Greg’s List: Places to Donate this Holiday Season

By Greg Kelly

I’ve heard genuine praise — along with masses of web traffic — for my “Greg’s List: Things to Do in Monmouth County this Weekend.” The list has been published here at More Monmouth Musings prior to every weekend for going on 7 years now. I don’t think I’ve missed a weekend.

Compliments about the list include: “There’s nothing like it on the web.” “I don’t start my weekend without it.” “It really tells me what’s happening.” “It’s a fantastic resource.” “I get it all in one stop.” “It’s amazing all the good stuff to do for Monmouth County weekends.” “It’s the most complete things-to-do list around.” Read the rest of this entry »

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The Season: Giving is Contagious

By Greg Kelly

With the nation’s economy now in a very good phase, it’s time to give back to those who are truly in need this holiday season. In good times and bad — generosity is always necessary.

And besides, your efforts at giving can “jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community.” According to a report from the Greater Good Science Center, “giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate recipient of our gift. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community.”

The following Monmouth County-based charitable/volunteer/service organizations (along with some worthy arts groups) help the needy as well as the community at large. When it comes to giving be sure to remember them this holiday season.

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The Season for Some Charity

By Greg Kelly

It’s that time of the year when those more fortunate give to those less fortunate. And now more than ever it appears the generosity is needed.

A recent Chronicle of Philanthropy report, How America Gives (which regularly reviews the nation’s charitable ways), shows that only 24% of Americans are now making charitable donations (it was 31% a decade ago).

“Demographic and cultural shifts may also be contributing to the decline,” according to the report. “Millennials have overtaken boomers as the country’s largest generation, and studies widely indicate that they aren’t embracing traditional ideas of giving.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Holiday Giving List: Hurting and Helping

By Greg Kelly

My father once told that when you make a charitable donation to a worthy cause, “it should hurt a little.” Meaning the gift or contribution should bring about a significant sacrifice on your part.

Although charities certainly welcome big donations, it’s the smaller donations, when added together, that allow them to function. Kindness and generosity is the spirit of our holiday season. And with most charities needing financial support to keep their cause going, now is the season to make an impact.

The many Monmouth County-based charitable/volunteer organizations listed below work hard every day to help those less fortunate or for causes that improve the human condition. Please help them to help others this holiday season.

(And remember, a nice gift to your local police, fire, first aid and/or public works departments is both a supportive and wise contribution.)

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