5 Bridgewater Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — If you’re like many of your Bridgewater neighbors, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community.

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits worldwide have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Maintaining funding is a constant challenge for many nonprofits that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Bridgewater area.

Here are five local nonprofits to consider getting behind on Giving Tuesday:

1. Somerset Regional Animal Shelter— Providing rescue services and care for animals in need, the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter takes in nearly 1,0000 animals each year. This organization helps to find loving adoptive homes for animals and offers affordable spay and neuter services. Donations go towards the cost of food, supplies and medical care for animals at the shelter. Learn more at srasnj.org.
2. Visions and Pathways — Since 1970, this organization has been dedicated to supporting abused, homeless and at-risk youth in the Bridgewater area. Visions and Pathways offers programs for housing, wellness and mentoring in addition to their outreach programs. Learn more at visionsandpathways.org.
3. Safe+Sound Somerset — Helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence with compassionate, trained professional help. Assistance is offered 24 hours a day – 7 days a week – 365 days a year at 866-685-1122. Our Helpline is the gateway to survivor-centered services that provide safety, hope and healing from the trauma of abuse and violence. Learn more at safe-sound.org.
   
4. Somerset County 4-H — Since 1968, the Somerset County 4-H has been dedicated to helping young people become responsible, compassionate and capable members of the community. This organization offers clubs, events and camps for school-aged children. The annual Somerset 4-H Fair is an opportunity for club members to practice their leadership skills and show off their hard work. Learn more at 4histops.org.
5. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County — The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in our community in a manner recognizing and advancing self-worth and human dignity. Working through our warehouse-pantry in Bridgewater and satellite food pantries, our goal is to help feed and provision people in need until they become self-sufficient. We aid any Somerset County residents requesting help who either find us directly or are referred by public and private county agencies. The Food Bank Network is a non-governmental, non-sectarian, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public benefit organization. Learn more at somersetfoodbank.org.

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