About

The Giving Network started in 1999 with just a few volunteers working to help flood victims of Hurricane Floyd that devastated Bound Brook, NJ and nearby communities along the Raritan River.  Currently there are 25 regular volunteers and many other occasional workers giving their time and effort to help people in need throughout Somerset County. The organization was started in 1999 after Hurricane Floyd devastated Bound Brook NJ, and currently has 17 regular volunteers and many other occasional workers who donate their time and vehicles to this charitable effort. 

Donations of household items, small appliances, linens and baby items are accepted from individuals, businesses, religious and other organizations. Volunteers collect these donation items and take them to the sorting center in Somerville.  

Recipients who are assisted are usually referred to the Giving Network by Social Services, homeless shelters, and other organizations that assist those in need. Wish Lists are submitted and packages are prepared with items that are delivered directly to recipient homes.

Furniture operations are limited to basic items of the home that will fit into one of our two small vans. And, without warehouse space available it is usually necessary to transport large items directly from the donor to the recipient's home.

Food donations of excess produce and bakery are picked up twice weekly from Wegmans Supermarket. Boxes are delivered directly to five homeless shelters, a senior center and two food banks.  Also canned and dried food donations are collected weekly and delivered to the the Food Bank Network.  Also, donations of canned and dried food are collected and delivered to the Food Bank and the Food Pantry weekly. 

Totals for the year 2011:  we made 515 donation collections and 1032 deliveries of packages to recipient families and organizations in need during the year.  Volunteers worked 5415 hours and they drove 19,574 miles in support of Giving Network activities.