While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way volunteering occurs, it has not changed the needs in the community. In fact, the pandemic has caused an uptick in the need for support throughout Hudson County. With millions facing job loss, loss of family members and loved ones it’s imperative that those who can show support. We have rounded up ways to give back around town.
RMA New Jersey Food Drive—Now through January 31 {Throughout New Jersey}
Fertility Specialists, RMA NJ, is hosting its Annual Food Drive. Now through January 31st all ten New Jersey locations are accepting donations of non-perishable food items. Some of the most needed items for the drive are canned goods like vegetables and soups as well as boxed items such as rice and pasta. As a thank you for donations, each family can make a reservation for a free family photoshoot to be done at a later date in Basking Ridge. A list of all New Jersey locations can be found here. Closest locations to Hoboken include Englewood {25 Rockwood Place—Englewood} and West Orange {475 Prospect Avenue—West Orange}.
Community Emergency Response Team {715 Summit Avenue—Jersey City}—Ongoing Opportunity
Because a disaster can strike at any time, the Community Emergency Response Team in Jersey City wants to be sure that all members of the community are safe and well taken care of. This volunteer-based organization is always in need of support from residents. Volunteers are given hands-on and virtual training on basic first-aid, fire extinguishing, rescue techniques, and more before becoming a member of the team. To learn more about the responsibilities and how to get involved, click here.
Hoboken Family Alliance—Ongoing Opportunity
One of the oldest non-profits in Hoboken, the Hoboken Family Alliance is a resource for children and families in the Mile Square. HFA typically puts on various events and provides opportunities for children to learn and play in a safe environment while providing families with various needs necessary resources. HFA has several opportunities for volunteering through its committees and sub-committees such as marketing, special needs, fundraising, and more. To find what may be of interest, click here.
Hoboken Food Pantry {1301 Washington Street}—Ongoing Opportunity
Nearly 25% of the Hoboken Community relies on the help of the Hoboken Food Pantry, which is a part of the Hoboken Community Center. Its pantry is only stocked and distributed through the support of the community. The Food Pantry needs non-perishable food and personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, instant oatmeal, shelf-stable milk, deodorant, shampoo, canned pasta, cereal, and peanut butter—to name a few. To schedule a donation drop-off, bring items to the lobby of 1301 Washington Street. Contactless donations can be made through The Food Pantry’s Amazon Wish List. Items ordered on The Wish List will be sent directly to The Food Pantry. Additionally, The Food Pantry can now host in-person volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help pack, label, and distribute bags of food. Each session can host up to 13 volunteers in order to comply with CDC guidelines and anyone ages 13 and up can help. Volunteers are asked to sign up before going. To learn more about The Food Pantry, click here.
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Hoboken Historical Museum {1301 Hudson Street}—Ongoing Opportunity
The Hoboken Historical Museum was able to open during Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Reopening Plan. With the ability to accept a limited number of guests and to participate safely in city-wide events, the Hoboken Historical Museum is periodically in need of volunteers. To check if a need comes up and slots are available, check the sign-up form here. Volunteers are usually needed to set up information pamphlets, welcome registered guests, organize literature, etc. To learn more about the needs of the Hoboken Historical Museum, click here.
Hoboken Shelter {301 Bloomfield Street}—Ongoing Opportunities
The Hoboken Shelter hosts 50 guests nightly and serves more than 1,000 meals throughout the week. As a full-service community partner, the Hoboken Shelter is a necessary resource within the neighborhood. The Shelter is always in need of donations and support to help keep its doors open and welcoming to its guests. To support, take a look at the list of 19 ways to support The Shelter during COVID-19 here. This list is inclusive of tasks like donating some of the most needed items like toiletries, coffee, sugar, milk, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and paper products. The Shelter does have opportunities to host volunteers in-person from 11:00AM-2:00PM and 6:00-7:00PM. Please call before arriving as The Shelter can only host 1-2 in-person volunteers at a time due to social distancing guidelines. For more information, visit The Hoboken Shelter click here.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps {707 Clinton Street}—Ongoing Opportunity
Getting to and from a healthcare facility in the event of an emergency is not something people think of until the time comes. Thankfully, one non-profit in Hoboken has this covered—but only with the help of volunteers. The Hoboken Ambulance Corps is a 100% volunteer-based, free resource for the community. To keep the organization running, they need volunteers in many capacities. Head to the website to learn more about how to volunteer as an EMT, Driver, or Observer or how to get involved as a part of the Office Team helping to organize necessary paperwork and fundraising efforts. For more information, click here.
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Hudson County American Red Cross {257 Cornelison Avenue—Jersey City}—Ongoing Opportunity
The American Red Cross has been ready to respond in times of disaster for decades—and the COVID-19 crisis is no different. More than ever, the American Red Cross is in need of volunteers to help us all get through this time together. While they have tons of different opportunities, the opportunity they are naming “most urgent” in the North Jersey area is as a Volunteer Driver. Drivers are needed to safely transport lifesaving blood from local blood drives to hospitals. Volunteers are asked to commit to 2-4 shifts per month with each shift being about 4 hours. All volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, at least 3 years of a clean driving record, and should be able to lift at least 45lbs. To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates {442 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City}—Ongoing Opportunity
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates {CASA} is consistently in need of volunteers. Once involved, CASA volunteers help to advocate for children in the foster care system by communicating to a judge on behalf of the child’s best interest after evaluating the child’s living environment. To become a volunteer, you must fill out a Volunteer Inquiry Form here. Once that’s completed, you will receive instructions on how to complete a 30-hour mandatory training course. Please keep in mind that this commitment must be upheld for a minimum of one year. Hudson County CASA is run by the donations of generous supporters. If a monetary donation is a way you can help, click here.
