Local Collection Drives Seek Community's Help

It’s only natural during this season of giving that so many of us feel the need to also give back to those less fortunate.

While it can sometimes be challenging to do direct service during the holidays (nonprofits tend to have a ton of people wanting to volunteer during this time), there are a number of opportunities in the community right now to donate to causes in need.

From food drives to holiday wish lists, several organizations in Scotch Plains and Fanwood are seeking your help.

Here’s a look at what’s available:

Portusa Restaurant in Scotch Plains is holding a food drive through Nov. 25 to support the Community Food Bank of NJ. Those who donate will receive a 10 percent off coupon for a meal. Take food to 503 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains.

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of SP-F are hosting their annual "Scouting for Food" drive through Nov. 21. Residents are welcome to bring donations to Fanwood Presbyterian Church from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 21. Anyone with questions should call Mark Schuman at 908-578-4847 or e-mail mschuman18@yahoo.com.

Assemblywoman Linda Stender is seeking community members to donate non-perishable food to help the Community Food Bank of NJ throughout the holiday season. Assemblywoman Linda Stender welcomes area residents to join the fight against hunger by donating non perishable foods to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey this holiday season. Non-perishable items may be dropped off at Stender’s office, located at 1801 East Second Street, in Scotch Plains, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Financial donations are also accepted and can be made payable to The Community Food Bank of New Jersey and mailed to Assemblywoman Stender, attn: Community Food Drive, 1801 East Second St., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.

St. Bartholomew Academy will be hosting its Autumn Clothing Drive on Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. Residents are invited to donate new and used clothing, including coats, shoes, boots, handbags, belts, linens, towels and stuffed animals. The Academy is located at 2032 Westfield Avenue in Scotch Plains. Students will unpack donations from cars. For more details, call 908-322-4265.

The Scotch Plains Blood Center is open several days a week for those who want to donate blood and platelets. The center will be open Nov. 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Nov. 23 from 2 to 8:30 p.m.; Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Nov. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Individuals can also call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) or visit nybloodcenter.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood this season. The blood center is located at 2279 South Avenue in Scotch Plains.

The Presbyterian Church in Westfield is holding a Turkey Drive through Nov. 22 for donations to the ElizabethPort Community Center. Donations can be brought to the church office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sunday, Nov. 22, or placed in the church walk-in freezer, which is located inside the church parking lot entrance on Mountain Avenue.

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless seeks individuals or groups who are willing to collect items for its children's program, do a winter coat drive, provide tutoring, help paint or repair. For more information, visit www.theelizabethcoalition.org.

Rep. Leonard Lance has announced that his Westfield congressional office is holding a special food drive through Nov. 23 to benefit the Community Food Bank of NJ. Residents can drop off non-perishable food items at 425 North Avenue E. in Westfield. Later this month, Lance will deliver the collection to the food bank and afterwards take a tour of the facility and meet with employees. Anyone with questions should call 908-518-7733.

Know of other groups in need? Add the information to the comments section at the end of this story, or e-mail it to Lindsay@patch.com.