New Eyes for the Needy to Host Volunteer Open Houses

New Eyes for the Needy is holding a series of Volunteer Open Houses on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the month of March to encourage local residents to stop by and see whatNew Eyes is all about.

“People look for ways to give back and volunteer but often don’t know how to go about it or where to go," Jean Gajano, New Eyes for the Needy’s Community Relations Coordinator, said. “They don’t want to commit to anything unless they know exactly what they’re getting into, so we’re trying to make this a no-commitment opportunity for those individuals.”

In addition, Gajano said ,“sometimes people are a little anxious or nervous about their ability to perform a volunteer job, just like any job.” New Eyes wants to do away with any initial anxiety by offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all and a chance to spend an hour or so at volunteering. 

The nonprofit encourages everyone to visit: at-home moms, part-time workers, retired individuals, recent college graduates and workers currently between jobs to come in to New Eyes, enjoy a cup of coffee and see New Eyes in action.

“We’d like to show people that even one hour of volunteering at New Eyes can make a difference in poor people’s lives,” continued Gajano. “There’s no commitment involved, just the opportunity to do good, meet new people and enjoy some refreshments.” 

New Eyes has been a part of the Millburn-Short Hills community for 80 years since its founding in 1932 by Short Hills resident Julia Lawrence Terry. Originally run by Mrs. Terry and five of her close friends,New Eyes was then managed by the Short Hills Junior Service League until it was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit company.  From the very beginning, over the decades and still today, local volunteers have been the backbone of New Eyes and the work the nonprofit performs. “It’s a tradition that New Eyes will never give up,” said Gajano.

New Eyes for the Needy is located at 549 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills. For more information, call 973-376-4903, visit www.neweyesfortheneedy.org or find New Eyes on Facebook.