There’s still time to contribute to MyCentralJersey.com’s annual Needy Cases Fund.
Though Christmas has already been celebrated, the quiet time in the final days of the old year before the new is an ideal time for us to help our neighbors.
We finally have time to gather our thoughts, ponder the meaning of the holiday season and make resolutions on how to improve ourselves, and our communities, in the new year.
It’s easy to forget in the holiday rush that for many people in Central Jersey, the holiday season is not joyous. Every day they face the challenges presented by health and economic circumstances beyond their control.
For them, every day is a struggle packed with worries that they don’t forget when the holidays end.
And we shouldn’t forget them. In the past, we in Central Jersey have shown our support through generous gifts that show they are not forgotten.
For decades, Central Jersey residents have rallied to support their neighbors in need through the Home News Tribune’s Needy Cases Fund and the Courier News’ Wish Book programs. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised through the kindness and generosity of those who recognized the hardships of their neighbors and gave unselfishly.
We have combined our Needy Cases and Wish Book programs again this year.
We have already published the heartfelt stories about some of our community members who deserve our generosity. You can still read online how these organizations improve the lives of their neighbors in need.
Our sincere hope is that after viewing and reading the stories, people will in turn support this community service project by sending donations that go directly to the nonprofit agencies.
It’s a way we can grow closer in spirit to our neighbors and demonstrate our goodwill and charity for all.
Isn’t that what the holiday season, even in these difficult times, is all about?
Here’s how you can be a hometown hero
Send donations (checks made out to the Needy Cases Fund or cash) to: Needy Cases Fund, Home News Tribune/Courier News, 92 E. Main St., Suite 202, Somerville, NJ 08876. Please indicate with a note whether you want to be acknowledged in a wrap-up story about the program, or whether you wish to remain anonymous.
We will accept donations through Jan. 6.
Organizations you can help
Make-A-Wish New Jersey
In 2024, Make-A-Wish New Jersey created 479 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The goal is to grant more than 500 wishes by the end of the year. Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the nonprofit organization has granted more than 12,500 wishes with the support of private and corporate donors. The organization receives no government support and does not charge any of their wish families any fees.
Learn more: Make-A-Wish New Jersey continues giving sick children their shot
Franklin Food Bank
The Franklin Food Bank has been a source of nourishment for the greater Somerset County community, serving up more than two-and-a-half million meals and four million pounds of food to thousands of clients, since it opened its doors in 1975. After a two year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the folks at Franklin Food Bank are over the moon that their most popular program − the Client Choice Program − is back up and running.
For nearly 50 years, Franklin Food Bank has aimed to help create a future where food security is a right, not a luxury. In that time, the organization has adapted to meet the community’s evolving needs. In under five years, the nonprofit more than doubled food distribution − from 1.3 million pre-pandemic to nearly 3 million pounds in 2024.
Learn more: Franklin Food Bank battles growing hunger with innovation
CASA of Middlesex County
For 18 years, CASA of Middlesex County has worked to ensure that foster children and their needs are priorities in society and in the legal system. Their mission is to serve Middlesex County children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or child welfare concerns.
Learn more: CASA of Middlesex County serves more and more foster kids
Lions Club of New Brunswick
Since 1946, the Lions Club of New Brunswick has been a source of light for its surrounding area. Whether it be assisting with eye exams and glasses or giving gifts to the needy, the Lions Club has never wavered in its dedication to those who may need a helping hand.
Learn more: Lions Club sees community need and meets it
Fish
On Feb. 28, Fish suffered a devastating fire that destroyed the food pantry and clothing distribution center, forcing Fish from its longtime home in the First Baptist Church of New Market-owned building at 456 New Market Road in Piscataway.
Learn more: Fish works to rebuild, serve and expand after devastating fire
Women Aware
Founded in the 1970s, Women Aware started by providing shelter to women seeking safety from domestic violence. When the organization became incorporated in 1981, the nonprofit began offering additional services. Today, the organization offers shelter along with legal advocacy, counseling, community outreach, supportive housing, liaisons in child protective services, community education and a creative art therapy program for children.
Learn more: Women Aware serves domestic violence victim-survivors in record numbers
Martin Luther King Youth Center
Martin Luther King Youth Center has served underprivileged kids ages 5 to 13 in the Somerset County area. The hope is that each child who passes through its doors gains academic and professional skills. Each school year, the center is filled to capacity, enrolling approximately 55 school-age children − and there is always a waiting list.
Learn more: Martin Luther King Youth Center plants seeds of knowledge for five decades
Elijah’s Promise
Elijah’s Promise served more than 375,000 free meals over the last year while witnessing record-breaking levels of food insecurity in the community.
The Elijah’s Promise Community Kitchen began in the summer of 1989. It has grown from a project of three paid staff members and volunteers serving 35,000 meals a year to a multi-service food sustainability and social service organization of 20 paid staff and hundreds of volunteers serving hundreds of thousands of free meals a year.
Learn more: Elijah’s Promise continues mission amid unprecedented levels of need
Food Bank Network of Somerset County
Client visits to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County in 2024 are expected to exceed 32,000, up from about 27,000 in 2023. Previously, 2021 saw a record number of client visits across the network, with about 12,000 for the year.
Learn more: Food Bank Network of Somerset County meets unprecedented demand
Aldersgate Outreach Community Center
Aldersgate Outreach Community Center’s thrift shop is open to the public. Courtesy of AOCC
Five decades ago, a solitary East Brunswick woman began a quest to help others by giving what she could out of the trunk of her car. That quest has grown into a full-fledged mission served by the Aldersgate United Methodist Church via the Aldersgate Outreach Community Center food pantry and thrift shop.
Learn more: Aldersgate Outreach Community Center sees increase in ‘neighbors’ served
Community Access Unlimited
With more than 3,000 members and growing, Community Access Unlimited has pledged to never stop striving to create an all-inclusive, accessible world where everyone can lead a fulfilling life as part of the greater community. For 45 years, the Union County-based organization has been serving the needs of people with disabilities and at-risk youth across the state to help increase their independence and reach their goals.
Learn more: Community Access Unlimited strives to create an accessible world
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: There’s still time to give to the Needy Cases Fund
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