It’s the season of giving and the spirit of generosity is in the air — well, that and a chill, which is what makes the holiday season the perfect time to give back to your community. Hoboken + Jersey City have numerous organizations that serve those in need locally, but they need help from those who are able in order to provide supportive services and continue helping others. If you’re looking for the right place to donate food items, your time, a financial contribution, or gently used clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, toys, or decorations, we’ve got you covered. Read on for where to donate in Hudson County this Thanksgiving.
Where to Donate Food + Supplies
Family Promise of Hudson County | Jersey City
Family Promise works to help those experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. Currently, they need school supplies and diapers. They also appreciate ShopRite and Walmart gift cards.
Hoboken Community Center Pantry | 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken
The Hoboken Community Center provides housing, food, and valuable resources to those in need in Hudson County. Their pantry relies on donations from community members who are able to help, and to make it easy, they have an Amazon Wishlist so you can have items shipped right to their door. The pantry was created during the pandemic, and the HCC is currently hoping to move to a more permanent location. Monetary donations will help them achieve this goal.
Read More: North Jersey Food Banks + Other Ways to Volunteer This Thanksgiving
The Hoboken Shelter | 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
The Hoboken Shelter is a staple in the Hoboken community that provides shelter, food, supplies, case management, and other crucial resources to those in need. Donations help keep the shelter afloat and enable the shelter to help their guests effectively and efficiently. Check out their Amazon wishlist and have items shipped right to their door.
*In-person volunteers are also needed
Liberty Humane Society | 235 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Don’t forget that furry friends need help, too! The LHS helps animals find a forever home, and even facilitates fostering. In order to keep their organization up and running, they have specific supplies on their Amazon Wishlist that can be sent directly to them.
*In-person volunteers are also needed
Lunchtime Ministry at St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Church | 8th + Hudson Street, Hoboken
Running since the 1970s, the Lunchtime Ministry provides a warm meal to anyone who needs it. They accept donations Monday through Thursday 8AM-12PM, dropped off in the Parish Hall. Some items that are needed year-round include: disposable cups, plates, and bowls, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, coffee, socks and underwear, blankets, deodorant, razors, and toilet paper. Check their website for the full list.
*In-person volunteers are also needed.
WomenRising | 270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City
WomenRising is a community-based organization for women in Hudson County. They assist women and their families to achieve self-sufficiency and live safe, productive, and fulfilling lives, through social services, economic development, and advocacy services. There are several opportunities to volunteer, but they also take in-kind donations of new items. Some priority items include: diapers and sanitary products, toiletries, bath towels, and pillows. See the full list on their website.
*In-person volunteers are also needed.
York Street Project | 89 York Street, Jersey City
York Street Project aims to provide programs that shelter, feed, educate and promote healing and independence for people in need, especially women, children, and their families. For specific donation requests, check out their Amazon Wishlist.
Where to Donate Clothing
Dress for Success Hudson County | 591 Summit Drive, Jersey City
Dress for Success helps women in need secure long-term employment. Part of that includes making sure women are dressed appropriately for job interviews and corporate work environments. Donate job interview-appropriate clothing on the first Monday and third Friday of every month from 10AM-3PM by appointment. You can call 201-395-0202 to make an appointment. Check their website for all donation information. Clothes with tears, obvious stains, broken zippers, etc. will not be accepted.
Goodwill | 982 Broad Street, Newark
Donate gently used items to the Goodwill Donation Center in Newark.
Green Drop | Multiple Locations + Pickup Service Available
GreenDrop accepts gently used clothing and household goods on behalf of a number of charitable organizations. Home pickup services are available to schedule on their website.
The Hoboken Shelter | 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
In addition to food and supplies, the Hoboken Shelter is also in need of men’s clothing.
North District Police Winter Coat Drive | 282 Central Avenue, Jersey City
This coat drive will be running from November 1st to November 28th, run by the North District Police Department.
Salvation Army | 242 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
This thrift store and donation center accepts clothing and household items during business hours.
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store is a 501(c) non-profit charity that accepts clothing donations. Their staff is 100% volunteer-run and all profit goes to charity. Read their donation info before dropping clothes or items off at the store.
Where to Donate Toys
Hoboken Christmas Exchange | 301 Garden Street, Hoboken
Ensure no child in Hoboken misses out on the joy of Christmas by signing up to participate in Hoboken Christmas Exchange.
Jersey City 26th Annual Toy Drive | City Hall, 280 Grove Street, or City Hall Annex, 39 Kearny Avenue, Jersey City
Registration opened on November 1st and distribution will take place on December 9th at City Hall.
NJ Toys for Tots | Multiple NJ Locations
Search for the nearest drop-off location on their website. There are several locations in Newark to choose from.
North District Police Toy Drive | 282 Central Avenue, Jersey City
Drop off gently used or new toys until December 20th.
Where to Donate Books
Jersey City Free Books | 3396 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
JCFB is a community organization that provides something to read without charge, obligations, registration, or indoctrination.
Symposia Bookstore | 510 Washington Street, Hoboken
Symposia Community Bookstore, Inc. is a public benefit nonprofit corporation organized and operated for educational and charitable purposes. Donating books and DVDs helps their business thrive.
Where to Donate Gently-Used Holiday Decor
WomenRising | 270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City
WomenRising is a community-based organization for women in Hudson County. They assist women and their families to achieve self-sufficiency and live safe, productive, and fulfilling lives, through social services, economic development, and advocacy services.
*In-person volunteers are also needed.
