Thursday, December 20, 2012

Season's Greetings

Happy Holidays
from the Volunteer Center of Bergen County
 
 
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday and new year.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Giving good makes good things happen.

Good things happen every day because of the Volunteer Center...

A woman who is elderly, low-income and lives alone is going through chemotherapy.  The Chore Service volunteers installed a grab bar in her bathroom and made other repairs so she can live safely in her home.  She calls them her "angels".
 
A young woman who escaped an abusive relationship is raising three teenagers on her own, on very limited income.  With the support of her Mentoring Moms mentor, she was able to get a scholarship to attend college with a major in Finance, and is due to graduate this year.
 
A young boy with severe learning disabilities is cared for by his elderly grandmother because his parents are not able to be in his life.  Thanks to 7 years of love and guidance from his Mentoring Youth mentor, the boy is able to succeed in school and is now attending a technical high school to learn a trade so he can live independently as an adult. 

This holiday season you, too, can make good things happen.  Support the Volunteer Center of Bergen County with a general donation, a donation to a specific program, or by giving the "gift of good" - a donation in honor of someone special.    
 

Click here to donate now.
Do Good.  Feel Good.  Give Good. 

 Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

500 gifts still needed for All Wrapped Up

The All Wrapped Up Holiday Giving Program still has 500 people in need of gifts for the holidays. Many of these people are adults with disabilities, seniors with very little income, and families trying to make ends meet.  The program is due to close on Friday, December 14 so gift cards will help make sure each person receives a gift.  Gift cards in demolitions of $ $10, $20, or $25 to stores like Target, Kohls, Dunkin' Donuts, and Shoprite are most helpful.

Gift cards can be dropped off at the Volunteer Center through Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm.  Gift cards can also be mailed to 64 Passaic Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.  If you would still like to adopt a family please call Debbie Emery at
201-489-9454, ext. 118.  Visit us on our website to learn more about All Wrapped Up.

Friday, December 7, 2012

BoardLink: Connecting Leaders with Non-profit Organizations


BergenLEADS, Bergen County’s premier civic leadership program that is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, will present an evening workshop on board service for individuals who wish to serve on a non-profit board or for those already engaged as a board member.
 
“Serving on a non-profit board can provide recognition, visibility, networking, career enhancement and the ability to effect change by addressing important social needs,” says Amanda Missey, Director of Bergen LEADS.  “But along with the benefits comes responsibility to help the organization accomplish its mission and achieve its goals.”
 
BoardLink will be presented on Wednesday, January 23, from 3 pm to 9 pm at IKEA, 100 Ikea Drive in Paramus, directions/parking information will be provided upon registration.   Cost to attend is $100 per person, which includes dinner and all course materials.  A group rate of 3 registrations for $175 is also available to agencies that are members of the Volunteer Center.  Pre-registration is required for this limited-seating program.  Registeron-line here or call 201-489-9454 Ext. 119.
 
New Jersey is home to more than 31,000 non-profit organizations, with 3,600 in Bergen County alone. These organizations employ 10% of the workforce and spend more than $38 billion annually, constituting a significant portion of the state’s economy.   A non-profit organization is only as strong as its leadership, and local non-profit boards are eagerly seeking skilled and knowledgeable volunteers to help guide their organizations.
 
For more information about Bergen LEADS, or the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, visit www.bergenvolunteers.org, or call 201-489-9454.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Want to Make a Difference? Put Time and Talent to Good Use!

Thousands of people —families, the elderly, veterans, kids and more—rely on non-profit agencies to provide important services year round.  Non-profits improve the quality of life by supporting the arts, animal rescue, and the environment as well.  Volunteers’ interests and unique skills can help deliver vital services during a time when many non-profit agencies find their resources stretched by declining revenue and increased demand.
 
To get started, the Volunteer Center of Bergen County offers a powerful online database that links prospective volunteers with volunteer jobs at agencies that need help.  Check it out!
 
Individual volunteer opportunities, group projects, at-home projects and family friendly volunteering -- as well as volunteer positions for students and youth groups – all are easily accessed through the website.
 
