Love is one of the first words that come to mind when thinking of February. And, there’s no better way to spread love than volunteering your time, service, and talent to those who need it most. Check out our list of volunteer opportunities and charity events happening around Hudson County this month. Here are volunteering and charity events and opportunities happening in Hoboken + Jersey City in February 2019:
Abigail’s Well Wishes for The Water Project {ongoing!}
Eleven-year-old Hoboken Resident, Abigail Castelo, is joining efforts with The Water Project to bring the basic necessity of water to those in need. Abigail urges family and new friends to consider a donation to her project to help women and girls in African countries who are currently walking miles to get water for their families. Click here to learn more about Abigail’s Well Wishes and The Water Project and to make a donation.
Now through February 8 — Hispanic Redwings Coat Drive {800 Clinton Avenue}
The Hispanic Redwings of Hoboken are holding a coat drive for local residents. The coat drive will run through February 8th and donations can be dropped off in the lobby of Hoboken High School.
Now through February 13th — WomenRising Galentine’s Day Cards
Celebrate your lady-friends this February 13th by surprising them with WomenRising’s Galentine’s Day cards, with artwork done by one of our past clients. Just purchase a card here, provide your gal pal’s name and current address, and WomenRising will handle the rest. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit.
February 1st — Hoboken + Jersey City Sock Drive {306 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Join the Eddie Perez Group, as it keeps Hudson County’s toes warm throughout the winter season. Keep an eye out for sock hampers at the Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Office at 306 Washington to drop off donations for men, women and children’s socks. Donations will be accepted through February 14th and will benefit Hoboken and St. Lucy’s Shelters.
February 1st — Yappy Hour at The Ale House {1034 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}
The Liberty Humane Society is hosting Yappy Hour at The Ale House. Purchase a wristband for $5 to enjoy specials and extended happy hour pricing. All proceeds will benefit the Liberty Humane Society. This event is dog-friendly, OFC.
February 2nd— I Deserve Project 3rd Annual Copa Maribel Fundraiser {221 Washington Street, Hoboken}
The I Deserve Project is hosting its annual Copa Maribel Fundraiser at The Madd Hatter in Hoboken this month. Proceeds from the $25 ticket will support cancer patients and their families who are experiencing financial hardships. Qualifying beneficiaries will receive funds to pay rent and utility bills. The event will include remarks from guest speaker Cornell Thomas of the Positivity Summit and a full buffet. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
February 2nd — Special Needs Support + Resource Fair {1005 Washington Street, Hoboken}
The Hoboken Special Needs Parent Group and Rock the 21-Down Syndrome Awareness are hosting the first resource and support fair. The free event is an opportunity to browse local service providers, vendors, and organizations to find resources needed to care for loved ones with special needs. The event will run from 2:00PM through 5:00PM.
February 2nd — Volunteer Gardening {1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
Head to Liberty State Park to help beautify Jersey City. Hosted by New Jersey State Parks, Forest and Historic Sites, this event will bring the community together to make our home even more enjoyable {but be sure to dress for the weather}. Individuals and volunteer groups are welcomed, with no experience required, and no pre-registration needed for individuals and volunteer groups. Companies and non-profit groups, as well as those seeking to volunteer outside of Saturdays should contact Head Gardener, Maria, for more information. Click here for contact information. Be sure to also inquire in advance for exact meeting location.
February 3rd — WISE Animal Rescue Superbowl Fundraiser {Online}
The WISE Animal Rescue Superbowl Grids are back. Boxes are $10 each and can be purchased using the link below. If you participated last year, you can use that same account and login you created then. If this is your first year participating, you can either create a login or continue as a guest. Numbers will be assigned to each row and column once all boxes are filled in. Winners will be announced quarterly and will receive $125 each. For more information, visit the site here.
