5 Mendham, Chester Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

MENDHAM, NJ — If you’re like many of your Mendham 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 Mendham and Chester areas.

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

1. Chester Mendham Food Pantry: The Mayor's Coalition of Community Service Organizations was formed in 1999 to address the growing need for support during times of financial hardship. After meeting quarterly to explore solutions, the coalition established a food pantry in 2001. In 2003, the pantry relocated to its current site next to the Chester First Aid Squad facility. Today, the pantry serves over 20 families monthly through deliveries and assists 35 walk-in households.
2. Platinum Minds: Platinum Minds is a nonprofit leadership and educational development program dedicated to empowering academically motivated young men from underrepresented communities. The program provides them with the skills needed to succeed academically and become positive role models in their communities. Founded by Yvette Long, Platinum Minds was created in response to rising dropout rates, particularly among young male students from underserved areas with limited resources to support and inspire their learning.
3. The Seeing Eye: The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind individuals through the use of Seeing Eye dogs. To fulfill this mission, The Seeing Eye:
   • Breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs
   • Trains dogs to guide blind people
   • Instructs blind individuals on the proper use, handling, and care of their dogs
   • Conducts and supports research on canine health and development
4. Great Swamp Watershed Association — The Great Swamp Watershed Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of the Passaic River through science, education, land preservation, stewardship and advocacy.
5. Chester-Mendham Angels — The Chester-Mendham Angels is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Chester and Mendham communities through outreach and fundraising. The Angels generously offer their time and resources to assist local residents in need.