Although the bulk of giving this holiday season is over, I wanted to take a moment out to record a special video wishing you all a happy holidays and also reminding folks of three easy ways to give back to your community this year. Watch the video below:
1. Give Blood. 30 minutes can give someone else life. Find nearby locations to do so here.
2. Support the Squad. And the dozens of volunteers who donate hundreds of hours every week to keep South Orange safe. Donate to the South Orange Rescue Squad here.
3. Find a community group to get involved in. Spend just a few hours a month helping to make South Orange a better place. From SOPAC, to YouthNet, to Clean Sweep, there is a way for you get involved. Full list here.
There are of course a thousand ways to give back - between volunteering at a house of worship, being part of a service organization like Rotary or Lions or raising a family of aspiring community leaders, there is something for everyone. So many South Orange residents already get involved, but there is always room for more. And at a time when people feel disconnected from their government and sometimes their community on all levels, taking an active role or leadership position on an issue you care about can help bridge the gap and get positive things done for those around you.
Wishing everyone the best and a happy new year!