February 5th — Green Infrastructure in Jersey City {280 Grove Street, Room 204, Jersey City}
Sustainable Jersey City is hosting its first monthly meeting of 2019 and is kicking things off with a meeting about Green Infrastructure in Jersey City. The meeting will provide updates on SJC’s Green Infrastructure Team Activities, as well as give information on how to get involved. The meeting will begin at 6:30PM. For more information, click here.
February 5th — Hudson County CASA Information Session {595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}
The first step in becoming a CASA Volunteer is attending an information session. CASA Volunteers are ordinary people who have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of foster children. CASA is looking for people with a desire to help children with one-on-one, specialized attention. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, attend the information session on February 5th starting at 6:30PM. For more information, visit CASA’s website here.
February 8th — FoHCS Benefit Gala “Light Up the Night” {225 River Street, Hoboken}
The Friends of Hoboken Charter School is set to “Light Up the Night” for its annual benefit gala. The event will take place at the W Hotel in Hoboken and will include an open bar, live DJ, light dinner, silent auction, and after party. Tickets are $150 and proceeds will benefit the organization. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
February 9th — Bags of Love Zumbathon {141 Broadway, Bayonne}
Raise your heart while giving from it at the same time. Join the Bags of Love Foundation for a day of fitness and giving back. Tickets are $20 each and all proceeds will go towards the Bags of Love Foundation, a local non-profit that provides care packages for cancer patients through local hospitals. All ticket purchases come with a bottle of water {to keep you hydrated while you dance!}. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
February 9th — WISE Animal Rescue Kissing Booth {450 Main Street, Lodi}
Pets and photos — there’s no better combination. Join Pet Photographer Margarita Romayev at Houndstown USA in Lodi, NJ for a great cause. Proceeds will benefit WISE Animal Rescue. Photos are $10 each. The event will run from 11:00AM through 2:00PM. For more info, click here.
February 11th — Hoboken Housing Authority Family + Community Dinner {221 Jackson Street, Hoboken}
The second Monday of each month is Family + Community Dinner night at the Hoboken Housing Authority from 7:30PM-9:00PM. Come to meet and celebrate residents of The Mile Square over a delicious meal. Head to its website to learn more about volunteer opportunities for this event as well. Please note the location change for this month. The dinner will be held at 221 Jackson Street.
February 13th — Hoboken Girl Helps Supports The Birthday Party Project Hudson County
Join Hoboken Girl Helps to bring a smile to the faces of children living in homeless shelters on their birthday with The Birthday Party Project. Find out how to volunteer by emailing hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com. Background check is required – so make sure to get in touch ASAP so you can get details!
February 15th—First Annual Jubilee Center Spelling Bee {601 Jackson Street, Hoboken}
The Jubilee Center of Hoboken invites you to the First Annual Jubilee Spelling Bee. Spelling bees are a fun and exciting way to help children improve spelling, increase vocabularies and develop correct English usage…with a little friendly competition mixed in. Come out and support the students as they spell their way to the top of their grade. Each grade level winner will get bragging rights, plus a $50 cash prize. $10 donation required for attendance and include access to light refreshments. Tickets can be purchased here.
February 16th — Bayonne Elk’s Sweetheart Dance {888 Avenue C, Bayonne}
Celebrate Valentine’s Day for Charity with the Bayonne Elks. Doors open at 5:30PM and the price of the ticket is $50 per person, which includes dinner catered by Buon Appetito Restaurant, beer, wine and soda beginning at 6:00PM. Live Music by “MEMORIES MUSIC,” the very best music of Yesteryear, begins at 6:30PM. Ticket sales will stop on February 6th, so be sure to purchase before then. For more information, contact the Bayonne Elks Lodge.
