5 Westfield Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

WESTFIELD, NJ — If you’re like many of your Westfield 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 Westfield area.

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

1. Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad — The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad has provided free emergency medical services to Westfield since Oct. 1, 1951. They are an ALL VOLUNTEER organization and are available 24/7/365. They are supported completely by the townspeople’s tax-deductible donations. Learn more at westfieldems.org.
2. Imagine — A Center for Coping with Loss, is a grief support center for children, young adults, and families dealing with the death of a parent, sibling, or child. We provide free peer grief support year-round for as long as needed. Learn more at imaginenj.org.
3. Westfield Area YMCA — The YMCA has met the changing needs of our community for over 100 years. We focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the community’s health and well-being and giving back to our neighbors. They deliver high-quality programs and services, foster meaningful connections, and help transform lives. Learn more at westfieldynj.org.
4. Westfield United Fund — Its purpose is to fund quality programs provided by independent agencies approved by the Westfield United Fund. We support programs that meet the needs of families and individuals of all ages, including those with special needs or mental health challenges. Learn more at westfieldunitedfund.org.
5. Mobile Meals of Westfield — The voluntary, 501(c)3 non-profit program, is available to residents of Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, and Westfield New Jersey. They are supported by our members and donations from charitable social services organizations. Learn more at mobilemealsofwestfield.org.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.