The Volunteer Voice
Vol.7 Issue 12    Be The Change. Volunteer.   December 2017
Greetings!

The magic of the holidays is just that - magic. There is goodness and joy in abundance this time of year. Our part of the magic helping you spread joy in a way that speaks to you. Want to help make a child smile? Frosty's Friends is for you. Want to help keep a neighbor warm? How about The Jersey Cares Coat Drive or Winter Shelter Helpers? Want to spend more time pursuing your passion? We have ways to do that 365 days a year. Come with us and find your magic this season.
You Can Be A Frosty Too!
Thanks to the generosity of incredible volunteers, we have been able to fulfill more than 4,000 Frosty’s Friends wishes for children this year! That means that more children than ever will feel the magic of the season. Still in the giving spirit? You still have time to add a child to your holiday shopping list by checking out our Amazon Wish List. Just be sure to select the Jersey Cares address at check out, and we will make sure that your gift is magically delivered to a child in New Jersey.
Lights On is a program that grabs you by the heart. With dedicated staff and kids exploring their interests, Lights On is an engaging place for students to be on a Friday night. As the program continues to expand, passionate and committed volunteers are stepping up, but we still need you. As we learn more about what the students are interested in, we bring those opportunities to you - hot off the press!
Yoga Masters at Lights On - Improved test scores, self-esteem, physical performance, and a healthy body image, are just some of the many benefits the practice offers youth.
Art Expressions at Lights On - These visceral, joyful artistic memories can last a lifetime. Most importantly for many of us, they may have been the healing glue that mended us when everything else in our lives seemed to be falling apart. Text Link
We Want Coats! We Want Coats!
With more than 4,000 coats already distributed, this year’s Coat Drive is rolling out the warmth! The Jersey Cares Coat Drive collects and distributes more than 30,000 coats each year to those who need them. A coat is more than an article of clothing - it represents opportunity. You can help a neighbor brave the winter cold with a single donation! If you are seeking a fun and easy way to give back to an incredibly worthy cause, then look no further than the Jersey Cares Coat Drive! To become a collection site in your area, please click here . To donate your coat, check out our list of central drop-off locations here ! 
 
Often we take for granted the warmth of our own beds on a cold winter night. On nights that dip below freezing, spend your evening supporting a local emergency shelter for our neighbors without addresses.
Early this November, Alexion employees joined their colleagues from around the world in the company’s 2017 Global Day of Service. Over 240 dedicated individuals banded together to leave a lasting impact in their local community. Although it was one of the coldest days we’ve had this season, volunteers spent their time both indoors and outdoors at Celentano Biotech, Health, and Medical Magnet School and the Wallingford Emergency Shelter, a program of Columbus House.
Volunteer Star
Meet Tige Anderson
Tige is currently a high school senior who serves as a Project Coordinator and has volunteered more than 200 hours at our Earth Keepers in Jersey City Veteran’s Cemetery opportunity. He began volunteering to satisfy his high school’s 25-hour volunteer requirement and enjoyed the experience so much that he continued to serve well past those hours.  

Find out more about Tige!