Thanksgiving is followed by the biggest shopping days of the year with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. While all these days are going to look a little different this year, one that doesn’t have to is Giving Tuesday — especially in Hoboken and Jersey City, where so many non-profits have been created to give back to the community. Dating back to its official start in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a way to support organizations small and large who are making a difference in our communities.
Hudson County has always been home to associations that open opportunities, provide resources, share support, and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds. With so many changes in 2020, a few new organizations in the community have been birthed and are already making waves. To help you get your Giving Tuesday 2020 in Hudson County started, we’ve rounded up a list of local nonprofits to give back to this Giving Tuesday while keeping it local.
Art House Productions
Art house has a day of fun virtual events planned including games, watching Gallery Director Andrea McKenna work her decorative painting magic on a dresser that will then be raffled off, learning about the past, present, and future of Art House, and will end in singing performances. Art House has hosted a number of events since the COVID outbreak including virtual DRAG bingo, JC Pride, JC Comedy Fest, JC Fridays that highlight local artists, art classes, watch parties, hosted blood drives, and so much more. Art house will be moving into a brand new multi-arts space at 180 Morgan Street before the end of 2021 and could use your help to make it something that works for everyone in the community. Donate to their cause here.
Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County
For over 125 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County has helped to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youth. They support in areas of overall well-being, physical health, education, and more to ensure that children in our county succeed in various aspects of life. Since the start of the novel coronavirus, facilities here have been closed. However, various virtual resources are currently in place for students. Donate to their cause here.
Diva for a Day
Founded by two New Jersey women nearly a decade ago, Diva for Day does exactly what it states — makes someone feel like a diva for a day. Through their program, women living with cancer are selected monthly to enjoy a full day of pampering at a participating salon/spa. Since the start of the pandemic, Diva for a Day has shifted their model to provide women living with cancer beautiful Diva for a Day at Home boxes filled with self-care treats. Donate to their cause here.
Dress for Success Hudson County
Over 17% of Hudson County residents live in poverty and this organization is looking to break that cycle. Dress for Success is a global initiative to help women specifically gain the employment they deserve while helping them dress for literal success. Donate to their cause here.
Educational Arts Team
About 1 in 3 students living in low-income households struggle with literacy and communication. This organization is on a mission to change these statistics. Their programs advance these skills in order to build a better future for children in the area. All programs under this organization are still in session while following strict CDC guidelines and regulations for safety. Donations to their cause here.
Front Line Appreciation Group {FLAG}
The early weeks of the pandemic were some of the scariest in recent history. For those brave enough to face the pandemic head-on and work on the front lines, support was needed. From those needs, a new organization, FLAG was born. As we still live through this time, food, finances, and other daily resources are needed. FLAG has come together to show its appreciation of those working hard to protect us as well as those in need.
Read More: Alzheimer’s Resources + Non-Profits to Support for National Alzheimer’s Disease Month
Good Counsel
While this non-profit is nationally known, its roots started right here in Hoboken. Good Counsel is one of the only housing options for expecting and new mothers as well as their children. Various items and monetary donations are happily accepted. During COVID, Good Counsel has been able to support hundreds of families with the most recent support given to a group of new moms to keep their babies warm this winter with new coats. Donations to their cause here.
Hoboken Dog Association
If Hoboken’s population is made up of anything — it’s dog owners. Founded in 2000, the Hoboken Dog Association is devoted to this community and works to improve conditions for dog walkers in the city. Donate to their cause here.
Hoboken Family Alliance
Known as one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Hoboken, this 100% volunteer-led organization has supported thousands over the last decade. HFA’s work is mainly with families in the community who are looking for civic, social, and educational opportunities. This year, they were able to move their Annual All Schools Open House virtually to be sure families are still connected to educational resources and schools in the area. Donate to their cause here.
Hoboken Historical Museum
Founded back in 1986, this iconic locale hosts artifacts from our area in themed exhibits. The Hoboken Historical Museum offers several educational lectures and tours for all ages to enjoy. By donating or volunteering, you can have the rare opportunity of being a part of Hoboken’s history. During the second phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, the museum is open under CDC guidelines. For those looking to visit, be sure to check their site for openings. For those looking to donate, learn more here.
Hoboken Public Education Foundation
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation {HPEF} is a local non-profit dedicated to supporting the city’s public schools. While the 2019-2020 school year looked a lot different than years past, HPEF was still able to meet its fundraising goals which have ensured Hoboken students are equipped with the resources they need. For the 2020-2021 school year, the same is needed. Donate to their cause here.
