less fortunate among us especially at this time of year and donate to their local food banks as many have far more clients than in the past years. Among them are the Open Cupboard in Clinton, Flemington Food Pantry and Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville. You may find donation suggestions on the web page of Our Lady of Hope House in Flemington, another charity group we work closely with. And we ask that you remember to donate throughout the year as stocks from the holidays are rapidly depleted and shelves become bare. From all of us to all of you: A blessed and very Merry Christmas and a better New Year for all!

Hope House Toy Drive

85 Bonnell Street, Flemington, NJ
November 25-December 17

Help a child in need have a special Christmas this year. The Knights of Columbus Jubilee Council works hand and hand with Hope House to serve our St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish & Community in the Flemington/Raritan and surrounding area. Bring unwrapped gifts for ages 0-10 years old to the bins in the Narthex or Parish Center.

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Holiday Celebration at Riverside

23 Bridge Street, Milford, NJ
December 9th, 8:30 am -5 pm

Riverside Treasures, 2023 Happening List Winner for Shopping Destination, is hosting a holiday celebration at Riverside on December 9th. The day will include holiday yoga, Reiki share, holiday meditation, intuitive readings, crystal energy readings, chair massage, yule wreath making and drum circle. Most of the proceeds will be donated to local charities, such as the Food Pantry and Healing Hands of United Way.