5 Middlesex County Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — If you’re like many of your Middlesex County 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 greater New Brunswick area.

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

1. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Middlesex County: Helping children placed in foster care. Each year, hundreds of Middlesex County children spend time in foster care. Often confused, frightened and caught in multiple government systems, these children need a dedicated, caring adult looking out solely for their best interests. By donating an average of just few hours a week, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) make a real and lasting difference in the lives of these vulnerable children. CASA of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers to help the many Middlesex County children who lack an advocate in their corner. They train and support our volunteers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in helping children in foster care. Learn more: https://casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/

2. All the New Brunswick-area food pantries: Get the whole list here: https://www.cityofnewbrunswick...

3. Plainfield Area YMCA: Keep families, children and low-income adults fit and healthy. Donate money to teach a child to swim, provide affordable after-school care for working families and pay for summer camp for a child in need.

4. Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity: Since 1992 Raritan Valley Habitat, a 501(c)3 non-profit agency, has built almost 50 homes for low-income families. They work to eliminate poverty housing. Learn how you can help.

5. Woodbridge Animal Shelter: Cares for the homeless and abandoned animals in our area. They are always looking for monetary donations, volunteers or item drop-offs. Here is a perennial list of items they are always in need of: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj....