Are you wondering how to use social media to give back to your community? Social media can frustrate at times, but one thing is for sure. It is a brilliant, fast, and powerful way to make a difference.
Take to the platforms when you hope to connect for a cause, contribute meaningfully, and make a positive social impact. And that’s exactly what these local friends and business owners are doing.
5 Companies Using Social Media to Support Their Communities
Let’s look at five individuals in Hunterdon and Warren Counties in NJ, who have tapped the power of social media to help, support and give back. You can, too!
Crissy’s Coat Closet – Coat Drives in Warren County, NJ
NJ/PA Realtor and proud military mom Criss Smith of Warren County has launched Crissy’s Coat Closet — a community outreach and volunteer-driven effort dedicated to providing coats and warm winter clothing to local residents in need.
Criss partners with local organizations, businesses, churches, and schools to ensure that warm winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are available to families throughout Warren County, NJ.
In addition to the coat closet, Criss also helps coordinate donations for the Blessing Box in Belvidere, keeping it stocked with non‑perishable foods and personal care items for anyone who may need support.
She says, “Thanks to the generosity of neighbors, friends, and local supporters, the closet expanded far beyond what I ever imagined.”
To donate coats and warm clothing contact Criss on FB or text 908.455.5865.
Fundraiser for Outcast Pet Rescue – with Hunt Interior Services and Chocolate in the Oven Bake Shop; Milford, NJ
Hunterdon business owners Kathy and Bob Hunt of Hunt Interior Services raise funds for Outcast Rescue pet rehoming agency.
They do the legwork for multiple giving events througout the year, to financially support the organization’s many pets in need of medical care and a “forever home”.
Kathy also teams up with bakery owner Cathy La Guardia, running bake sales of specially prepared goodies made at her Milford, NJ bake shop, Chocolate in the Oven.
Their Whoopie Pie fundraiser draws a big response from the community, where proceeds go to Outcast Rescue. Orders are placed through Kathy, who then coordinates pickup or delivery of the delicious items.
Follow Hunt Interior Services on Facebook. Keep up with Outcast Rescue’s page here.
And don’t miss what’s shaking and baking at Chocolate in the Oven
Yoga in the Park Monthly Fundraiser with Mary Golden Wellness of Warren County, NJ
Mary Golden, Wellness Coach and Yoga Teacher, devotes 1 Saturday per month to offering donation-based Yoga in the Park for a good cause.
She uses the funds collected to help an organization, cause, or individual who can use the support. This year’s donations went to a Veteran’s Nonprofit organization, a mom struggling financially, and toward social, economic and parenting skills for fathers in NJ.
She says, “Yoga in the Park with MGW is a way to encourage community wellness in Warren County, NJ and beyond. We get together to do yoga and practice self care in the beautiful surroundings of nature.”
Mary’s Yoga in the Park series is conducted during the warm weather season. Don’t miss her other events; keep in touch here.
Follow Mary’s wellness page on FB here.
From “Mealie Dogs” to Meals for Dogs – Charlie’s Hot Dogs of Alpha Coordinates Pet Food Donations for CSA, with Local Pet Sitter
Charlie’s Hot Dogs of Alpha, NJ is all about the dogs in more ways than one. They have teamed up with Harmony Pet and Home to donate pet food to Common Sense for Animals No-Kill Shelter in Stewartsville, NJ.
In between cooking up the restaurant’s signature “Mealie Dogs” and other hot-dog-and-burger-joint favorites, the Charlie’s team has provided canned dog food meals in bulk, to the shelter mutts of CSA. Area pet sitter Harmony Pet and Home manages the pickup and delivery.
Follow Charlie’s Hot Dogs here.
Keep up with Dina at Harmony Pet and Home here.
Pilates for the Pantry – Annual Fundraiser Hosted by Evolution Studio Pilates
Since 2020, Evolution Pilates Studio Owner and Instructor Laura Donatelli of Flemington, NJ has hosted a free pilates class fundraiser for the Flemington Food Pantry.
Her 2025 effort resulted in over $1200 raised for the cause, as well as several loads of donated food and items that she delivered.
Her response to the outpouring of generosity from pilates students who attended in 2025: “I am so full of gratitude and appreciation!!!”
Follow Evolution Pilates on Facebook.
How to Use the Power of Social Media to Give Back to Your Community
It’s simpler than you think, to hop on social media and call out to others for a cause that feels meaningful for you.
Assess the Need
Contact the organization you wish to support. Ask them how you can help.
- A women’s shelter may be in need of seasonal apparel, grocery store gift cards, or a certain type of personal care product.
- A food pantry might prefer cash donations that permit them to restock the shelves of specific brand/type of goods in demand.
- A pet shelter might be running low on a certain type of pet food, or products used to clean the animals’ living space.
Even if you asked on a prior occasion, always double check to see what items or donations will serve them best at present. Situations change over time. Your wish to provide what is useful and needed will be greatly appreciated.
Craft Your Message
Create simple graphics that tell people the who, what, when, where, how and why of your cause. It’s easy to create these in Canva and then download as a shareable image from your phone or computer.
Spread the Word
Share your graphic and message on social media. Most community groups will permit fundraiser event posts on any day, unless otherwise stated. It’s best to check the group rules, or contact the moderators, to be sure you’re cleared to post your ask.
Ways to Help, Support or Donate
Giving feels good, creates connection, solves common challenges within a community, and brings a sense of purpose. Here are some simple ways you can get involved, and offer help or support.
- Volunteer at a food pantry or animal shelter.
- Collect coats, sneakers, or clothing in good condition to donate.
- Come together with your church or groups to host a free breakfast.
- Donate food to your local food pantry.
- Help raise funds or donate clothing to DASAAC.
- Support the military with care packages and holiday cards to lift their spirits.
- Volunteer at a nursing home or hospital.
- Participate in roadside cleanups or site cleanouts.
Any Small or Big Gesture Counts
Your contribution does not have to be over the top. If you wish to help, do what feels right at your current phase of life. The fact is: humans do need each other. Honoring that brings a deep sense of connection and personal satisfaction. Helping creates healing. And the effects of one kind gesture reach farther than we might ever imagine.
Also: what comes around, goes around. One day you may be the receiver; on another day, the giver. As Mary Golden expresses, “When we build ourselves up, we also support and empower others to do the same.”
What ways will you find to support SOCIAL causes on SOCIAL media this year?
About the Author
Dina Gio runs Happy Healthy NJ as her giveback community project. She publishes content for free on this blog to help NJ business owners and organizations with a mission spread their positive message.
To submit content for publishing, or to book paid services with Dina, contact us from this page.