Supporting the community probably doesn’t get any easier than this. The Hoboken Community Center, located at 1301 Washington Street, is an important Hoboken neighbor, providing services, including the Food Pantry, to hundreds of residents. The Food Pantry provides more than food: hygiene products are available as well. During the month of April, The Hoboken Girl, along with the support of its readers, will be supporting the Hoboken Community Center (HCC) with a Clear the Wishlist initiative, focusing on replenishing the Pantry’s hygiene supplies. The wishlist is available via Amazon, meaning you can contribute supplies by barely lifting a finger. The items can be delivered directly to the Pantry, making the whole experience seamless.
Since we know HG’s readers are both incredibly generous and probably already shopping online, let’s see how well we can stock the Pantry’s shelves. Read on the learn more about the Hoboken Community Center and how to get involved.
The Food Pantry
Currently, there are more than 74,000 individuals throughout Hudson County living with food insecurity. According to the US Department of Agriculture, food insecurity happens when there is inconsistent access to enough food to live an active, healthy life. Food insecurity can range in severity and often means that a person may only have access to processed and unhealthy food choices as opposed to fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Food insecurity is closely linked to a lack of access to personal hygiene products. In 2019, the Hoboken Community Center was able to make strides toward ending food insecurity in the area by opening the Hoboken Community Center.
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The pantry provides food and hygiene products to the residents of the HCC as well as anyone in the community who may experience food insecurity. Items like laundry detergent, baby food, diapers, deodorant, soap, infant formula, and more are available regularly.
The Pantry has created an Amazon Wishlist filled with items needed by those who benefit from this service. Donations can be made by clicking on the link here to purchase designated items on the list. When choosing the shipping address, be sure to choose the “Hoboken Community Center Gift Registry” option. By choosing this option, all purchases will be delivered directly to the HCC for the Food Pantry. If an in-person drop-off is preferred, items can be purchased from the wish list and delivered to a home address.
About the HCC
(Photo credit: Hoboken Community Center)
The Community Center is one of the oldest public service agencies in the city. It was started as the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA in 1927 and remained open until funding concerns forced closure in 2010. By 2013, the facility was renovated with continued renovations on the horizon. Local leaders have plans to fully renovate the former lap pool, gymnasium, and other areas of the three-floor facility based on community needs and preferences.
How to Get Involved
The Hoboken Community Center is made possible by generous donations from community members and local businesses.
Pantry In-Person Donation Drop Off Hours:
Thursdays, 9AM-11AM at 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken (enter through the side entrance, purple doors on 13th Street between Washington + Hudson Streets)
Hoboken Community Center Pantry Donation Drop Box Locations:
Choc O Pain Downtown at 157 First Street, Hoboken
Choc O Pain Uptown Tea Building at 1500 Hudson Street, Hoboken
bwè kafe North End at 1401 Adams Street, Hoboken
bwè kafe Newport at 140 River Drive, Jersey City
Volunteers are also needed regularly to unpack and organize donations. To learn more about upcoming opportunities, download the Hoboken Charity Quest App.
The Hoboken Community Center has been a pillar of the community in various capacities for just shy of a century. Providing necessary resources to those who need them most, the HCC ensures that all residents have a happy, full life.
The Hoboken Girl has set a lofty goal to Clear the Wishlist this month. To increase awareness of the HCC, its needs, and for this community effort, be sure to tag @thehobokengirl on social media while making purchases. This is an easy and effective way to help the community, and we’re so excited to see what the HG readership can contribute.
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Taste of Hoboken
The Hoboken Community Center will also host its annual Taste of Hoboken fundraiser in June. The fundraiser is a town favorite and is back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fundraiser will be an evening of great food from Hoboken’s top restaurants and drinks from local wine and liquor shops. The event will be held on June 7th from 6:00-9:00PM near Maxwell Park with the beautiful Hoboken Waterfront as the backdrop. Tickets will be available through the Hoboken Community Center closer to the event date. All proceeds will help supply resources made available at the HCC. Get your tickets here.
