While the act of giving never goes out of style, this time of year always sets the scene to give some extra love to the community. With upcoming holidays and events galore, it’s important to take a moment to hone in on the needs of those around us. That’s why we’ve created a growing list of volunteer opportunities and toy drives in Hoboken in Jersey City. Read on to learn about holiday volunteering opportunities and toy drives in Hoboken + Jersey City for 2024.
This is a growing list. If you know of more volunteer opportunities or toy drives in Hoboken + Jersey City, please email [email protected].
Volunteering + Donations
Urban Souls x Hoboken Shelter | 100 Hudson Street 4th Floor, Hoboken
November 17th
Urban Souls, one of Hoboken’s best yoga and meditation studios (as voted by our 2021 readers) is spreading the love with the November Give Back event to benefit the Hoboken Shelter. The shelter will take place on Sunday, November 17th from 7PM-9PM and includes a fun pizza party for participants. Urban Souls told their Instagram followers to “Just bring your enthusiasm and a small donation to make a meaningful impact. Every $5 donation sponsors one bagged lunch.” To learn more click here.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Hoboken’s Annual Turkey Trot | Pier A, Hoboken
November 23rd
The Hoboken Turkey Trot is an annual tradition for many families in Hoboken. This 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run helps to raise money for local charities, so it’s a good way to get in some exercise and give back. The race will be held on Saturday, November 23rd. The 1-mile fun run starts at 9AM with the 5K following at 10AM. Tickets for the 5K start at $45 and $20 for the 1-miler. Sponsorship opportunities are available and race volunteers are needed. To register and learn more, click here.
Boys + Girls Club Thanksgiving Dinner | 123 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
November 26th
Join the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County’s Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 26th. Local non-profit, Party with Purpose, will join forces with the Boys + Girls Club to provide volunteers for the annual event. Volunteers are needed to help distribute dinner and dessert to the students. The event will begin at 4PM at 123 Jefferson Street in Hoboken. To learn more and to sign up to volunteer, email [email protected] or click here.
Monique’s Techniques + The Mo’ Hair Foundation’s 27th Anniversary Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner | 124 Storms Avenue, Jersey City
November 28th
Monique’s Techniques, an upscale full-service beauty salon in Jersey City will host its 27th Anniversary Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner. All who are in need of a hot meal are welcome to attend and volunteers are welcome. To register click here.
Hoboken Community Center | 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken
December 3rd
The Hoboken Community Center is hosting several volunteer and donation-based opportunities through November and December. Every Thursday, the HCC has drop-off hours from 9AM-11AM at 1301 Washington Street. Donations needed can be found here. Every other Friday (starting Friday, November 8th), the HCC has its bi-weekly food distribution. On Tuesday, November 17th, the HCC will also be coordinating Personal Care item distribution. Lastly, HCC will be hosting a Giving Tuesday event on December 3rd to help raise a $35,000 goal for the Personal Care Pantry to provide essentials like diapers, toilet paper, menstrual and hygiene products, and even pet food. Volunteers are needed to help organize donations and distribute items to those in need. To learn more about times, locations, and volunteer opportunities, click here.
Women Rising Inc. | 270 Fairmount Avenue Jersey City
December 3rd
Women Rising Inc., a Jersey City-based non-profit that provides supportive counseling, crisis intervention, workforce development, job placement, permanent supportive housing, and shelter for survivors of domestic violence is celebrating Giving Tuesday this year. On December 3rd, Women Rising is calling locals to help them reach their $100,000 goal to fuel the vital programs the team provides to women and families in Hudson County. To donate or get involved click here.
21st Annual Auction to Help End Hunger + Homelessness | 92 River Street, Hoboken
December 13th
The Hoboken Shelter is hosting its 21st Annual Auction to Help End Hunger + Homelessness on December 13th at Birch on 92 River Street. This event will include a live auction, virtual auction, and cocktail party starting at 7PM. All proceeds from ticket sales and the auctions will benefit The Hoboken Shelter, a facility for those living without an address. The Shelter provides hot meals, showers, and shelter to thousands of guests throughout the year. Tickets are $50 and sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, click here.
