You can donate to these New Jersey organizations for Giving Tuesday

Amanda Wallace , NorthJersey.com
·3 min read

Every year, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday in the United States and all around the world.

"Giving Tuesday is all about celebrating each and every single act of generosity we have to offer," according to the GivingTuesday website. It is a day that encourages people to give what they can to others whether it is a simple smile, a helping hand, or a donation to a cause that you are passionate about.

"GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity," says the website.

Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has gained a ton of popularity. At the time of writing, #GivingTuesday was the number one trending tag on X (formerly Twitter) with over 75,000 posts.

If you are looking to kick off the holiday season by giving back to your community, check out some of the below charities that are based in Northern New Jersey.

NJ organizations to donate to for Giving Tuesday

Jersey Cares is a nonprofit organization that works with volunteers and partners with other local nonprofits to addresses numerous community needs of all kinds around New Jersey such as providing school supplies, hygiene products, and meals to individuals in need, participating in clean-ups at local parks, and more.

Human rights and well-being

  • Eva's Village, located in Paterson, is a "nonprofit, comprehensive behavioral health and social service organization." With over 40 years of service in Paterson, Eva's provides support and care to those struggling with homelessness, addiction, poverty, and hunger. They accept donations or you can work with them as a volunteer.

  • Toni's Kitchen is based in Montclair and is a food ministry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. They have been "serving their neighbors in need" since 1982. Donate or sign up to volunteer on their website. They are currently hoping to purchase a new van so they can extend their work to home deliveries through their Neighborhood Mobile Markets program.

  • True Mentors in Hoboken is a nonprofit with a vision to "help young people develop healthy, strong relationships that allow them to reach their full potential." They align at-risk youth with local volunteers who support them through educational support, group mentoring, enrichment clubs, and more. You can become a volunteer by signing up through their website.

  • Color a Smile based in Morristown sends cheerful drawings made by volunteers to people in need of a smile such as senior citizens and our troops serving overseas. Donate through their website or volunteer to color and mail in your drawings.

Animal shelters and environmental organizations

  • The New Jersey Humane Society, based in West New York, works to protect stray and domesticated animals across North Jersey through pet adoption, animal control and rescue, and veterinary programs. You can donate money or supplies to animals in need on their website.

  • St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, with locations in Ledgewood, Branchburg, and Madison, works to help animals and their families through pet food banks, emergency boarding, veterinary clinics, and more. You can help by donating, volunteering, fostering, or take a dog on an adventure through their "field trips for dogs" program.

  • The New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, based in Newark, is "an alliance of New Jersey-based organizations and individuals working together to identify, prevent, and reduce and/or eliminate environmental injustices that exist in communities of color and low-income communities," according to their website. You can get involved through their website.

If you are looking to donate to charities that may not be on this list, or are unsure of charities in your area, check out Charity Navigator.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Where to donate for Giving Tuesday in North Jersey