How you can make a real difference this holiday season in the Wildwoods and Cape May County

The holiday season is coming, and for many in our community, the joy of giving thanks also brings an opportunity to lend a helping hand. At The Jessica Lees Team we believe in using our platform to shine a light on meaningful ways to give back.

Why this matters now

During the holidays - especially around Thanksgiving - food insecurity becomes even more visible. Families who normally stretch their budgets find everyday essentials tougher to cover, and community food pantries step up in a big way. This year, we want to spotlight two incredible organizations doing that work right here in our region.

Meet the local heroes serving our community

The Branches Outreach

Located in Rio Grande, this grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves Cape May County residents experiencing food insecurity, homelessness or housing instability. (thebranchesoutreach.org)
They offer a food pantry (and mobile pantry to local motels), hot breakfast and lunch, showers and personal‑care supplies, case‑management services, and more. (capemaycommunityoutreach.com)
If you’re looking to donate goods, volunteer your time, or coordinate a food drive, The Branches Outreach is a high‑impact place to direct your efforts.

Lazarus House Ministries Emergency Food Pantry

Right in Wildwood at Burke & Pacific Avenues, this emergency food pantry welcomes all and serves residents from across Cape May County. (lazarushouseministries.org)
They operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 12 Noon.  (foodpantries.org)
Their volunteers provide a warm, respectful environment as guests receive groceries, personal care items, and support.
Whether you’re donating boxed goods (tuna, pasta, cereal, Mac & Cheese, etc.) or volunteering, Lazarus House is open for community collaboration.

How you can help — and why it matters

Here are practical ways to get involved, and the impact you’ll make:

• Donate non‑perishable food items: Canned goods, pasta, sauces, cereal  - especially helpful around Thanksgiving when traditional holiday meals matter even more.
• Volunteer your time: At either organization, your effort directly supports residents in our local towns: Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, West Wildwood and Diamond Beach.
• Coordinate amini food drive: If you’re working with clients or neighbors, gathering a basket of items and dropping it off at one of these pantries is a meaningful gesture.
• Spread the word: The more people know about local pantries, the broader the support network becomes.
• Give financialsupport: If time or items are limited, monetary donations help these nonprofits purchase fresh items, manage logistics, and reach more people.

What this means for our community

When food pantries are strong, our whole region benefits. Families, workers, and neighbors receive stability. As the Jessica Lees Team, we believe in more than property transactions - we believe in community transactions. By contributing even a small bit of time or resources, you’re fostering resiliency in the Wildwoods and Cape May County.

This holiday season, let’s pair our gratitude with action. The Branches Outreach and Lazarus House Ministries are doing essential work right here in our area. Your support, whether donating food, volunteering, or simply sharing this message, makes an immediate difference.

And if you’re looking for a convenient way to help, Lees Real Estate Agency is a local drop off location for food pantry donations. Swing by with non perishables or personal hygiene items, and we’ll make sure they get to the families who need them most.

Join us in giving back. Follow the Jessica Lees Team on our socials for more community focused updates, or sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed about local events, giving opportunities, and how we serve the Wildwoods and Cape May County together.