There’s a lot going on in Hudson County, in New Jersey, and in the United States right now — but in times like these, communities like ours here in Hoboken + Jersey City find ways to pitch in and help out. Giving to those who are in need can make a big difference in someone’s life, helping them in a big way. If you are able, check out the list below for some ideas on how to give, written with suggestions from our readers:
The Hoboken Shelter (300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken)
The Hoboken Shelter aims to provide meals and shelter to the homeless. The charity offers a roof for 50 people nightly, serves 500 meals daily, and hosts over 1,000 showers weekly. They also provide resources like workshops and emergency homelessness prevention grants and offer long-term housing solutions. It costs only $2 to serve a meal to someone in need, and The Hoboken Shelter is looking for food, supplies and toiletries (which can be found on their website) to help with their mission. They accept donations from 9:00AM-9:00PM daily at their space or welcome donations from their Amazon wishlist. You can also volunteer your time by helping with the nightly soup kitchen, helping with a workshop or preparing and wrapping sandwiches.
Read More: North Jersey Food Banks + Other Ways to Volunteer This Thanksgiving
The Hoboken Community Center Food Pantry (1301 Washington Street, Hoboken)
If you want to donate food supplies to help people put food on their tables, the Hoboken Community Center has a food pantry where you can drop off items to donate and they host a food drive to help collect donations. They also have an Amazon wish list to help you select which items to give, complete with non-perishable items like canned beef stew and cereals. There are also hygiene products, cleaning products, and snacks, all of which go directly to helping the vulnerable part of the community that is “food insecure,” and the 96 single men that they help with affordable housing. To volunteer, sign up for shifts through the Charity Quest app. The maximum number of volunteers per shift is not 13. It depends on the assignment, but it’s never more than six.
AngelaCARES, Inc. (439 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City)
There are a variety of ways to get involved with AngelaCARES, from volunteering your time for short-term, project-based or long-term events, helping with anything from grant writing to data entry, and chaperoning. They also offer monthly diaper distribution to young children and the elderly, as well as a weekly clothing distribution and summer programs. Check the website for upcoming events, galas, and other ways to give.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Charities to Donate to Year-Round
In Jesus’ Name (400 Willow Street, Hoboken)
Located in the basement of Our Lady Grace Church, In Jesus’ Name is a local charity, founded in 1981, that gives goods to the less fortunate. They are in need of food, baby products, and other goods — a complete list is found on their website. Become an anonymous angel or drop off extra goods by making an appointment, or mail a monetary donation directly to the charity. If you’d like to give your time, sign up through the volunteer bank and help with services that directly benefit those in need. Volunteers are contacted on a rolling basis as the need arises.
