Organize a Drive

Families entering our domestic violence shelters, at times, arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Hold a drive to collect essentials for the babies in these families or for those soon to be born; items needed include receiving blankets, onesies, bottles, pacifiers, socks, bibs, wash cloths, baby lotion, diapers, wipes, and formula. (Year round)

Raise funds to purchase housewarming gifts for formerly homeless veterans who are about to move into apartments of their own. For most of these men and women, this is their first permanent home in a long time, and they are starting from scratch. A Kitchen Welcome Package may include pots and pans, a set of dishes, silverware and utensils, and some condiments, and pantry staples. (Year round)

Libraries in several of our residences have recently been refurbished but many of the books and magazines on the shelves are outdated and in poor condition. Hold a book or magazine drive in your office to replenish the contents in these libraries so that our clients are up-to-date with current events and able to enjoy today's bestsellers. (Year round)

Help give a fresh start to foster children entering one of our group homes in Northern New Jersey. by raising funds with which we can purchase new bed linens, a comforter, pillow and a set of pajamas for each child. They can then take these cherished possessions with them when they transition to their first independent homes. (Year round)

Hold a drive to collect basic items needed by residents in all of our facilities, including  soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant and moisturizer. (Please - no razors or mouthwash.) For the men at our shelter on Wards Island, we always need new socks and underwear. For the children at our Bronx Early Learning Center, we need pull-up diapers, as most of the children are not potty trained when they enter the program. (Year round)

Initiatives like Operation Backpack® and Brightening Birthdays™ exist to help normalize the lives of children in our shelters. So, what's Halloween without costumes? Halloween Heroes Costume Drive is a new initiative that helps children in our homeless and domestic violence shelters experience the excitement of the Halloween season. (September-October)

Show our veterans you care this Valentine's Day by donating new gloves, hats or scarves, and making or purchasing cards with heartfelt messages of support and encouragement. Organize a drive to collect items at your office, or among family and friends. Learn more about participating in Valentines for Veterans. (January-February)