For further information about volunteering, call the Volunteer Center at (201) 489-9454, email info@bergenvolunteers.org or visit www.bergenvolunteers.org.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

All Wrapped Up - Still Time to Help


The Volunteer Center of Bergen County's "All Wrapped Up" holiday giving program is in full swing!  We've received requests from nonprofit agencies to help 3,500 people.  We’ve been busy matching donors with people in need, but we still have a long way to go.  More than 250 individuals and 300 families still need to be matched with donors. 

 
Individuals, families, civic groups, corporations and business associations are encouraged to "adopt" an individual or a family in need.
 
Requested items include such basics as winter coats, warm sweaters, slippers, or books and toys for children. Gift cards for supermarkets and discount department stores are on everyone's list, too.
 
To help, sign up online. We'll match you with an individual or family and email their profile back to you within 24 hours.
 
Call Debbie at 201-489-9454, ext. 118 for further information.
 
Times are tough, so please do whatever you can to help our neighbors right here in Bergen County!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday - Give Good!

This Cyber Monday while scouring the internet for the best deals and gift ideas for your family and friends, give the gift of good intentions and good work done by volunteers every day.  Volunteers have made a tremendous difference to people all over the region whose lives were changed by Hurricane Sandy.  These volunteers - and the people whose lives they touched - know what we at the Volunteer Center are reminded of every day:  Volunteering is a priceless gift of caring and kindness. 
 
As we begin another holiday season, we once again offer an alternative to conventional gift-giving.  Consider giving the gift of good.
 
A donation made in honor of someone you care about will support the Volunteer Center programs and services of your choice.  Your gift will be acknowledged with an elegant, customized card sent to the person you wish to honor, along with a description of the Volunteer Center.
 
Click here to simplify your holiday shopping and give the gift of good to someone - or everyone - on your list. You can safely and easily purchase your gift online, and we'll take care of the rest!  Please make donations by noon on December 21st to ensure delivery by December 25th.
 
Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

“Lunch and Learn” for Volunteer Managers

The Non Profit Training and Resource Center of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County will present a Volunteer Managers’ “Lunch and Learn” Roundtable on Thursday, November 29, 2012, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Volunteer Center’s offices at 64 Passaic Street in Hackensack.
 
Participants must bring their own lunches; soft drinks will be provided. Driving directions and parking instructions will be e-mailed to registered attendees before each session.
 
All professionals who work with or manage volunteers in non-profit, corporate, community, governmental or faith-based settings are invited to attend this seminar—part of a series of monthly meetings that are informal yet interactive, with time for networking and group problem solving activities.
 
Each Roundtable will provide an opportunity for professional growth and interaction with colleagues as well as a forum for sharing ideas and best practices in the field. Additionally, attendees will get updates on new programs and services that the Volunteer Center has available to enhance agencies’ volunteer programs.
 
“These meetings have proven to be informational as well as inspirational”, says Debbie Emery, Community Volunteer Services Director for the Volunteer Center. “The lively exchanges have helped participants keep their skills sharp, find out about new ideas, and get answers to questions about making the most of their volunteer workforces.”

Friday, November 16, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

The Volunteer Center coordinates the Bergen County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and is currently working with numerous nonprofit, civic and faith-based organizations to assist residents affected by the disaster.  Recovery, particulary in the Bergen towns of Little Ferry and Moonachie, will be a long-term effort.  Your support of organizations providing disaster services (including the Volunteer Center) is deeply appreciated. 
 
For information about resources available for victims, go to www.nj211.org.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Fun and Games with the BVC

130 friends of the Business Volunteer Council of Northern New Jersey gathered at the IKEA store in Paramus on October 26 for a night of "Fun & Games with the BVC," sponsored by Hudson City Savings Bank and other BVC companies.
 
Guest-contestants took part in such all-time favorites as The Price is Right, Scavenger Hunt, the Hudson City Money Machine, and Wheel of Fortune.  
 
The biggest success of the night was that guests filled four huge shopping carts with donations of sandwich fillings -- like peanut butter and jelly -- for the Center for Food Action.
 
Funds raised support the BVC's initiatives that benefit low-income families and children.

Monday, October 29, 2012

All Wrapped Up Needs YOU!

