Volunteerism Encouraged During 'Season of Service'

It’s a season of service.

That’s what the governor’s office is hoping the coming weeks will be remembered as. In addition to celebrating the winter holidays, Gov. Chris Christie is urging residents to lend a hand to volunteer organizations and help serve their communities.

The "season" was officially announced by Governor and First Lady Christie on last week on the eve of Thanksgiving. The idea, according to the governor’s office, was inspired by 8-year-old Aidan McManus of Burlington Township. Aidan volunteers every Wednesday at the Ladle of Love soup kitchen at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and for his efforts were recognized by First Lady Pat Christie as a New Jersey Hero.

The Christies pitched in to help cook Thanksgiving meals last Wednesday, and yesterday announced several Christie administrators were also volunteering this holiday season.

According to the governor’s office, the state officials are among 1.5 New Jerseyans volunteering in their communities annually. That includes service to non-profits, schools, places of worship and civic organizations.

If you’re looking for ways to volunteer, there is no shortage of local opportunities.

Here are a few ideas:

feeds the community every Thursday – whatever the season – with Ken's Kitchen, a soup kitchen operated out of the parish center, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin. To learn about how to help out, call 609-698-5531.

The church's food pantry, The St. Vincent de Paul Society, is connecting people with needy families to "adopt" for Christmas. Call 609-698-7477 to get involved.

The  is looking for volunteer advocates, who often attend proceedings to speak up for the interests of neglected or abused children.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Ocean County (RSVP) will help folks 55 and older find a volunteer opportunity that matches well with their talents and interests, while addressing critical community needs. For more info, check out .

There are also a variety of charity drives going on in the coming weeks.  of such events as December nears.

Do you need volunteers? 

List an announcement on Patch to ask the community for help.