The Giving Season in New Brunswick: Here's How You Can Help

The holiday season has become known as The Giving Season, a time when people, organizations and corporations reach into their hearts and pocket books to help others.

New Brunswick, shining like a Christmas tree, is a place where there are many opportunities to give. Here are some of them.

• The Urban Health Collaborative plans to distribute toys for children in the New Brunswick community. The collaborative is holding a holiday toy drive from 2-6 p.m. at 24 Kirkpatrick St., Lower Level. The toy drive event will include fun activities and scrumptious snacks for the children and families who wish to participate.
• The New Brunswick Police Department will be distributing toys at several parts of the city on Saturday, Dec. 24. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be made at police headquarters at 25 Kirkpatrick St.
• The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital is holding its holiday gift drive now through Dec. 31; information can be found here. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJUH drive is taking place now through Dec. 25; read the details here.
• Support the New Brunswick Salvation Army Corps as the sounds of bells ringing and red kettles clanging can be heard around New Brunswick on Fridays and Saturdays as the Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army’s major fundraising event of the year, takes place now through Christmas Eve. If you are not one to carry cash to drop into kettles, you can also donate online and even volunteer for the Salvation Army New Brunswick Corps here.
• New Brunswick's Make it Count program provides an opportunity to directly assist the network of agencies and organizations dedicated to serving those in need of food, clothing, shelter and many other services. Donations at these red meters help provide resources that will have a direct and meaningful impact. Donations can be made with coins or credit/debit card. Donations can also be made from the ParkMobile app.
• Help REPLENISH (Middlesex County’s hunger eradication program) during its food drive this month. Canned and packaged goods are accepted, no glass items. More information is available here.