Hope House Jersey City Thanksgiving Meal | 246 2nd Street, Jersey City
Hope House Jersey City is an emergency shelter for women and children. The shelter houses up to 20 people and provides three meals each day. Thanksgiving Day is no different. To make this meal special, Hope House needs donations and volunteers. To learn more about getting involved, call 201-420-1070.
Triangle Park Community Center | 247 Old Bergen Road, Jersey City
Triangle Park Community Center in the heart of Greenville is creating vital give-back opportunities this fall and winter. The Triangle Park Community Center Food Pantry is sharing dates for donations and distributions all November long. The community hub is also hosting a Coat Giveaway on November 14th from 11AM-1PM where clothes, coats, shoes, hats, and other winter accessories will be available to those in need. To get involved click here.
13th Annual Thanksgiving Feed 1,000 Senior Citizens | 3044 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
AngelaCARES Inc. will host its 13th Annual Thanksgiving Feed 1,000 Senior Citizens Event. Volunteers can call 201-706-2884 to register and receive specific volunteer info. Sign-ups will be open Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM until November 20th. Meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 27th between 3PM-7PM. To learn more about AngelaCARES Inc., click here.
Earth Keepers | Multiple Locations in Jersey City
If getting your hands dirty is your favorite way to volunteer, consider joining Earth Keepers, a group of volunteers working to revitalize beloved areas in Jersey City such as the historic Harsimus Cemetery and Liberty State Park. The group meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the rest of 2024. Click here to register.
Toy Drives
Hoboken Elks Lodge | 1005 Washington Street
Ongoing until December 17th
Hoboken Elks Lodge is hosting its first-ever used toy drive to help locals declutter and give back to families in need. The toys must be plastic, wood, or diecast, with all required parts/pieces included and attached. Note that Hoboken Elks Lodge is not collecting plush toys or any other baby items. Drop-off is open through December 17th at its Washington Street location, which is open Wednesday – Saturday from 12PM – 9PM.
Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange | 409 14th Street, Hoboken
December 14th
For its 10th year, Hoboken Grace is looking for volunteers and donors to be a part of this year’s Christmas Exchange. This event is meant to make sure every child up to 17 years old has a gift for the holiday season. Donors have the chance to receive a wishlist from a child and wrap up the gifts personally. The event will take place on December 14th and more information regarding drop-off times can be found here.
Jersey City’s 28th Annual Toy Drive | 280 Grove Street, Jersey City
December 14th
Open to Jersey City residents, the city is bringing its annual toy drive back. Proof of residency is provided when registering. Families must fill out information for their children before the drive takes place on December 14th. Children must be present on the day of the event to be able to receive the toy. The toy drive will be held from 10AM to 12PM. Online registration will be open as soon as November 13th. Click here to learn more.
4th annual Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive | Multiple Locations
Ends December 14th
The Hoboken Police Department, in partnership with the City of Hoboken, the Office of Constituent Services, and Familyhood, is hosting its 4th annual Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive to benefit local children and teens in need. All items donated will be dispersed at the annual Hoboken Housing Authority Winter Wonderland Party on Saturday, December 14th.
Those who are interested in donating can drop off newly purchased unwrapped toys, games, books, and other kid-friendly items at the following locations:
Hoboken Police Headquarters | 106 Hudson Street
December 12th | Open all day + night
Hoboken City Hall | 94 Washington Street
By December 12th | 9AM – 4PM
Hudson County Tree Lighting | Columbus Park
December 6th | Ends 6PM
Hoboken Tree Lighting | 11th Street + Washington Street
December 11th | Ends 5PM
HPD All-Day Outdoor Collection Drive | 106 Hudson Street
December 12th | 10AM – 8PM
See More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
York Street Project | 89 York Street, Jersey City
York Street Project is an organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty. This year, the team at York Street Project has created an Amazon Wishlist filled with items needed for both women and children this year. From essentials like clothing and bedding to toys, books, and more, locals can click here to donate and learn how to get involved.