Giving Tuesday 2018: Nonprofits To Support In Oakland

OAKLAND, NJ — Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone kicking off the annual shopping season with many digging into their pockets for new presents.

However some may want to give back and donate some of their funds to a notable cause. This is the essence of #GivingTuesday, which begins the charitable season on Nov. 27.

Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources, said the organization.

There are charities everywhere, now which ones to donate to?

Many may want to keep it truly local, and help the neighbors around them or the charities that operate right in their community.

Here is a list of nonprofit organizations operating or helping in and around Oakland. Learn more about them.

1. Push to Walk: The organization provides individualized workouts and resources to people with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis to optimize current quality of life and to prepare for future medical advancements.
2. Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc: The group was founded on the belief that all animals have a natural right to humane treatment, including proper care and safe shelter. Due to overpopulation, there are insufficient homes for many homeless cats and dogs.
3. Community Meals Inc.: They provide meals to those who are unable to shop or cook for themselves due to age or disability.
4. The Leonidas Foundation: Leonidas Vagias and Samuel Cali, both 19 of Towaco, were killed in a fatal motor vehicle crash on Interstate 287 in Mahwah in June 2016. The Wyckoff-based Leonidas Foundation was created in Vagias' memory to encourage others to think positively, be active in their communities and spread kindness to others through missionary work.
5. Social Service Association: The group provides food, emergency rent, utility assistance, and support services to local families in need.
6. Young Life Bergen County: The group of kids and young adults works to forge relationships with their peers who need help. They believe in taking the time to create real relationships with kids and others.

For a full list of local nonprofits visit givingtuesday.org.

The Office of the Attorney General also is sharing with locals how to verify charities you might want to give to by clicking here.

What nonprofit do you support? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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