Get Involved, Donate
For 108 years, FCS has been serving the needs of vulnerable people throughout Monmouth County. For many of our over 8,500 clients, just getting basic necessities can be a challenge. And when a major crisis occurs, that challenge can become overwhelming.
FCS is often the last hope for people in crisis. But we do not do it alone. We depend on the generous support of people like you who care about their neighbors in need. Your gift to FCS can make a big difference in someone’s life.
$25 will buy a winter coat for 8-year-old Sam, who, along with more than 1,600 children will receive gifts through Operation Sleighbells, the FCS program that provides toys, books, coats and infant necessities to children and families in need during the holiday season.
$50 will purchase books for 7-year-old Rebecca who participates in Reading Buddies, our intergenerational childhood literacy program that engages 170 senior volunteers in mentoring 1,600 students in 19 underperforming Monmouth County schools, helping improve their reading skills and proficiency, and develop a love for literature.
$100 will purchase a food gift card for 50-year-old Robert who is cognitively impaired due to a traumatic brain injury. Our Representative Payee helps prevent homelessness by managing the social security monies for Robert and nearly 1,000 other clients who are unable to do so for themselves due to a physical, mental, or developmental disability. Rep Payee ensures that Robert’s bills are paid. But a food card will allow Robert to purchase food items he needs but sometimes can’t afford on his small monthly income.
$250 will provide 11 hours of Home Care for 96-year-old Mrs. B., who lives alone and has no family support. While Mrs. B. is fiercely independent, she is unable to walk, bathe, toilet or prepare meals without assistance. FCS Home Care Services helps Mrs. B. and nearly 270 clients like her with their daily needs so they can remain safely in their own homes.
$500 will enable 79-year-old Martha to attend five days of adult care through our Respite Care program. Martha has advanced dementia and is cared for at home by her husband of many years. Adult care provides Martha with important socialization and gives her husband a much-needed break, allowing him to do the things he needs to do but is unable to while he’s caring for his wife.
Please consider making a gift to FCS to support people in need in our local community. Whether its $25 to purchase a child’s winter coat, $500 to bring repef to a caregiver or any other donation, your gift will have a significant and positive impact on someone in need right here in Monmouth County no matter what amount you are able to give.
Donate by Mail
Download a Contribution Form
Contribution can be mailed to:
Family & Children’s Service
191 Bath Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
Attn: Development
Support for Family & Children’s Service is provided by the United Way, individual contributions, bequests, program fees, and foundation, corporate and government grants. Family & Children’s Service is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Home Care (CAHC).
Annual Appeal
We are grateful for the kindness and generosity of our benefactors whose support of our Mission and Vision has enabled us to expand services tackling the serious issues of homelessness, health and respite care, financial instability, childhood literacy and obesity. In the year ahead, we will strive to increase our ability to meet the needs of the many individuals and families who fall between the cracks of our society, to maintain and improve the strong financial posture of the agency so that we can continue our great tradition of accomplishment for the next 100-plus years. Please read the following account of service to people of our community during difficult times and consider donating so we can continue this work.
Serving the Vulnerable of Hurricane Sandy
81-year-old Joseph Kowall and his 73-year-old wife Lola have been through a lot in 50 years of marriage. The couple live in the same modest, split-level home they purchased nearly 40 years ago in the bayside community of Port Monmouth. The two share the home with their daughter Kimberly and their disabled grandson Daniel who suffers from a rare medical condition that requires him to be home-schooled in a temperature controlled environment. Though space is tight, the living arrangement worked well for this close-knit family, until Hurricane Sandy crashed ashore last October.
“It came in like a wave,” Joseph said, “The water just crashed through the front door and filled the first floor of the house, right up to the landing. We never had a drop of water before, and now this!”
The Kowalls remained in their house throughout the storm, doing their best to keep everyone safe as the water rose and the power went out. Eventually, the water receded. But then Kimberly noticed that her mother was acting strangely. She and Joseph rushed Lola to the hospital where doctors determined she needed emergency brain surgery.
For the next several days, the two sat vigil at Lola’s bedside hoping for the best while their home lay in ruins. It was a nightmare.
Continue reading here.
Charitable Bequest
What is a Charitable Bequest?
A bequest is a distribution from your estate. Things to know:
- Tax laws grant an unlimited estate tax deduction, so you may be able to significantly reduce your taxable estate when you make a charitable bequest.
- A bequest made through your will is a creative way to make a thoughtful gift.
- Bequests may be made through a gift of cash, marketable securities, closely held stock, or real estate.
How to Make a Charitable Bequest:
- Include Family & Children’s Service in your will or testamentary trust, or add a codicil to an existing will or trust.
- Indicate whether the gift is for an existing dollar amount, a percentage of the estate or a residue of the estate after all the other beneficiaries have been taken care of.
- Specify where you’d like your gift to go: Either to the General Operating budget, where there is the most need, or to a specific program you really believe in.
- Consult with your attorney or financial advisor before making provisions in your will or adding a codicil to your will for a charitable gift.
For further information, please contact Family & Children's Service, at (732) 222-9111 or info@fcsmonmouth.org.
Stocks and Securities
By making a gift of appreciated stock, you are able to give a valuable gift to Family & Children’s Service and without incurring capital gains taxes. Things to know when making a gift of appreciated assets:
- You must have owned them for at least one year and a day.
- These gifts are deductible up to 30% of adjusted gross income in the year of the gift.
- Any unused deduction amounts may be deducted over as many as five subsequent tax years.
Please note that it is usually to your advantage to donate appreciated stock, rather than sell it and give the charity the proceeds. Please check with your financial advisor for more information.
Donate Your Vehicle
FCS accepts donations of used cars, trucks, boats, jet skis and even airplanes, through our vehicle donation program, “1-877-Cars-4-US.” Administered through Donation Line, LLC, FCS Car Donation Program provides a hassle-free way for vehicle owners to dispose of their old car or truck, even if it’s not working, and make a tax deductible contribution to FCS at the same time. To donate, vehicle owners can call the toll-free number, 1-877-Cars-4-US, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and ask for extension 2684. A representative will arrange to pick up the donated vehicle anywhere in the country for free. Arrangements can also be made online at www.donationline.com.
Vehicle owners should have their title ready when they call and should reference Family & Children’s Service
special client number, 2684, to ensure their donation goes directly to the agency. For more information, contact
FCS Development Director Diane Gribbin at 732-222-9111 or email dgribbin@fcsmonmouth.org