February 19th — HOPES/New Jersey Shares Fundraiser {239 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City}
Join HOPES and New Jersey Shares at Edwards Steakhouse in Jersey City for a night of networking while raising money for two local non-profit organizations. Special guests attending the event will be announced soon. Tickets are $75 and include drinks and appetizers. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
February 19th — February HDSID Meeting {280 Grove Street, Jersey City}
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District hosts monthly meetings that are open to the public to discuss happenings in downtown Jersey City and how the area can be improved. Become involved in the community and let your voice be heard by attending a meeting and sharing thoughts on improvements being made to the area. The meeting will begin at 10:00AM. For more information, visit the website here.
February 21st — Hope Gala Bingo {77 Hudson Street, Hoboken}
Hope Gala Bingo at The Pig & Parrot, hosted by Sir William, is being held on Thursday, February 21st at 8:00PM, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research. The first bingo card is free and all additional cards are $5. Buy as many cards as you like, each winning card gets raffle tickets for prizes throughout the evening, culminating in a grand prize at the end of the night! Prizes include gift baskets ranging in value from $40-$450 from top brands like Estee Lauder, Michael Kors, SheaMoisture and more. For more information the The Hope Gala, click here.
February 21st—Meet & Green Potent Cannabis Networking {700 1st Street, Hoboken}
Meet & Green by NJ Nectar is a cannabis industry networking organization affiliated with NJ Nectar, one of the 2018 applicants for a vertically integrated medical cannabis license in New Jersey. This networking opportunity allows attendees to converse with like-minded individuals to learn more about the cannabis industry. Tickets are limited and are currently being sold for $13 through February 19th. If tickets are still available, the price will increase to $19 after the 19th. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ACLU-NJ, who has been a champion for expungement and equal opportunity for all New Jersey residents in the cannabis industry. The event will take place at Northern Soul and will begin at 6:30PM. To purchase tickets, click here.
February 23rd — Knights of Columbus: Comedy Knight Returns {1219 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus}
Head to Immaculate Conception R.C. Church for a night of laughs with the Knights of Columbus from 6:30PM-9:30PM. Tickets are $30 and include a roast beef dinner, beverages, and dessert. Contact a local Knight for ticket sales or visit the church for more information.
February 23rd — Spin for Jubilee {720 Monroe Street, C301, Hoboken}
Fundraising efforts are gearing up for The Jubilee Center, an after-school and summer program that provides academic, recreational, and nutritional support for children of Hoboken’s Public Housing Community. Join The Jubilee Center at CycleBar to spin for a cause. All of the proceeds will go directly to The Jubilee Center. Book a bike with a $35, $45, or $55 donation. Riders will be given raffle tickets — one raffle ticket with your $35 donation, two raffles with a $45 donation, and three raffles with a $55 donation. For each additional $5 donation, riders will receive an extra raffle ticket. After the spin class, raffle prizes will be announced. Stay after the excitement for some refreshments and appetizers sponsored by Hoboken’s local restaurants and wine shops. For more information and to register, click here.
February 23rd —The Inaugural Kyle Palmieri Foundation Military Ball {540 Mill Street, Belleville}
Join The Kyle Palmieri Foundation for its first Military Ball on Saturday, Februrary 23rd. Starting at 7:00PM for VIPs and 8:00PM for general admission, this ball will raise funds to support the mission of the foundation which is to give back to the patriots who put their lives on the line to fight for the freedom of Americans. General admission tickets can be purchased for $200 and VIP for $300. Both tickets include entrance to the event, full buffet and a 5 hour open bar. VIP tickets also include an early, one-hour cocktail bar and an opportunity to mix and mingle with NJ Devils players. Tickets can be purchased here.
February 27th — Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation Fast Track to Success Fundraiser {99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City}
Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation is hosting the Fast Track to Success at the RPM Raceway in Jersey City. HCSTF empowers local schools through financial support and community involvement. Tickets for the event are $75 and include beer, wine, and food. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Ongoing Opportunities:
St. Mathew’s Trinity Lutheran Church — Stop in to help serve lunch Monday through Thursday 8:00AM–12:00PM.
