Fairmount Playground Volunteers!

On October 10, the Business Volunteer Council (BVC) coordinated the efforts of over 60 volunteers to help build Hackensack's newest community space, the Fairmount Playground! BVC volunteers came from Amper, BD, Cole Schotz, Hudson City Savings Bank, PSE&G, Spectra Labs, the Volunteer Center, and our new friends at 3M! United Water also contributed volunteers and other resources throughout the planning stages and the during the five-day build.


The BVC was on hand to snap some photos of our crews on October 10.

You can find out more about the playground and see pictures of the result at the project website at http://fairmountplayground.clubspaces.com.

Anchors AWAY! Chore grabs an incredible donation.

Our Chore Service is the lucky recipient of 7,000 wall anchors generously donated by Benjamin Brothers, the Tenafly hardware store, and The Hillman Group. Volunteers with Chore will put the anchors to good use in installing more than 1,000 bathroom grab bars and interior banisters for elderly or disabled people in Bergen County. Pictured here are Walter Johnson (left), proprietor of Benjamin Brothers, with dedicated Chore volunteers Bob Nafash, River Edge; George Hartwick, Emerson; John Tercek, Dumont; and Elliott Wolk, Secaucus.

Volunteers with the Chore Service perform minor home repairs that keep the elderly and disabled safe in their homes.
Handypeople are invited to join Chore by calling (201) 489-7790.

It's never too early to get "All Wrapped Up" in the holiday spirit!

The holidays are fast approaching, and the Volunteer Center's annual All Wrapped Up holiday giving program is in full swing! We've been gathering information since August about people in need and determining their holiday "wish list" requests. On November 3 we'll begin matching them with volunteer donors from the community who will fulfill these wishes, bringing some holiday cheer to those who need it the most. In many cases, the requests are for very basic items, such as winter coats, warm sweaters, slippers, etc. or toys for children, which may be the only gifts they receive. Gift cards for supermarkets and discount department stores are on everyone's list, too.

Individuals, families, civic groups, corporations and business associations are encouraged to "adopt" an individual or a family in need. Click here for detailed information, including a simple form that you can complete and submit online. Soon after, you will be contacted with information about the individual or family you have "adopted" for the holidays. You can also call us at 201-489-9454, ext. 118 (Debbie Emery).

Times are tough, so please do whatever you can to help our neighbor’s right here in Bergen County have a happier holiday!