Help the Giving Network Help Those in Need

Aug. 24, 2009 - PRLog -- (Manville, NJ)  Just like the rest of the country, central New Jersey has felt the effects of the economy, and the Giving Network has been there to assist those who have been hardest hit.  On Saturday, October 24th, members of the greater community will have a unique opportunity to support the efforts of the Giving Network, an all-volunteer charity serving the needy in Somerset County.

A Basket Auction/Tricky Tray to benefit the Giving Network will be held at the Manville VFW on Oct 24,  2009  at 6:30 pm.  The VFW is located at 600 Washington Avenue in Manville, right off Main Street.  Each $15 admission includes a sheet of tickets and refreshments.  Attendees will find unique and creative baskets to win, each with a value of at least $25.  Additional tickets, as well as tickets for the 50/50 drawing and fantastic "higher-end" prizes will also be available for purchase.  Attendees must be aged 18 years or older. This promises to be a very fun, social evening filled with laughter - and all for a good cause.  

In addition, from 6 – 7 pm, Giving Network volunteers will be on site at the VFW accepting donations of items most needed by recipients;   items must be clean and in working order.  Items currently most needed are:  Blankets & sheets (all sizes), towels & washcloths, silverware, irons, vacuums, pots and pans, microwaves and toasters.

The Giving Network was started in 1999 to assist disaster victims devastated by Hurricane Floyd, and has been assisting our less fortunate local residents ever since.  The premise is simple… they pick up donated household goods and deliver them to people in need in Somerset County.  They also pick up food donations from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Somerset Hills and a local supermarket and deliver them directly to five county homeless shelters, the Food Bank Network, the Bound Brook Food Pantry and two Senior Centers.

Due to the dedication of volunteers giving their time and energy to the Giving Network, operating expenses are quite low, but there are still some costs - rent for the sorting center, and keeping two delivery vehicles maintained and full of gas to make deliveries.   Proceeds from this Tricky Tray will help the Giving Network to continue to operate and assist those in need.

For further information about the October 24th Tricky Tray event, call 908-927-0601 or visit  http://givingnetwork.bravehost.com .  To find out more about volunteer opportunities with The Giving Network, please call  908-927-9001.

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The Giving Network is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization dedicated to recycling excess items of the home that are donated and delivered to people in need in Somerset County.