Looking for safe ways to celebrate the holiday season? There are plenty of fun options for the whole family!
Donate
Tis the season to give to those who need it most and if you’re in a position to give to those less fortunate then here are some options on how you and your family can do so.
Angela Cares
439 MLK Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Angela Cares has a reputable and longstanding reputation in our community in advocating for the elderly. The elderly have definitely been in a vulnerable position due to the pandemic and Angela Cares is a great outlet to provide additional support for our amazing seniors. Please see the link below for more information.
Website: http://angelacares.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Annual Toy Drive
280 Grove St RM:106
Jersey City, NJ
The holidays is about the kids and keeping their morale high during this difficult time. If you have toys that your children no longer play with or have the means to buy new ones, then I highly recommend donating to the Annual Holiday Toy Drive by Steven Fulop and the Economic Development Corporation. Toys are for children from 1-12 year olds and toys should be unwrapped and can be dropped off from Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. Last drop off is Nov. 30th.
Adopt a Pet
Due to a rise in unemployment, animal shelters are becoming cluttered with returned pets. If you’re an animal lover and would like to help the animals of Jersey City please consider adopting or volunteering at the Liberty Humane Center. Pets are a great addition to any family. Here is some information to help you get started:
Website: https://www.libertyhumane.org/dogs
Volunteer
There are ways to safely volunteer from the safety of your home. This is a great option for those who want to be proactive in the community while protecting yourself and others. Below are a couple of links where you can find more information in a variety of volunteer opportunities:
Websites:
https://volunteer.jerseycitynj.gov/
Stay Active
Jersey City has an array of opportunities to stay active as the weather begins to cool. One option is a winter favorite, ice skating:
Charlie Heger Ice Rink
807 Summit Ave
Jersey City, NJ
Charlie Heger Ice Rink or aka Pershing Field Rink is officially open for business. Skating lessons begin on Wednesday, December 2. The rink is officially open until March and is affordable as well as less crowded than most rinks.
Newport Skates
95 River Dr
Jersey City, NJ
The opening date is still TBD, but the target is mid-November. This Rink is located with scenic views of NYC on the waterfront. It’s a very quaint and popular rink in Jersey City worth checking out.
Virtual Rudolph Run
This is a fun activity for families and kids of all ages. Put on your Santa hat or Rudolph antlers and get your 5K run on with other Rudolph enthusiasts. Dates and registration can be found below –
Have Fun
PNC Bank Arts Center – Magic of Lights
Garden State Parkway, Exit 116
Holmdel, NJ
Leave the city and take a Holiday light drive. This is a completely illuminated experience with gargantuan trees brightly lit with 240 feet of lights inside the Holiday Village. Dates are from Nov 13th through Jan 2nd.
Website: https://magicoflights.com/events/newjersey/
Joy Around the World: Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunts for Kids
This is a great interactive option to connect with friends and families across the globe. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or just want to have fun regardless of the holiday season this is an excellent option.
Website: https://watsonadventures.com/hunt/joy-around-the-world-virtual-holiday-scavenger-hunts-for-kids/