York Street Project | 89 York Street, Jersey City
York Street Project aims to provide programs that shelter, feed, educate and promote healing and independence for people in need, especially women, children, and their families.
Round 2 Resources | Hoboken
Round 2 Resources is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting the environment. By accepting all donations and redistributing them back into the community to people + organizations in need, they prevent usable resources from going into a landfill, while simultaneously helping others.
Where to Donate Furniture
Round 2 Resources | Hoboken
Round 2 Resources is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting the environment. By accepting all donations and redistributing them back into the community to people + organizations in need, they prevent usable resources from going into a landfill, while simultaneously helping others.
Salvation Army | 900 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Union City
This thrift store and donation center accepts furniture donations items during business hours.
Where to Donate Sneakers
Donation Drop Box | Hudson Mall Parking Lot 701 NJ-440, Jersey City
Located in the Hudson Mall parking lot near the Taco Bell, this large dropbox accepts gently-used clothing and shoes.
Goodwill | 982 Broad Street, Newark
Donate gently used items to the Goodwill Donation Center in Newark.
Green Drop | Multiple Locations + Pickup Service Available
GreenDrop accepts gently used clothing and household goods on behalf of a number of charitable organizations. Home pickup services are available to schedule on their website.
Where to Donate Eyeglasses
Lions Club Donation Boxes | Multiple Locations
Lions Club Donation Boxes are located all around the NJ area, and a full list can be found here. There are also participating Walmart locations that will accept used eyeglasses, including the Secaucus location. Donations can also be mailed directly to New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, PO Box 7263, West Trenton, NJ 08628.
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store is a 501(c) non-profit charity that accepts eyeglasses and sunglasses donations. Their staff is 100% volunteer-run and all profit goes to charity. Read their donation info before dropping clothes or items off at the store.
Where to Donate Time
Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County | 225 Morris Boulevard, Jersey City
The Boys and Girls Club is a national organization of local chapters which provide voluntary after-school programs for young people. To volunteer for a special one-time event, fill out an application on their website.
Hoboken Family Alliance | 89 River Street, Hoboken
HFA is one of the oldest nonprofits in Hoboken, and they work to make positive changes across civic, social, and education opportunities. The Hoboken Family Alliance needs volunteers for its sub-committees, such as the Schools Committee, Special Needs Committee, and New Initiatives Committee. Check their website for more information.
The Hoboken Shelter | 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
On-site volunteers are necessary to keep the Hoboken Shelter running smoothly. New volunteers must sign up via CharityQuest, and more information can be found on their website.
HOPES CAP, Inc. | 301 Garden Street, Hoboken
HOPES CAP has opportunities for volunteers to work as mentors, tutors, and skilled leaders for children, adults, and seniors. For more information, send an email to their volunteer coordinators.
Hudson County CASA | 442 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
Party with Purpose | Hoboken
Party With Purpose (PWP) is a 100% volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded on the concept of producing great events to raise money for children’s charities and bring the community together in the process. Volunteers can help out with any number of events that take place throughout the year.
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
St. Mary Advocates Thrift Store is a 501(c) non-profit charity. Their staff is 100% volunteer-run and all profit goes to charity. Their store is only able to open with the help of volunteers, so fill out an application form today.
Symposia Bookstore | 510 Washington St, Hoboken
Symposia Community Bookstore, Inc. is a public benefit nonprofit corporation organized and operated for educational and charitable purposes. Volunteering opportunities are available based on the volunteer’s schedule and availability.
TRUE Mentors | Hoboken
TRUE Mentors is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded to help children develop healthy, strong relationships that allow them to reach their full potential. TRUE Mentor’s mission is to unearth the excellence of youth in Hudson County through meaningful relationships. Volunteers are needed for one-on-one mentoring, group programs, and fundraising events throughout the year.
Where to Donate Money
All of the organizations listed above also depend on monetary donations from community members in order to fully function. Please visit their websites or call to find out how to donate.
Additional Local Organizations to Donate Money
American Legion
The American Legion Post 107 and its charitable arm, the Veterans Center of Hoboken, is committed to supporting veterans in our community with a few of the main issues they face—homelessness, transition to civilian life, mental health, financial growth, and employment opportunities.
Covenant House NJ
CHNJ helps youth facing homelessness and human trafficking. They provide immediate shelter and care for youth ages 18-21, in addition to providing resources for gaining independence.
Hoboken Fair Housing Association
Hoboken Fair Housing Association strives to maintain Hoboken’s rent control protections through active participation in local government and highlighting any inequities it sees.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps
The Hoboken Ambulance Corps has not billed a patient since 1971, thanks to community donations.
Hope House
Hope House, an emergency shelter for homeless women with children, helps families become self-sufficient by giving them an opportunity for decision-making and for assuming responsibility for improving their situation under the supervision, support, and guidance of shelter staff.
Hudson Pride Center
The Hudson Pride Center is a home and voice for the diverse LGBTQ community and allies that advocate for physical, mental, social, and political well-being.
The Jubilee Center of Hoboken
The Jubilee Center of Hoboken provides quality after-school programming for over 100 children, grades K-12, daily.
See More: How to Support Local Fire and Rescue Squads in Essex County
The Whole Spectrum
The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes Autism acceptance, encourages community inclusion, and advocates for families seeking help with their children, especially adults who have aged out of existing schools and programs.
United Way of Hudson County
Established in 1936, United Way of Hudson County envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives.
Check out our full list of local organizations to help out.