TRUEMentors—Join Jersey Cares in Mentoring + Enrichment in Hoboken every Tuesday from 6:00PM-8:00pm. Volunteers are asked to spend time with, mentor, and manage children ages 7-17 on a weekly basis.
Hunger Helpers in Hoboken—Join JerseyCare at the Hoboken Shelter every Thursday to serve dinner. Volunteers are asked to dress casually and come excited to serve and engage in conversation with dinner guests. All volunteers must bring one of the following items for donation: garbage bags, coffee, hot/cold cups, paper/plastic plates, toilet paper, napkins, utensils (especially forks) and/or laundry detergent. Volunteers are needed from 11:00AM-3:00PM daily.
Big Brothers Big Sisters—If you have an interest in fostering an on-going relationship with a local student, Big Brothers Big Sisters has the perfect opportunity. To start, head to the website to fill out an application before the interview process to ensure that you are a good fit. Time commitment is at least one year.
America Needs You—Apply to be a 2019 America Needs You (ANY) Mentor Coach today. ANY Mentors are dynamic leaders in their respective fields willing to help first-generation college students through their higher education and early careers. As a Mentor Coach, you attend Saturday Workshops and form a long-term, one-on-one mentoring relationship with a first-generation college student, while becoming part of a vibrant network of industry-diverse professionals. Click here to fill out an application.
Liberty Humane Society {235 Jersey City Boulevard}—Join the exemplary staff at Liberty Humane Society as an LHS Ambassador. Ambassadors are asked to assist in ensuring the shelter facility is organized, clean, and welcoming as this is imperative for placing animals in forever homes. Volunteers are needed mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Click here to start the application process.
Deliverance Children’s Ministry {3 Armstrong Avenue, Jersey City}—Deliverance Children’s Ministry is looking for volunteers in various capacities including Activities Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, Carpenter/Painter, Maintenance/Housekeeping Assistance, Community Beautification Coordinator, and more. DCM was founded out of the desire to develop Leadership and Activism in children and youth. For more information click here.
Better Tomorrows {471 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City}—ESL tutors are needed at Better Tomorrow. Better Tomorrow is asking for mostly Spanish-speaking individuals who are looking to improve their English skills to use published curriculum materials to match students’ reading, speaking and writing skills. Visit the website for more information and a volunteer application.
Young Cosmetologist Program {70 Pamrapo Avenue, Jersey City}—The Young Cosmetologist Program is free and open to all students who have an interest in cosmetology as a career option. Volunteers are needed on Friday evenings from 4:00PM-6:00PM to facilitate tutor sessions and help with homework.
Jewish Institute for Global Awareness {80 Grand Street, Jersey City}—The JIFGA is looking for a volunteer to enhance the organization’s visibility and its ability to get the mission out to the general public. The position involves writing, editing, marketing, and public relations efforts. Material to be produced may include press releases and other marketing collateral. For more information, visit the website.
Family Promise of Hudson County {324 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City}—Family Promise of Hudson County provides temporary homes for Hudson County families experiencing homelessness. Day volunteers are needed from 7:00AM-6:00PM and evening volunteers are needed from 6:00PM-6:00AM. Day tasks include assisting in the office and managing the needs of the families, while evening tasks include spending time with the families, cooking or bringing dinner, and even sleeping over. Background checks for volunteers are provided by Family Promise. Visit the website for more information.
Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery {435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}—Volunteers are needed at the Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery to assist with grounds beautification. Tasks include pulling weeds, assisting with the ANGELS Garden, and caring for the goats on the grounds. Visit the site for more information.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp {707 Clinton Street, Hoboken}—As the only all volunteer ambulance corp in Hudson County, the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp truly values support from the community. Get involved with this great organization that helps to save lives daily. Check out their site here for more opportunities to volunteer as an EMT or in the administrative office or to donate monetarily.
Have a volunteer opportunity you’d like shared? Want to get involved? Email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com. xo
