The Holiday season can take on an even deeper meaning when the spirit of giving is embraced. Whether through volunteering or donating, supporting local, charitable causes ensure the betterment of both individual lives and communities as a whole. Seek out these local groups and get involved! American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) is a 501 (c)(3) public charity founded in 2003 by a group of grassroots volunteers who wanted to give something back to the military and their families. Over the years, the organization has grown to more than 325 volunteers in the tri-state area. A.R.M.S. provides services to local armories in the region by supporting area unit Family Readiness Groups, as well as providing direct assistance to family members in need. In addition, A.R.M.S. has been working with local military bases to enhance the quality of life for solders and their families. Since March 2003, A.R.M.S. has shipped over 900,000 lbs. of necessities to servicemen and women overseas, served meals to over 110,000 family members and provided over $80,000 in direct financial aid to families.
Ronnie Micciulla (left) A.R.M.S. (American Recreational Military Services) founder serves a Soldier who two hours prior had just returned to the United States from Iraq. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.
With the massive number of soldiers being deployed to foreign lands, A.R.M.S. would like to make their "Little Soldiers" who are left behind smile for the holidays. It is hard enough for children to understand that their parents are underway, let alone the thought of spending the holidays without them. Each military personnel has supplied A.R.M.S. with a wishlist of two gifts for each of their children and the organization would like to make each child's wishes come true. A.R.M.S are accepting donations of Gift Cards, Sporting Goods, Dolls, Action Figures, Baby Clothes and Childrenʼs Apparel. Drop-off points can be found on A.R.M.S.ʼs website: www.supportarms.org. Monetary donations may be sent to: A.R.M.S. 64 Harding Road Red Bank, NJ 07701
Alyssaʼs Angels is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to assist Monmouth County children with disabilities and their families lead happy and productive lives. Aiming to help lessen the financial burden by providing funding for therapeutic recreation and medical equipment, Alyssaʼs Angels also supports non-profit organizations helping children with disabilities. To Volunteer or Donate, visit AlyssasAngels.com or contact the organization at: PO Box 93 West Long Branch, NJ 07764 (732) 229-9393 The Kortney Rose Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds to support research and education related to the treatment and cure of pediatric brain tumors. The Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for children with brain tumors by helping them access specialty care, clinical trials, follow-up care, and rehabilitative services. Volunteers and donations aimed at helping families are always welcome and can be made by contacting: 41 Summerfield Ave Oceanport, NJ 07757 (732) 222-1491 www.TheKortneyRoseFoundation.org
The Valerie Center, part of The Childrenʼs Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, provides comprehensive medical services to children, adolescents and young adults (from birth to age 21) with leukemia and other cancers. The Valerie Fund Childrenʼs Center stands as one of the areaʼs and the nationʼs largest and most advanced pediatric oncology and hematology networks, providing care to more than 5,000 children with cancer and blood disorders each year. Donations and Volunteers Welcome: The Valerie Fund Center at The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center (732) 923-7455
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