10 for '10: Ways to Give Back to Those in Need in Hopatcong this Holiday Season

It's the holiday season, which by extension—warning: cliche ahead—means it's the giving season, too. And Hopatcong Patch isn't just talking about giving stuff you'd wrap in glossy paper.

We're talking about giving your time to help those in need. There are plenty of places in and around the borough looking for assistance.

Here are 10 places you could pitch in this holiday season:

• The needs volunteers to box food for Christmas distribution on Sunday. Also, it needs people to man its thrift shop, which is open on Tuesday and Thursday at 7-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - noon.  Call the church at (973) 398-0846 if you'd like to help the Save The People food pantry, too.
• Hopatcong's fire departments are looking for firefighters. It's a dirty, free job, but someone has to do it. The department will train you, and provide equipment. It meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9-11 a.m. Contact Scott Wallis at (973) 398-0062 if you're interested.
• The Tri-Municipal Trails Committee finally opened the Tri-Municipal Link System, connecting trails in Hopatcong, Byram and Stanhope. But they're not finished. The committee needs volunteers to help clear and clean trails. E-mail Adam Rosenberg at Rosenberg_Adam@Emc.com if you'd like to help.
• Did you know Hopatcong has a group of volunteers that keeps it safe from disasters? It's called the Community Emergency Response Team, and it's run by Officer Robert Haffner and Team Leader Steve Millian. The crew protects the borough during floods, snowstorms, power outages—anything that involves more than a police and fire department presence. Call Haffner at (973) 398-500 ext. 247 to lend a hand.
• Hopatcong's Boys and Girls Scouts need leaders. They need people looking to help guide children through the ranks. Call Kathleen Caffrey if you're interested at (973) 398-4547 or (973) 534-8283 or e-mail her at kacmonte@optonline.net.
• The Hopatcong ambulance squad has trained professionals capable of helping in case of emergency. But it could always use more. The squad needs emergency medical technicians to help with shift coverage and athletic and community events. Call (973) 770-0440 if you'd like to help.
• Hopatcong's Firewise Communities Program is looking for volunteers. According to hopatcong.org, the program is "intended to serve as a resource for local agencies and fire departments" working toward keeping residents safe from wildfires. Volunteers are asked to distribute flyers, register members, organize events and help the chairman write progress reports. Call Scott Wallis at (973) 229-2560 or e-mail him at whmr@optonline.net if you're interested.
• The Hopatcong Municipal Alliance needs volunteers to help implement drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programing for the community. The Alliance meets quarterly at to prepare events. Recently, it hosted an asset-building seminar. If you'd like more information, contact Lisa Schuffenauer at lschuffenhauer@hopatcongschools.org.
• The Hopatcong animal pound has one part-time worker. She could use a hand. Feel free to come by from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. any weekday to help with the animals, or to help organize and clean.
• Meals On Wheels needs Hopatcong drivers. The group delivers food to those who can't get it themselves. Meals are delivered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:30 a.m. - noon. Call (973) 209-0123 for more information on the recruiting process.

Got some more volunteer opportunities for Hopatcong residents? Let us know in the comments section or e-mail brendan@patch.com.