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. 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 contact donors and arrange to pick up these 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. Each person or family with needs completes a Wish List form which is used to prepare packages of items that are then delivered directly to the recipients' homes.

Furniture operations are limited to basic items of the home that will fit into a mini-van. And, without warehouse space available it is usually necessary to transport large items directly from the donor to the recipient's home. If the donor or the recipient has an appropriate sized vehicle then transportation assistance from them is encouraged.

Food donations of excess produce and bakery are picked up twice weekly from Wegmans Supermarket. Boxes are delivered directly to five homeless shelters, the Food Bank Network, the Reformed Church of Bound Brook Food Pantry and two Senior Centers. Also, donations of canned and dried food are collected and delivered to the Food Bank and the Food Pantry weekly.

Totals for the year 2007 included 498 donation collections and 972 deliveries of packages to recipient families and organizations in need. 3860 volunteer hours were donated and 15,582 miles were driven by volunteers.

To donate, to receive help or to volunteer please call (908) 927-9001