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County's "All WrappedUp" holiday giving program kicks off November 1!  We've received requests from nonprofit agencies to help 4,000 people, and now we’re eager to match you with an individual or family in need so you can go out shopping! 

Individuals, families, civic groups, corporations and business associations are encouraged to participate.

Most of the requests we have received include such basics as winter coats, warm sweaters, slippers, or books and toys for children. Gift cards for supermarkets and discount department stores are on everyone's list, too.

If you’d like to help, you can sign up online. We'll match you with an individual or family and email their profile back to you within 24 hours.

Call Debbie at 201-489-9454, ext. 118 for further information.

Times are tough, so please do whatever you can to help our neighbors right here in Bergen County!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Shop for a Cause!

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 will go to the Volunteer Center (or to another charity of your choice). You can shop at more than 600 stores, including favorites like Target, Barnes & Noble, Gap, Amazon, Travelocity and much more. Just lick the link to igive.com and fill out the simple registration form. 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. Please follow the directions on the iGive website to learn more about how you can help.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Calling All Volunteer Managers!

Keep your skills sharp, find out about new ideas, share resources, and get answers to your questions about making the most of your volunteer workforce.
 
Join us for our monthly lunchtime discussions on volunteer management. These sessions are informal yet interactive, so bring your lunch and be prepared to learn from and share with other local nonprofit professionals. We'll also have time for networking and group problem-solving activities.
 
Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 29, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
 
Click here to register online for the Volunteer Managers' Roundtable.

Friday, October 19, 2012

County-wide Corporate Volunteer Day a Success

Being successful in business is about more than doing well.  It’s also about doing good.
 
 
 
Over 100 volunteers from companies throughout Bergen County recently participated in All in a Day’s Work, presented by the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC), a program of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.
 
An inaugural, county- wide day of service for corporate volunteers, All in a Day’s Work was sponsored by TD Bank, and began with a kick off pep rally breakfast for all volunteers at the Volunteer Center. Participants limbered up for the day’s activities with a Zumba dance session, as well as prepared goody bags and notes for soldiers through Operation Goody Bag. The groups then traveled to several locations in and around Bergen County to begin their projects.
 
The largest project of the day was at Teaneck Creek Conservancy, where 40 employee-volunteers of event sponsor TD Bank applied buckets of gravel to spruce up its network of nature trails.
 
Volunteers from Janome America of Mahwah helped with a mailing at Gilda’s Club in Hackensack, while City Green, located in Clifton, benefited from muscle power provided by employees from the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and BD, who dug, weeded and watered at this urban farm facility.
 
Members of the Community Service committee of the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors helped to sort and pack 4 ½ tons of food at the Office of Concern Food Pantry at St. Cecilia’s Church in Englewood.  Other members from this committee also prepared 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which were distributed to homeless clients of the Hoboken Shelter.
 
Volunteers from Hudson City Savings Bank were on-hand to clean stock and organize the food storage facility of the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.
 
Upper Saddle River’s Triangle Manufacturing staff joined with Rebuilding Together to finish a ramp which was built for a disabled Korean War veteran so he could enter and exit his Paramus home more easily.
 
Five Star Premier Residences in Teaneck was a site for some of the day’s activities. Volunteers from T. Rowe Price and Jack Daniels Motors worked with residents of the facility to write thank you notes and put together gift bags for military personnel through Operation Goody Bag.  Five Star employee-volunteers also helped to clean and maintain the aircraft exhibits at the Aviation Hall of Fame in Teterboro.
 
Volunteers then shared their experiences at a wrap up luncheon back at the Volunteer Center.  Breakfast and lunch were provided courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts, Baker Sports Marketing, A Bite of Heaven Caterers, Main Dish Restaurant and United Water.
 
“Successful businesses know that community involvement contributes to the bottom line and produces a real return on investment.  Volunteering boosts employee moral, helps to attract qualified employees, develops employee skills and enhances the company’s image within the community, differentiating it company from its competitors,” says Janet Sharma, executive director of the Volunteer Center.  “We are thrilled that so many companies participated in the BVC’s first combined day of service.  It was a tremendous success.”
 
