The Holidays are a Time for 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 deserved a check:

Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 N. Fullerton Ave. The church’s pastor believes in serving the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of the Montclair community. The church is home to a pre-school, an elementary school and a high school; all are open to both Catholic and non-Catholic students.

Bnai Keshet Reconstructionist Synagogue, 99 S. Fullerton Ave. The temple offers children's education services, new member conversations and choir.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 73 S. Fullerton Ave. There are programs for music, youth and Bible study, as well as community outreach programs to help the hungry and the homeless. 

Church of Christ, 175 Glenridge Ave. The church offers weekly opportunities for worship and a Sunday School. 

First Church of God in Christ, 10 Hartley St. Sunday school is held at 9:45 a.m., with regular services at 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday evening bible study at 7p.m.

First Lutheran Church of Montclair, 153 Park St. The church offers Choir/music programs, Missionary programs, Study groups, Youth programs.

First United Methodist Church of Montclair, 24 N. Fullteron Ave. Some of First United's community programs include ministries for women and youths, a commission on religion and race and a program for higher education.

Montclair Heights Reformed Church, 71 Mt Hebron Road. Christian education and counseling are available for both adults and children. Also housed on the premises is the Watchung Co-op pre-school for children ages 2 to pre-school. 

Scripture Way of the Cross Church of Christ, 147 Bloomfield Ave. The church is affiliated with the Way of the Cross Church of Christ ministries.

New Calvary Baptist Church, 72 Maple Ave. Day care services are available Mon - Fri, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. for children ages 6 months to 5 years.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 94 Pine St. The church has a warm and inviting congregation and sponsors a travel club, as well as many educational and community outreach programs. 

St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church, 56 Elmwood Ave. Choir/music programs, Missionary programs, Study groups, Youth programs. 

Central Presbyterian Church, 46 Park St. The church is a diverse and "moderately progressive" congregation. The church is led by a committee of elders and deacons that are elected annually. Sponsored community programs are provided in conjunction with the American Red Cross, Alcoholics Anonymous, CROP walk and Human Needs Pantry. 

Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave. There are two parsonages, an education building and a church building where members can become involved in various church and community activities such as scouts, music groups and fitness groups.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 51 Elm St. The church offers an active schedule, full of education programs and community activities. 

Christ Church, Church Street and Trinity Place. Services include men's, women's and children's ministries and also a special ministry for singles. 

 Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church, 27 Monroe Place. The church offers worship service and church school on Sundays, with a prayer and praise service during the week.

Community Baptist Church, 44 Maple Ave. The church offers choir/music programs, Missionary programs, Study groups, Youth programs.

Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ, 115 Greenwood Ave. The church believes in following the Bible closely for all lessons and worship services.

American Red Cross, 63 Park St. The American Red Cross offers CPR training every month. Dates vary, but class is generally held during three nights each month at the Montclair Chapter house. The American Red Cross also offers babysitting courses in Montclair.

St. Paul Baptist Church, 119 Elm St. The church offers child care, choir/music programs, Missionary programs, Study groups, Youth programs.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, In addition to worship services, Sunday school lesson are taught in a friendly, close-knit manner.

Evangelical Convent Church of Montclair, 17 Valley Road. The church offers two services on Sundays.

Montclair Unity Church, 84 Orange Road. The church specializes in women's groups and also holds meditation and prayer services. 

Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5 High St. Aside from Sunday services, the church offers Bible study, prayer circles, youth academy programs, crafts and community outreach programs. 

Toni’s Kitchen, 73 S. Fullerton Ave. Toni's Kitchen is a food ministry at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, where as many as 70 to 80 “guests” are offered warm hospitality while being served a hot, nutritious luncheon every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To find out how you can help go to: http://www.toniskitchen.org/ 

Mt Carmel Holy Church, 155 Bloomfield Ave. In addition to Sunday worship, the church offers midweek Bible study. It also has a choir and a youth program. 

Union Baptist Church, Midland Avenue and Portland Place. In addition to offering worship services, the church offers Sunday School, Bible study and a number of ministries.

Episcopal Church of St. James, 581 Valley Road. The congregation is composed of individuals from all different types of religious and cultural backgrounds and welcomes newcomers. The church offers Sunday school, adult education, youth programs, Bible study groups, choir, nursery care during services, social events and a playground. It offers its space for organizations and group meetings.

Congregation Shomrei Emunah, 67 Park St. The synagogue is big on community outreach with programs to help the environment, the hungry and the homeless, as well as interfaith outreach programs. There are also education resources and classes for children and adults.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation's programs and activities include art, choir, gardening, theater and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. 

The Salvation Army of Montclair, 13 Trinity Place. The Salvation Army in Montclair provided 1,500 hot meals at Thanksgiving, as well as more than 5,000 nights of shelter to the needy this past year, and gave Christmas assistance to more than 1,600 families. To find out how you can help go to: use.salvationarmy.org/montclair 

First Congregational Church of Montclair, 40 S. Fullerton Ave. The church offers child care, choir/music programs, Study groups, Youth programs. 

Human Needs Food Pantry, 9 Label St. The Human Needs Food Pantry provides over 2,000 bags of groceries each month to needy families. In addition to food and clothing donations, the charitable group accepts monetary donations. Checks can be made payable to: The Human Needs Food Pantry and mailed to 9 Label St., Montclair, 07042.