Message from Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark:

This holiday season is unlike any we’ve ever seen before. While the holidays are typically a time of joy and celebration, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives and brought heartache and hardship to many of our residents in Greater Newark. I know at times it has felt as if 2020 might never end.

While many of us are eager to put this year behind us, members of our community, including families and small business owners, are facing increased economic hardships. During these times, we have an opportunity to support one another, even as we stay physically apart. Right here in Newark, there are various opportunities to lend a hand, and I’d encourage everyone who can to participate. You can volunteer (socially distanced, while wearing a mask), donate food to your local food pantry or clothes you’re no longer wearing, purchase toys through our Virtual Toy Drive , send a care package to a loved one, or make a donation to a local nonprofit organization. No act of service is too small.

You may also know that we have announced our Giving Tuesday campaign that will support our Community COVID-19 Fund, which has been providing critical relief efforts to our local community members, organizations and small businesses since the start of the pandemic. We have partnered with Investors Bank, who will match our donations, dollar for dollar, through December 4th. This means that every dollar donated will go further to help those who need it most right now. Let’s all continue to find ways to spread holiday cheer, even if it looks differently than years past, and continue the season of generosity and giving, especially during these unprecedented times.

At United Way of Greater Newark, we will continue to be committed to the safety and well-being of community members across our 13-municipality network, and we are grateful to our volunteers, donors and partners for their continued support during these uncertain times. It is with the strength, dedication, and resilience that we will continue to support the community and make it through these hard times together, always honoring our promise to LIVE UNITED.