Northern Valley groups do their part to make the season magical

The holiday season sheds light on the issue of poverty in Bergen County as many local communities donate warm clothing, toiletries and food to those in need.

DANIELLE PARHIZKARAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Tenafly Women's Club Wish Tree at the Lowell Cleaners in Tenafly, where people can donate gifts.

There is a constant demand for these essentials, said Rocco Mazza, communications coordinator for the Bergen County Department of Human Services.

The Tenafly Women's Club, is an organization aware of the need in the county.

The club sponsored a Wish Tree at Lowell Cleaners in Tenafly, where people donated new, warm clothing for the less fortunate, said Lois Anderson, first vice president of the club.

Starting around Thanksgiving people have dropped off scarves, socks, hats, mittens and underwear, among other essentials.

"We collect around the holidays because we know people will be thinking about it," said Anderson. "The Wish Tree is our way of making people aware of the problem."

Mazza said that there is a lack of awareness of the homeless population, in the county. With unemployment still at a high rate and insufficient salaries, the need is always there, he said.

The Wish Tree donations will be brought to the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center at the beginning of January.

Go here to read the rest:
Northern Valley groups do their part to make the season magical