Day Trip to Volunteer

This month’s Day Trip article has been a challenging one to write. Although there is certainly an endless selection of great destinations and activities that are within an easy distance from central New Jersey and appropriate for any time of year, this month is clearly unique. The 2012 holidays are upon us, yet difficult circumstances surround us – more so than ever before, and striking closer to home than most in the Garden State have ever witnessed.

How, then, to describe the perfect day trip that will warm not only your own heart, but the hearts of others for the holidays and for the year that lies ahead? This time around, perhaps the best suggestion is not necessarily where to go for the day, but how to spend that day. Volunteering a day, or many days, of your time can be infinitely more rewarding and, yes, more fun, than any entertainment venue and will bring just as many smiles to your face. The options are numerous and varied, and in order to help you stay abreast of constantly changing places, times, and activities as circumstances shift and consolidate, my advice includes a healthy dose of references to what has emerged as a vital tool in the community: Facebook. 

With the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, there came an outpouring of unprecedented community spirit and activism. The ripple effect has been stunning, as countless religious groups, scout troops, schools, businesses, service providers, volunteer organizations, municipalities, military members, first responders, neighborhoods, families, and individuals have stepped forward to roll up their sleeves, pick up their shovels, haul boxes, sort donations, serve food, empty closets, open wallets, and offer hugs to help those who suffered the impact of the storm.

Although many of those same charitable efforts go on year-round, and especially during the holiday season, this historic weather event brought their importance to the forefront – reminding everyone that, as local resident, restaurateur, and volunteer organizer Tim McLoone points out, there are those who live in the eye of a hurricane every day of their lives. In the short term, Hurricane Sandy has been our Hurricane Katrina, just as September 11 was our Pearl Harbor. In the long term, hopefully the sense of volunteerism will linger on and become a helpful hurricane of its own.

A number of particularly vibrant grassroots organizations have arisen from the storm and established a presence, both online and in the local communities, to raise funds, pass along information, and organize calls to action where help is needed. This is where the internet, especially Facebook, has become an invaluable tool, since the online communication chain – even when tens of thousands were without power, but remained in touch as best as possible via their smart phones – offers timely, up-to-the-minute announcements as needs change and volunteer efforts are consolidated, moved, or even shut down. 

Rather than trying to provide specifics here and in the interest of updated accuracy, check out groups such as Restore the Shore (www.RestoreTheShoreBenefit.org), Jersey Shore Gives Back (www.JerseyShoreGivesBack.com), Jersey Shore Hurricane News (www.facebook.com/JerseyShoreHurricaneNews/info), Restore the Shore Projects (www.facebook.com/restoreshoreprojects/info), Waves of Action (www.ForTheShore.org), Restore to the Shore (www.facebook.com/RebuildRevive), NJ Volunteer Exchange (www.facebook.com/NJVolunteerExchange), and The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (www.foodbankmoc.org), to name just a few in a long list! Also try getting in touch with your local churches, schools, town halls, and chambers of commerce to see what efforts they have planned or underway and where you can lend a hand. You are sure to be welcomed with open arms, since many hands make light work – and there is plenty of work to be done.

The animal lovers among us are mindful of the fact that family pets, too, have borne the brunt of the storm. Some have had to be given up by loving families who were forced to move into accommodations where pets are not allowed, or who cannot afford to provide for their pets because of their dire circumstances. Other animals were separated from their owners, whether by accident, on purpose, or through sheer desperation as the storm raged. The result is a flood of pets in local animal shelters, which are now in need of pet food, blankets, towels, foster homes, and loving volunteers to tend to their furry guests – or to offer them new forever homes. Contact the Monmouth County SPCA (www.monmouthcountyspca.org) to offer assistance. 

There is even a newly created Facebook page for the Hurricane Sandy Furniture Donations Community, where you can post photos and details about furniture and other household items that you are willing to donate for free to those who have lost everything in the storm. Those in need can use it as a resource to find what they need as they put their lives, and their homes, back in order. Look for it at www.facebook.com/HurricaneSandyFurnitureDonationsCommunity/info.

And if you can use one more reference link, the following is a list that was assembled and posted online, with contact details on a variety of resources in New Jersey on where to get – and where to give – help in every category.  You’ll find it at https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1MzGNBwl8q-4lN6aGZmhMziKmiZ1RiFxAdYxfSELHpcw.

If you’re looking for a way to fill your day and make a trip that will make memories for a lifetime and perhaps change someone else’s life, then consider volunteering, now and in the months and years to come. And for the perfect ending to that day, remember to come home and hug the ones you love and give thanks for the good fortune that you have – because if you’re here and you’re reading this, you’re already blessed.