United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking the assistance of area residents and businesses to purchase holiday gifts and winter coats for individuals in need during its United Way Gifts of the Season program. To request a gift tag, to volunteer, or for more information, email Lisa.Galonardo@UnitedWayNNJ.org, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/Gifts2017 or call 973-993-1160 x503.
In partnership with 20 area nonprofits, United Way seeks to bring holiday cheer to local children, senior citizens and adults with disabilities who are struggling to afford basic needs. United Way is building on 30 years of success with this drive in Somerset County by bringing it to Warren County.
United Way research shows that 12,000 Warren County households — 29 percent — qualify as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. These households cannot afford life’s basic necessities of housing, food, health care, child care and transportation and are one emergency away from falling into financial ruin. The holidays and winter months bring additional financial stress, which United Way is seeking to alleviate with community support.
Residents and businesses can support United Way Gifts of the Season by requesting gift tags with holiday wish lists. Participants are asked to fulfill at least one of the wish list items with a new, unwrapped gift by Dec 11. United Way also accepts store gift cards and donations to purchase items listed on remaining gift tags.
In addition, residents and businesses can also show their support by donating new or gently used winter coats and outerwear so that families can use their limited funds to pay for their basic needs, such as housing, utilities, food or transportation. The greatest need each year is for coats in children’s sizes.