A Very Special Thank You

As the year draws to a close, we are grateful to those who have helped us to help others do good and feel good by volunteering in their community. We continue to be astounded, even after 42 years, by what can be accomplished through generous gifts of time, talent and treasure. Despite a challenging economy, we have seen an outpouring of concern and compassion for our most at-risk neighbors and citizens. People in and near Bergen County have made a conscious effort to take care of our neighbors during this difficult period and together we have made our community even stronger. Thank you for your support and interest in the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.

A Last Minute Gift

A last minute gift to the Volunteer Center is truly one that keeps on giving. Since 1966, the Volunteer Center has been strengthening the Bergen County community by connecting people with opportunities to serve, while also providing programs and services that greatly enhance our community.

With the continuing downward spiral in the economy, we foresee increased demand for our services, including an increased need for volunteers. By supporting our work with a donation, you can ensure that our efforts will continue to make Bergen County an even better place in which to work and live.

You can also choose to give the gift of a donation to the Volunteer Center to someone on your list. Just click here to make a donation online via a secure credit card transaction. Simply include the person's name in the box "This donation is in honor of". Be sure to include their name and address, and we will send an acknowledgement of your gift within 48 hours, as long as you make your donation by noon on December 23rd. Thank you!

Workshop on Fundamentals of Grant Writing

Grants are key to the funding success of most nonprofits, and to help our colleagues learn how to do it right, our Non Profit Training and Resource Center is presenting a "Fundamentals of Grant Writing" workshop on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. The workshop will run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in our offices at 64 Passaic Street, Hackensack; cost is $35 and includes continental breakfast and course materials.


Competition is fierce for every available charitable dollar, and nonprofits not only have to target proposals to specific prospects, but also have to submit impeccably written and presented materials. This beginning level course includes an an introduction to foundation research as well as principles of grant writing. Participants will learn to navigate tricky grant guidelines and organize information into clear, concise proposals.

This workshop is just one of a series designed specifically for staff and volunteers in non-profit agencies. Like all of our trainings, this one is highly interactive and hands-on, providing an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Registration and payment are required in advance; the deadline to register is January 9, 2009. For information or to register:
e-mail: training@bergenvolunteers.org
phone: 201-489-9454, ext.114

Holiday Party Time

The Chore luncheon of over 50 guests was fun and well organized, and the food from Fairmount Eats was a big hit! It's always fun to see the guys 'dressed up' and loving to chat with each other, and they really showed their mettle in helping get all the tables ready for the next event. What a crew! This doesn't just happen, I know; they got superb direction from our competent staff leadership.

The Mentoring Moms breakfast was HUGE (more than 150!) and hugely fun. Everyone seemed to have a good time and the arts&crafts kept lots of kids busy and happy. Food and give-aways were plentiful and greatly appreciated by the moms. Tara did a great job with the karaoke, and the steadfast Santa with the beautiful velvet suit and warm heart stole the show!

Finally, rounding out the weekend of parties was the VIPS party and boy was it a smash! So many people, so many volunteers, so much food, so much fun. Scott Reedin, DJ extraordinaire, and the PTK grads kept things hopping, and Dave from Quest was an admirable Santa. It was great party due to the preparation and organization that went into it, everything turned out beautifully.
UPS Employee volunteers.

Volunteers from the Hackensack High School Interact Club.

Go Shopping for the Volunteer Center

While shopping online this holiday season, you can help the Volunteer Center with every purchase. Through igive.com, a percentage of every purchase you make can go to the Volunteer Center, or another charity of your choice. There are over 600 stores to shop from, including favorites like Target, Barnes & Noble, Gap and much more. Just go to igive.com and enter "Volunteer Center of Bergen County" in the cause keyword search. It only takes a minute to register and $5 will be donated to the Volunteer Center right off the bat if you sign up and shop within 45 days. Shop 'til you drop!