The Hoboken Shelter
Ending homelessness one person at a time is what this local shelter aims to do. The Hoboken Shelter has been in operation for decades and will not stop until our area is free of homelessness. Even through the pandemic, the Shelter has been able to safely house 50 persons a night and provide over 1,000 showers per week. Various items are needed and appreciated. Donate to their cause here.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps
“We Believe in Making a Difference” is the tagline of this corporation and that is exactly what its volunteers do. As the primary emergency medical services organization in the city of Hoboken, the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ ambulance services are 100% free to the Hoboken community. The corps is looking to purchase a new ambulance and other life-saving devices, so donations are greatly needed this year, as always. Donate to their cause here.
HOPES Community Action Partnership
A member of the Community Action Partnership National Association, HOPES aims to serve the economically disadvantaged in the city of Hoboken. Not only is support offered, but ways to grow as self-sufficient individuals are taught. There are several different ways to give back to this organization. Donate to their cause here.
Hudson County American Red Cross
Donating blood is needed more now than ever, especially as COVID-19 wages on. While the Red Cross covers so many different areas and provides resources for so many always, blood donation is a critical need right now. Over 90% of those working for the Red Cross do so as volunteers and need support to keep their mission moving forward. Donate to their cause here.
Hudson County CASA
The Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates works towards the best interest of children dealing with tough circumstances. This mission is to find a safe and loving home for all children in foster care. Donate to their cause here.
Hudson SPEAKS
Hudson SPEAKS is dedicated to helping women and men overcome sexual trauma and violence. The org has a 24-hour hotline and offers counseling and holistic services to help victims. Donate to their cause here.
Jubilee Center of Hoboken
This center works with children and families to ensure they have access to the best tools to overcome any boundaries facing them. Some of their afterschool services and other meetings have moved virtually, but resources are still needed for those in the community. Donate to their cause here.
Liberty Humane Society
Animals are in need this season, too. The Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City has a mission to find loving and compatible homes for thousands of animals each here. All visits to the society are by appointment only for the time being and services are a bit limited. Like other organizations, the need is still great. Donate to their cause here.
See More: Latinx Nonprofits to Support in Northern New Jersey
Manes and Tails Organization
Hundreds of horses are slaughtered each year, and this organization has a mission to reverse this. For over 35 years, the Manes and Tales Organization have rescued and rehabilitated the more commonly slaughtered breeds of horses and continues to do so. Donate to their cause here.
Mile Square Theatre
Perhaps one of the largest shifts from the pandemic is how theatre is consumed. Luckily for our community, The Mile Square Theatre is shifting right with it. To accommodate those who are looking for some entertainment during this year, MST is hosting a radio play and will continue to do so as we live out this pandemic. Various ways to give back to ensure art like this stay alive, consider ‘buying a seat’ or donate to their cause here.
TRUE Mentors
The mission of this organization is found right in the meaning of its name: True Relations Unearth Excellence. TRUE Mentors matches children age seven to 17 with adult mentors in their community to unlock their full potential. In-person events are still taking place with CDC guidelines followed. Their most current work includes anti-racism training for all volunteers. Donate to their cause here.
Party with Purpose
Founded on the concept of creating fun events to benefit the local community, this group lives out exactly what its name states. With a mission to benefit children’s charities, Party with Purpose is raising funds to help other children’s charities in Hudson County and NJ at large. Donate to their cause here.
See Spot Rescued
This non-profit sees the dogs it rescues as more of its clients and not just lost animals. The entire volunteer staff at See Spot Rescued coordinates the rescue, care, transportation, and placement of canines to their future best friends. Donate to their cause here.
Waves of Education
Education is a key to success, but for some access to quality education is an obstacle. For that reason, a group of friends gathered together during this pandemic to create Waves of Education. This group was born out of Waves of Health that started back in 2018 during a medical mission trip to Uganda. During that time, Waves of Education was able to send 16 children to school with a goal of building a primary school by 2022. Donate to their cause here.
Wise Animal Rescue
This locally-run rescue organization helps connect its animal rescues and fosters to forever homes. Fun fact: Our EIC adopted her second pup from Wise! Donate to their cause here.
WomenRising
WomenRising is an organization dedicated to helping women and their families achieve self-sufficiency. The non-profit offers economic development, social services, housing, and more. Even though COVID, resources, and support have been provided to women in need. It has been such a critical time for those in need and the number of those in need has been rising. Take this into consideration when giving. Donate to their cause here.
York Street Project
The York Street Project offers shelter for people in need, especially women and children. This weaves innovative programs that provide an environment to shelter, feed, educate, and promote the healing process for families. York Street is always in need of donations of coats and supplies as well as monetary donations. Donate to their cause here.
These are just a few of the worthy organizations that need support all year long. What better day to give than Giving Tuesday? But truly, any day is a great day to give. If you know of any other organizations that should be added to this list and are local to Hoboken + Jersey City, please email hello@hobokengirl.com.
