Why wait for #GivingTuesday? NJ group’s helping nourish appetites and careers already

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a recognized post-Thanksgiving designation — much like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. This year, Essex County-based Jewish Vocational Service is joining those who will devote this Tuesday to holiday season charitable efforts.

JVS of New Jersey, headquartered in East Orange, last week sponsored a hot meal for 150 of its clients who avail themselves of the group's vocational training, career counseling, job placement support or paid internships. The organization was founded in the Garden State in 1939 originally to assist unemployed Jewish adults looking for work, and now helps tens of thousands every year, regardless of background or age.

The mission, according to CEO Addy Bonet, is to help people both with and without disabilities help themselves, and provide training so they can find meaningful employment in an integrated environment.

The pre-Thanksgiving meal was just one way to make some of JVS' clients feel special during the holidays.

"We'll also kick off a coat drive, we'll also be collecting canned foods, and really just spending quality time with our clients," Bonet said.

For the actual date of Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, JVS will be hard at work on those tasks, and promoting last week's event through the medium from which Giving Tuesday came in the first place — social media.

"Staff will be tweeting out our clients' stories, as well as join with friends, families, colleagues, and the community to give back during the holiday season," Bonet said.

JVS, which is part of an international network that also includes Canada and Israel, will be expanding into the Livingston area at the beginning of 2017 to further its reach in Essex, Morris, Middlesex and Union counties.

To find out more, visit jvsnj.org or call 862-704-2281.

The above post is sponsored by Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, which supports the programs and services of the hospital. Donations to Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation go directly to helping pioneer new specialized care and serve more children in need. To help, or for more information: visit childrens-specialized.org; find Children's Specialized Hospital on Facebook, or follow on it on Twitter.

Patrick Lavery produces "New Jersey's First News" and is New Jersey 101.5's morning drive breaking news reporter. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.

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