This Season, Be An Angel By Giving

The holidays are a time to help those in need. And, it's also the last week to make charitable contributions that can be deducted on this year's taxes. 

So here are some great local charities that deserve a check:

Congregation B’nai Israel, 160 Millburn Ave. The congregation has an extensive outreach program and many education programs. Congregants also support each other in any way they can, including in prayer times that are required by their faith.

Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 52 Short Hills Ave. With more than 2,000 members, St. Rose is a large Catholic church that draws its congregation from Millburn-Short Hills, Maplewood, Livingston, Springfield and beyond. 

Christ Church in Short Hills, 66 Highland Ave. Christ Church was formed in 1882 and the first services were held at the church in 1884. The church plans many events to nurture the spiritual lives of members and for social interaction.

Temple B’nai Jeshurun, 1025 S. Orange Ave. This Reform Congregation, originally founded in 1848, is a warm, welcoming center of Jewish worship and education. It also organizes cultural events, charitable and outreach programs, which benefit the broader community. Temple B'nai Jeshurun (TBJ) offers numerous religious and social programs for members of all ages. Its speaker series, arts events and preschool are open to all.

First Baptist Church of Millburn, 132 Spring St. First Baptist Church of Millburn celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008 and the building exudes historic charm. Visitors are greeted by a display of old Bibles, commentaries and hymnals when they enter.

St. Stephen’s Church, 119 Main St. The church is home to an Episcopal church, a preschool and a cemetery. The parish is involved in a number of community activities including the Interfaith Hospitality Network and providing free Thanksgiving dinners for those in need.

 Matt’s Promise Center, 300 Millburn Ave. Matt's Promise raises money to support research in the treatment and cure of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The Millburn-based charity was established by Matt Wiederkehr, who died of colon cancer in 2004. Before he died, Matt learned that the 3-year-old son of his childhood best friend had been diagnosed with DMD and he decided to do all that he could to help young people receive the best medical care and emotional support possible. The foundation supports specific cutting-edge research into DMD prevention and cure. See the website for detailed information on the current projects and to make donations. 

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, 155 Millburn Ave. Founded by Joseph P. Miele in 1992, the Partnership for a Drug-Free N.J. is a non-profit organization that creates public awareness campaigns to spread the anti-drug message.

Wyoming Presbyterian Church, 432 Wyoming Ave. The church has the feel of an old church in the New England style. The staff is ready to help visitors and the door is always open. The Open Door Nursery School is associated with the church.

Community Congregational Church, 200 Hartshorn Dr.  The church has grown into a community with a sanctuary seating 500 people and an extensive number of activities including education programs, youth programs and a music program.

Dharmachakra Buddhist Center, 2933 Vauxhill Road. The center is located at the Millburn Village Mall on Vauxhall Road. It offers a variety of meditation and Buddhism workshops, classes and special events. Visit the Dharmachakra Buddhist Center_ website for program and scheduling information.