For more information about the BVC, and to learn about other community projects contact Tess Tomasi at 201-489-9454 Ext. 114, or email ttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.  Visit www.nnjbvc.org.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Moms Learn Valuable Lessons

TD Bank branch manager Devry Pazant, in Hackensack, recently provided moms, kids and mentors in the Volunteer Center’s Mentoring Moms program with important financial literacy skills and offered an inside view of how banks operate. 
 
Participants in the workshop toured the bank and gained valuable tips on how to use the resources to learn and maintain good habits for money management.  A lively discussion ensued about breaking the cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck as participants learned the benefits of online banking, monthly budgeting and how compound interest adds up – dramatically!  At the end of the evening all felt better prepared to make wiser decisions about their personal finances.
 
Thank you TD Bank for providing such a valuable service and for being a great community partner!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Volunteer Opportunities

It’s fall, and that means it’s prime time for volunteering!  Numerous organizations need help – here are a couple to pique your interest:

The Salvation Army is looking for Bell Ringers for the upcoming holiday season.  Four hour shifts are available in various Bergen County locations beginning on Saturday, November 17.  Volunteers 14 and up can contact Lt. Paul Valverge at 973-476-6432 to learn more or sign up.

Healing the Children of NJ, Hawthorne, is looking for a volunteer who has knowledge and understanding of WordPress and can teach it to the staff. If your qualified please call Pamela DePompo at 973-949-5034 to apply.
The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 21 at the NEW Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park.  There are lots of great volunteer opportunities to sign up for.  You can go to http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/RidgefieldPark to learn more about this event.
For more Volunteer opportunities, click here.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Play Games! Bring Food! Have Fun!

The Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC) will host “Fun and Games with the BVC” on Friday, October 26th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at IKEA, Paramus.  IKEA will be transformed into a game-show stage, with guests grabbing vouchers for cash and prizes in the Hudson City Money Machine; the Price is Right, with contestants winning fabulous IKEA prizes; a store-wide scavenger hunt; and Wheel of Fortune.
 
This annual fund raising event helps the BVC impact the lives of low-income children and families by addressing the big issues of literacy, hunger and education. In the past eleven years, the BVC has generated and distributed well over $1.3 million in resources to local families in need.
 
Guests are asked to bring non-perishable sandwich fillings, such as peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna or chicken, to be donated to families served by the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.
 
Tickets are just $50 per person or special rate of $75 per couple, which includes an international all-you-can eat buffet, silent auction, great swag bags, music and games of skill and chance. Tickets can be purchased on-line here or by calling 201-489-9454.
 
Presenting sponsor for Fun and Games with the BVC is Hudson City Savings Bank. Additional sponsors to date include IKEA, BD, Rockland Electric, United Water, TD Bank and State Farm Insurance.
 
Here is a glimpse at last year's event.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Fifth Friday Forum – November 30

The next Fifth Friday, a powerful networking and learning event that attracts leaders from every sector, will be held on November 30 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the Stony Hill Inn, Hackensack.
 
Fifth Friday is hosted by Bergen LEADS, Bergen County’s civic leadership program for adults that is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. Tickets are $35.00 and must be purchased in advance at www.bergenleads.org.  For further information, call Amanda Missey at 201-489-9454 Ext. 119.
 
The featured speaker on November 30 will be Martin Gottlieb, the editor of The Record and Herald News.  Mr. Gottlieb will address the question of “What’s News?  Who Decides?”  In a world where entertainment and hard news are often intertwined, and where politics can color every story, Mr. Gottlieb will discuss how decisions are made regarding editorial content.
 
Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor for the 2012 Fifth Friday luncheon series.  John Garone, Regional Director of Wells Fargo Private Bank says, “Wells Fargo is a proud supporter of Bergen LEADS because the program encourages civic engagement and the development of solutions to critical issues.  We also salute those enrolled in the program because they are making Bergen County a great place to work and live.  The Fifth Friday series features thought-provoking topics and high-profile speakers important to the County in a setting conducive to networking and discussion.  Our participation with Bergen LEADS is just one of the many ways Wells Fargo works with local communities to ensure the areas we serve are economically vibrant places.”
 
Bergen LEADS Fifth Friday is also supported by TD Bank, Archer & Greiner PC, PNC Bank, the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, Synetek Solutions, (201) Executive, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Shop-Rite of Hackensack and the Russell Berrie Foundation.
 
