Clean house and donate

Today is a great day to help those in need as you clean out your house post-holidays. The good news is that not all charity work needs to be a planned event. Often it is the planning that prevents us from getting it done; the research, the phone calls, the planning and scheduling. That is …

Run for a Cause

‘Tis the season of 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and full ones, “run/walks”, fun runs…. The list continues!  Some of these events are 1) family friendly and 2) often support a cause or charity. What a great opportunity for you to promote physical fitness and support a cause/charity event all in one! This is a great …

The Importance of Charity “Overhead”

First things first, what is “overhead” and what does it include? Normally, it is a loosely used term which encompasses all or some of the following categories: • Indirect costs (all non-program costs) • Back office costs including the accounting department, Human Resources, IT and the administrators of the charity • Rent/utilities • Fundraising For …

How to be a Smart Donor

Steps: Make an annual giving plan and identify a cause or causes you and/or your family would like to support.  This allows you to stay within budget and be proactive in your choice of charities - instead of reactive to an organization’s campaign (which may not perfectly align with your philanthropic interests). Do research to …

Charity 365

The holidays may be over, but your family’s interest in and commitment to charity work shouldn't also end- it is a great time to make a new year’s resolution to begin, increase or sustain your family’s commitment to a specific non-profit organization, and help it do even more in 2017.  Before you know it, you …

Charity Continues at Home

If you have school-age children, I am sure you have received your fair share of donation drive flyers from your child(ren)'s school or classroom.  Sometimes all of the different charity events and drives can feel a little overwhelming.  One thing to remember is participating in these drives is voluntary and you can decide with your …

Past events and drives

6/10/2016: Art Sparks in Hopewell is hosting a gently used book drive during their camps this summer.  If you have book to donate, please visit http://www.artsparksstudio.com for more information. 6/10/2016: Tooby Doo, the children's clothing store in Princeton, will be giving a discount off purchase to those who donate a NEW stuffed animal, coloring book or crayon …

Infants in Need

For the month of October, YogaStream in Princeton is hosting a newborn clothing drive. YogaStream: 218 Witherspoon St. Suite 210; Princeton, NJ The Problem: Infants who are born into unsafe situations are removed directly from the hospital’s nursery by the Department of Children & Families and are discharged in only a onesie and diaper. The …

A New Chapter

I am 40 years old and I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up: a helper.  Fred Rogers' mother wisely once told him, when you see scary things in the news, "look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping."  From this self revelation, The Bag Project …