Volunteerism Encouraged During 'Season of Service'

It’s a season of service.

That’s what the governor’s office is hoping the coming weeks will be remembered as. In addition to celebrating the winter holidays, Gov. Chris Christie is urging residents to lend a hand to volunteer organizations and help serve their communities.

“Season of Service” was announced by Governor and First Lady Christie on Thanksgiving Eve. The idea, according to the governor’s office, was inspired by 8-year-old Aidan McManus of Burlington Township. Aidan volunteers every Wednesday at the Ladle of Love soup kitchen at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and for his efforts were recognized by First Lady Pat Christie as a New Jersey Hero.

The Christies pitched in to help cook Thanksgiving meals last Wednesday, and yesterday announced several Christie administrators were also participating in the Season of Service.

Acting Governor Kim Guadagno, Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd are volunteering today at the Community Food Bank in Hillside of Union County, for example.

According to the governor’s office, the state officials are among 1.5 New Jerseyans volunteering in their communities annually. That includes service to non-profits, schools, places of worship and civic organizations.

If you’re looking for ways to volunteer, there is no shortage of opportunities Toms River. There's everything from a weekly free dinner at the , to SAVE pet adoption services, to seasonal food drives to blood drives going on.

Here are but a few ideas:

The is looking for volunteer advocates, who often attend proceedings to speak up for the interests of neglected or abused children.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Ocean County (RSVP) will help folks 55 and older find a volunteer opportunity that matches well with their talents and interests, while addressing critical community needs. For more info, check out .

There are also a variety of charity drives going on in the coming weeks. of such events as December nears.

Want to check out more about volunteers in Toms River? Here’s a search of results on Toms River Patch. Check out the articles, announcements and events on our site.