Sponsorships for the November 30 event are still available.  For more information about Fifth Friday or Bergen LEADS, call 201-489-9454 Ext. 119.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Bergen Bike Tour Success!

THANK YOU to everyone who joined the festivities at the 17th annual Bergen Bike Tour on Sunday.  It was a tremendous success!  We had a great time and we hope you did, too!!
 
Our goal this year is to raise $80,000 -- and it’s all up to you!   If you rode, you have until November 12 to turn in your pledges ($100 per person; $200 per family) in support of two great charities:  Tomorrows Children's Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County.   Even if you didn’t ride, you can still support the event! Learn how to raise funds for the Bergen Bike Tour on our website, www.bergenbiketour.org
 
 
Thanks also to our outstanding and generous top-level sponsors: TD Bank; JDD Alderisio; (201) Family; Amica Insurance; Apax Partners; Equinox Fitness Clubs; Inserra ShopRite; Jamis Bicycles; Lakeland Bank; Oritani Bank Charitable Foundation; PNC Bank; Sanzari Companies; Stop and Shop; Synetek Solutions; Tanis & Sons. 
 
Other corporate sponsors of this year’s event were Baker Sports Marketing; Columbia Bank; Compensation Solutions; Dunkin' Donuts; Flackman Goodman & Potter, P.A; Flavor & Fragrance Specialties; Garden State Wiper; Hackensack University Medical Center; KRE Group; Robert E. Martini, LLC; Murphy, Miller & Baglieri, LLP; Myron Corporation; Nowell Amoroso Klein Bierman, P.A.; Rockland Electric Company; Andrew Rubenstein, M.D.; Rudy’s Inflight Catering; Sovereign Santander; Topcon Medical Systems; United Water; Vizcaya; Withum Smith+Brown Global Assurance; Zerega Custom Pasta Company; Allendale Bar & Grill/Mahwah Bar & Grill; Applebee's; Downes Tree Service; Excel Physical Therapy; Law Offices of Elsbeth J. Crusius, LLC; Lowenstein Sandler; Malesardi, Quackenbush, Swift & Company; Pascack Community Bank; and Topline Products.
 
Your support is greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Leadership Skills for Youth: 2-day workshop Nov. 8-9

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County is offering an innovative program that provides young people throughout Bergen County with the leadership skills necessary to play active roles in their local communities.
 
The Center’s Youth Leadership Institute is taking applications for a two-day workshop that will be presented on Thursday and Friday, November 8 and 9, each day from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Volunteer Center’s office in Hackensack.   The Youth Leadership workshop is open to students in grades 8, 9 or 10. Prospective participants are required to submit an application form, available on-line. Deadline for submission is October 26, 2012.  Upon acceptance to the program, the fee for each student is $50.00.
 
The program’s curriculum is highly interactive, providing the kind of leadership training typically available only to corporate executives and government leaders and exploring community needs analysis, goal setting, team building, project planning, decision-making and other leadership dynamics.
 
“More and more schools – both public and private -- are requiring community service,” says Debbie Emery, the Volunteer Center’s director of Community Volunteer Services and certified Youth Leadership trainer, “and colleges want prospective students to submit resumes of service activities.
 
“Today’s students want to make a difference in their own communities,” she continues, “and are willing to tackle complex social issues.  This two-day workshop will help students learn how to plan and develop service programs in their schools and youth organizations.  Leadership, whether on a team, in a club setting, or in the classroom, is an important attribute to develop in our children-- for their future and ours.”
 
For more information on the Youth Leadership Institute, call Debbie Emery at (201) 489-9454 ext. 118, or email demery@bergenvolunteers.org.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Bergen Bike Tour Today - Rain or Shine!


The Bergen Bike Tour is on rain or shine today, Sunday, September 30th, come on down to Darlington Park in Mahwah, NJ.
We will be there from 7:30 am and throughout the day cheering on riders, enjoying a delicious BBQ, and raffling off great prizes. Click here for the schedule for the day.
Pre-registration is now closed, but you can register on-site. We accept cash, checks (payable to Bergen Bike Tour), Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
The Bergen Bike Tour benefits two outstanding local charities: Tomorrows Children’s Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Bergen Bike Tour - this Sunday!

