Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday; a great reminder to give back whenever you are able. There are a number of wonderful non-profits and organizations in The Garden State that need support. Here are a few of my favorites.
A Helping Wing Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary
I may have never mentioned it in the past, but my husband and I had a fussy little cockatiel named Mendelssohn for just about 22 years. When he crossed the rainbow bridge, we couldn’t bring ourselves to just throw away his cage and bags of food. It was then I discovered A Helping Wing Parrot Rescue. We contacted their director and made a plan to bring her Mendelssohn’s cage, extra toys and feed cups, and food. Their director, Jeanne, gave us a tour of her sanctuary and it was simply amazing. Jeanne, her husband John, and her entire team care for an amazing number of birds. It is a monumental effort to care for all these birds and try to find homes for those that can be adopted.
The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you would know I am a proud American of Italian descent. If you would like to learn more about my heritage and the history of Italian immigrants in New Jersey, check out my other blog, Jersey Girl, Italian Roots. The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition is also proud of the Italian heritage of countless Americans who trace their roots back to the Motherland. The Coalition works to fight the negative stereotypes of Italian Americans through education of Italian heritage and culture. I am a proud member of the Coalition.
New Jersey State Library
I have loved libraries since I was a child. The smell of the bookstacks, the quiet of the space. I always found it meditative. There was a point in my young life I actually wanted to be a librarian. Maybe that’s why I love the New Jersey State Library so much.
This is a wonderful place that helps visitors find information as well as preserve New Jersey history. I’ve been there a few times to research family history. The librarians are incredibly knowledgeable and work very hard to preserve what is available to patrons.
Local Historical Societies
Speaking of preserving New Jersey history, don’t forget your local historical societies. These often under-funded and overlooked organizations work hard to preserve and protect local history. For example, my hometown, The Belleville Historical Society, is currently fighting to preserve the Irvine Cozzarelli Memorial Home, which was built in 1885 and is considered an architectural gem by preservationists. It was also the setting for many of the wakes and funerals on The Sopranos. We are losing far too much of our history to redevelopment. These small organizations are on the front lines of that fight.
If you Can’t Donate…
I know it has been a rough few years for many, so not everyone might be able to make a financial donation. Instead, consider volunteering somewhere for a day (or longer!). Can you crochet or knit? Make a few hats and scarves and send them to the Morristown Fiber Fairy. This unknown group of fiber artists make hats, scarves, and mittens for the poor and homeless of Morristown and decorates the statues on the green with these items for anyone who is in need. Do you know how to do home repairs or carpentry? The Walpack Historical Society works hard to preserve multiple buildings in Walpack. Do you have a flair for creating interesting product displays or have great organizational skills? Check out the Trinity Thrift Shop that supports Trinity Church in Hackettstown.
There’s always a way you can help. Find a way that works best for you.
This Is My New Jersey 