Serving others, in our own backyard and around the world, has been at the heart of West Side's ministry since the church was founded in 1912. Here are some ways you can use your gifts to give back.
Mission Opportunities Coming Up!
Rise Against Hunger
Want to learn about the global hunger epidemic and be part of the solution? Join us on the lower level, where we'll package 10,000 meals in two hours for Rise Against Hunger, whose mission is to end hunger worldwide by 2030.
On Saturday, April 27, at 10:00 am, we need 80 volunteers to assemble the packages containing rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and 20 essential vitamins and nutrients, which will be distributed to vulnerable communities around the world.
It's a wonderful hands-on service project for all ages, including families with young children. (Please note: This is not a drop-off event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.) Invite your friends to join you - everyone is welcome. Click here to sign up!
Passaic County Habitat for Humanity
By volunteering with Passaic County Habitat, you can be a part of the change you want to see in your community. Learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun while helping to support affordable homeownership in Passaic County. Bring a pair of work gloves and help build a permanent, affordable home alongside Passaic County Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, May 18, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. We'll meet at West Side at 7:30 am and carpool to Passaic, returning by 3:30 pm. No special skills are required! Youth as young as 16 can participate if accompanied by an adult. Click here to sign up!
Weekly Food Drive
While you're grocery shopping, please fill an extra bag or two for the Center for Food Action and Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity. The most needed items include: canned fruit and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce, canned meat and fish, canned stew and hearty soup, cold cereal (low sugar), oatmeal, pancake mix, powdered/boxed milk, 100% juice, bar or bottled soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby cereal, baby formula, diapers (size 4, 5 and 6), toilet paper and paper towels. Donations may be dropped off at West Side Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, or Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Plastic Bag Recycling
Don't throw away your produce bags, bubble wrap, newspaper sleeves, or dry cleaning bags. Bring them to West Side! Drop your clean, dry, recyclable plastic bags in one of the white bins located in the lobby and narthex Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, or Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Not sure what's recyclable? Here's a test: If the plastic stretches when you pull it, it's recyclable. If it tears like paper, is shiny, or makes a crinkly sound in your hand (like a chip bag or a candy bar wrapper), it's NOT recyclable.