Don’t miss the chance to register online for the 17th annual Bergen Bike Tour, this Sunday, September 30th, at Darlington Park in Mahwah!  We will be there Rain or Shine!
 
Hundreds of cyclists will be pedaling on behalf of Tomorrows Children’s Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County, two outstanding local organizations. We'll have food, fun, music, massages, and great prizes on hand for everyone there!
 
You can sign up on online until Friday at 12:00pm.  You can also register Sunday at Darlington Park. The 50-mile ride kicks off at 8:00 am, 25-mile at 9, and 10-mile at 10:30. The TD Bank Kids Ride will be at 10:45 AM.
 
Enjoy breakfast before your ride courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts and a barbeque after courtesy of Inserra Shoprite Supermarkets.
 
Find out everything you need to know at bergenbiketour.org or call us at 1-877-BER-BIKE.
 
See you there!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Corporate Social Responsibility

What is it, and should anyone care?

The Volunteer Center’s executive director, Janet Sharma, recently wrote an article for (201) Executive magazine discussing why corporate social responsibility is increasingly important to companies and to communities.  Here’s a link.

Friday, September 21, 2012

NJ State Conference on Volunteerism

The N.J.Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism will be presented on Friday, October 5, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. 
 
The Governor’s Office of Volunteerism, which is coordinating the conference, welcomes nonprofit leaders, particularly those who manage volunteers, as well as Board members and volunteers affiliated with the broad range of public and private nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations throughout New Jersey.  Volunteer leaders in college or high school are also encouraged to attend.
 
The conference will feature a robust corporate track, with workshops targeted specifically to corporate volunteer program and corporate social responsibility.  The Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC), sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, is coordinating the corporate track.  The Conference also features workshops on  volunteer management, skills based volunteerism, fundraising, background checks/risk management, emergency response, youth/college service, working with veterans, and coordinating large service projects, among others. 
 
Keynote speaker for the conference lluncheon will be Alfred F. Kelly, CEO of the 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee, who will discuss the legacy of volunteerism presented by the stellar sports event coming to New Jersey in February, 2014. 
 
The Corporate Track luncheon will feature a panel of representatives from Fortune Magazine’s companies named Best in Social Responsibility, two of which are members of the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council.  Attendees at the general conference luncheon will hear Lt. Colonel Jerome Hatfield, New Jersey State Police/Deputy Superintendent of Homeland Security, who will highlight the essential roles that volunteers and organizations play in disaster preparation and response.  
 
The conference begins with registration and breakfast at 7:30 am;  the opening plenary is at 9:00 am, and the last workshop ends mid-afternoon.  

            The registration fee for nonprofits is $70; $80 on site.
            The registration for students is $30.
            Registration for the Corporate Track is $125; $150 on site.

Registration fee includes materials, continental breakfast and lunch.  Parking is $6.  To register, call 609-633-9627 or click here download a registration form. For information about the Conference on Volunteerism, email Rowena.madden@sos.state.nj.us or call 609-633-9627.  For information about the Corporate Track, contact Tess Tomasi with the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council, ttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Support a Rider at the Bergen Bike Tour

Support your favorite Bergen Bike Tour rider at the click of a button! Visit our Bergen Bike Tour Support a Rider Page. Enter the name of the cyclist and the amount you wish to pledge. It’s that simple!
 
If you don’t know a rider, you can also donate through the Bergen Bike Tour Firstgiving page. Your donation will support two well respected local non profits: the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and Tomorrows Children's Fund.
 
Join us at the Bergen Bike Tour to cheer on your rider, Sunday, September 30.
 
If you want to ride, register now! Call 1-877-BER-BIKE for information or visit www.bergenbiketour.org.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Local Companies support the Bergen Bike Tour

Several area companies have stepped up to sponsor the 17th Annual Bergen Bike Tour, set for Sunday, September 30 at Darlington Park in Mahwah. Proceeds benefit Tomorrows Children’s Fund and the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. In addition to providing funds, companies are also forming company teams, donating products and encouraging customers and employees to ride and to volunteer!

