MEND is an interfaith network of over 20 member food pantries and community partners located throughout Essex County, NJ.

Our hunger relief network, the largest in Essex County, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that strengthens and supports its food pantry network by providing supplemental fresh and healthy food, funds, volunteers, and a monthly forum for collaboration.

MEND also advocates for policies to improve the quality of life for those in need in the County.

Wagging Tails Dog Rescue NY is a small volunteer and foster home based 501C3 rescue organization located in southern Westchester County, NY. They are dedicated to saving homeless dogs and puppies found in the most desperate and dire situations – especially from international meat farms, kills shelters, puppy mills and abandoned dogs living on the streets.

Wagging Tails Dog Rescue NY is fully committed to saving helpless animals who cannot speak for themselves.

We rescued our sweet girl, Sunny Day from here and the love and care they give to their pups is amazing.

In 2000, Charles Best, a teacher at a Bronx public high school, thought about all the money he and his colleagues were spending on books, art supplies, and other materials for their students. He figured there were people out there who'd want to help — if they could see where their money was going. Charles sketched out a website where teachers could post classroom project requests, and donors could choose the ones they wanted to support. His colleagues posted the first 11 requests. Then it spread. Today, we're open to every public school in America.

I am one of those fortunate teachers who has had projects funded through Donors Choose.

Girls Helping Girls. Period. is a volunteer effort started by two New Jersey sisters, and their mom. When the girls were just 13 and 17, Girls Helping Girls. Period. took on a life of its own when they asked guests at a neighborhood party to bring a box of pads or tampons as a "gift" they would donate. Not only did their friends bring donations, but word spread, an article was written and within a few weeks the family's house was filled with boxes!

In the US, period products can cost more than $75/person annually, an amount that can easily overwhelm a struggling person or family. GHGP distributes pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups and reusable products to those in need through a network of partner food pantries, schools, social services agencies and outreach programs.