Sponsors to date include TD Bank; JDD Alderisio; (201) Family; Amica Insurance; Apax Partners; Equinox Fitness Clubs; Inserra ShopRite; Jamis Bicycles; Lakeland Bank; Oritani Bank Charitable Foundation; PNC Bank; Sanzari Companies; Stop and Shop; Synetek Solutions; Tanis & Sons; Baker Sports Marketing; Columbia Bank; Compensation Solutions; Dunkin' Donuts; Flackman Goodman & Potter, P.A; Flavor & Fragrance Specialties; Garden State Wiper; Hackensack University Medical Center; KRE Group; Robert E. Martini, LLC; Murphy, Miller & Baglieri, LLP; Myron Corporation; Nowell Amoroso Klein Bierman, P.A.; Rockland Electric Company; Andrew Rubenstein, M.D.; Rudy’s Inflight Catering; Sovereign Santander; Topcon Medical Systems; United Water; Vizcaya; Withum Smith+Brown Global Assurance; Zerega Custom Pasta Company; Allendale Bar & Grill/Mahwah Bar & Grill; Applebee's; Downes Tree Service; Excel Physical Therapy; Law Offices of Elsbeth J. Crusius, LLC; Lowenstein Sandler; Malesardi, Quackenbush, Swift & Company; Pascack Community Bank; and Topline Products.

Thank you sponsors!

 “TCF and VCBC provide programs and services that help children with cancer, the frail elderly, people with disabilities and families in crisis. We encourage community-minded companies and cyclists to support this great event,” says Phil Murphy, chairman of the event.

More than 400 cyclists will ride routes of 10-, 25- or 50-miles through some of northern Bergen County's most scenic areas. There will also be a "Kids Ride" for children 10 and under.

For more information, visit http://www.bergenbiketour.org/ or to become a sponsor of this stellar event, call Jane He at 201-489-9454, ext. 125.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

“Lunch and Learn” for Volunteer Managers

The Non Profit Training and Resource Center of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County will present a Volunteer Managers’ “Lunch and Learn” Roundtable on Thursday, September 27, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Volunteer Center.

 

The Roundtables are free, but all attendees must be pre-registered to attend. To RSVP, call 201-489-9454 Ext. 118 or e-mail demery@bergenvolunteers.org by September 21st.

 

Participants must bring their own lunches;  drinks will be provided. Driving directions and parking instructions will be e-mailed to registered attendees before each session.

 
All professionals who work with or manage volunteers in non-profit, corporate, community, governmental or faith-based settings are invited to attend this luncheon —part of a series of  meetings that are informal yet interactive, with time for networking and group problem solving activities.
 
Each Roundtable will provide an opportunity for professional growth and interaction with colleagues as well as a forum for sharing ideas and best practices in the field. Additionally, attendees will get updates on new programs and services that the Volunteer Center has available to enhance agencies’ volunteer programs.
 

“These meetings have proven to be informational as well as inspirational”, says Debbie Emery, Community Volunteer Services Director for the Volunteer Center. “The lively exchanges have helped participants keep their skills sharp, find out about new ideas, and get answers to questions about making the most of their volunteer workforces.”

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

FOOD DRIVE TODAY!

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County will be hosting a food drive today in commemoration of the 9/11 Day of Remembrance.  Donations may be dropped off at the Volunteer Center, 64 Passaic Street (corner of Passaic and Union), in Hackensack from 7 am-7pm.  Just pull into the driveway and ring the bell for service.  Volunteers will be on hand to receive your items and help you be on your way quickly.  It’s easy to drop off food items before work or while doing afternoon errands.
 
We are collecting food items as well as diapers, infant formula, and dental hygiene products.  Some of the most in demand food items are:
 

·         Peanut Butter & Jelly
·         Parmalat milk
·         Canned Meat & Canned Tuna
·         Macaroni & Cheese
·         Rice/Beans
·         Hearty Soup
·         Pasta/Cereal
·         Spaghetti Sauce
·         Canned Fruits & Vegetables
·         100% Juice
·         Baby Food
 
If you have any questions please contact Janet Sharma at 201-489-9454, ext. 116 or visit the Volunteer Center website, www.bergenvolunteers.org.