Spring is almost here, which means the weather will {hopefully} be warming up soon. There’s no better time of year to get out and help the community. March is packed with loads of worthy causes raising awareness and funds and putting on special activities that give back to the community in Hudson Country. Here are volunteering + charity events happening in Hoboken and Jersey City in March 2019.
Now-March 30th — Hoboken Girl Helps Formalwear Drive + Community Sale {Multiple Locations in Hoboken + Jersey City}
The Annual Hoboken Girl Helps Formalwear Drive + Community Sale is underway. Benefiting Suits for Success, the month-long project will be done in three parts. First, conduct a {possibly long overdue} overhaul of your closet. Set aside any gently used formalwear — think dresses, suits, formal jewelry, formal shoes — and new cosmetic products. Drop off your findings at one of our drop-off locations {full-list can be found here} and then join us at the Community Sale on March 30th at the Hoboken Mutli-Service Center {124 Grand Street} to shop. All proceeds from the clothing sale and other treats being sold will benefit Suits for Success. We will need a good portion of volunteers on the day of the Community Sale. If you are interested in volunteering, please email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com.
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-March 31st — NARS Fundraiser for Lavaman Triathalon benefitting Leukemia + Lymphoma Society {Online}
Local Hoboken resident, Ashlee Hiller, is joining her employer, NARS Cosmetics, as they take on the Lavaman Triathalon at the end of this month in Hawaii. The company has a goal for raising $200,000 for the Leukemia + Lymphoma Society with Ashlee looking to contribute $6,900 to that total, but she needs your help. Click on the link here to make a donation and be entered into a raffle for a NARS Cosmetics basket filled cosmetic goodies from the company.
Now-March 8th — Pennies for Patients Leukemia + Lymphoma Society Foundation Fundraiser {Online}
The Lake Classroom at the Salvatore R. Calabro Elementary School is participating in the Pennies for Patients Fundraiser supporting the Leukemia + Lymphoma Society. Help the 2nd-grade class reach its goal of $10,000 raised for this great organization. Donations will be accepted here through March 8th. Click here to support.
March 1st — Annual Party + Auction to Benefit Elysian Charter School {80 River Street, Hoboken}
The Friends of Elysian Charter School will host its annual party and auction to benefit the students of the school. Get ready for an evening of dancing, food, and fun at a classic Hoboken locale — Cadillac Cantina. The evening will begin at 7:00PM and will run through 10:00PM. Tickets can be purchased here and include open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction bidding opportunities.
March 1st — Rock for Rigo {616 Grand Street}
The Band of Make Believe will take the stage at Willie McBride’s to support music star, Rigo Ascencio, who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma on his tongue and has spread to lymph nodes in his neck. Known on the local music scene as a kind, compassionate guy, Rigo and his family are now faced with unexpected expenses such as diet, tests, procedures, etc. Ticket and raffle proceeds will go directly to Rigo. For more information, click here.
March 4th — Stevens Institute of Technology Amnesty International Panera Fundraiser {310 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Amnesty International at Stevens Institute of Technology strives to educate and mobilize the Stevens community on human rights violations around the world. Support the local chapter on March 4th at Panera Bread on Washington Street. Purchase a meal from 4:00PM-8:00PM and a portion of the store’s proceeds will be donated to SIT’s Amnesty. Click here for more information.
March 5th — Green Infrastructure Part 2 {83 Wayne Street, Jersey City}
Sustainable Jersey City is hosting its second monthly meeting of 2019 and will be discussing its plans to continue to improve sustainability efforts in Jersey City, including plans for The Embankment and The Bergen Arches. A reminder that this month’s meeting will be held at a new location — The Barrow Mansion — which is just around the corner from City Hall at 83 Wayne Street. The meeting will begin at 6:30PM.
March 5th — Growing in Jersey City + Crystal Letters Open Mic Night {85 Franklin Street, Jersey City}
Head over to Froth on Franklin and join Growing in Jersey City and Crystal Letters to take your talents to the stage at their open mic night. An evening of music and poetry will begin at 7:00PM. The suggested door donation is $5 and proceeds will benefit General Needs Ltd., whose mission is to provide financial and material assistance and fundraising to collect donated clothing, toiletries, and bedding for veterans. The open mic night will be run on a first come-first served basis and light refreshments will be served. For more information, click here.
March 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 starting at 6:30PM. For more information, visit CASA’s website here.
March 7th — Party with Purpose Winter Benefit {33-41 Newark Street, Hoboken}
Join Party with Purpose, a Hudson County-based 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to financially support local children’s charities, is hosting its annual Winter Benefit at Antique Loft. The evening will be filled with great food, music by The Counterfeiters, and various raffles + a silent auction to continue to raise funds for deserving charities. Tickets are $80 and include open bar and food throughout the evening. The Silent Auction will feature prizes from local vendors such as Sugarsuckle, Athleta Hoboken, and Cycle Mixx to name a select few. Z100’s Skerry Jones will be hosting a live auction as well. Click here for more information.
March 9th — Sound the Alarm, Save a Life {346 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City}
Team Rubicon — Region 2 is supporting the Red Cross in a home fire safety and smoke alarm event that will save lives. Working in teams, volunteers will install free smoke alarms in any homes on request where working smoke alarms don’t currently exist. Light refreshments will be served to volunteers. To register, click here.
March 9th— Hoboken Citizens’ Community Lobby Monthly Meeting {157 1st Street, Hoboken}
From 3:00PM-4:30PM the Hoboken Citizens’ Community Lobby will host its monthly meeting at Choc O Pain. Each month this organization commits to doing some individual monthly actions to combat climate change and working on these actions together is motivating. Attendees are asked to bring a notebook or laptop.
March 9th — Casino Royale Fundraiser {50 Regent Street, Jersey City}
The Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer is hosting a Casino Royale Fundraiser for the Jersey City Medical Center at RWJ Barnabas Health. Come test your luck while enjoying food, music, and fun for a great cause. Tickets are $150 per person and include food from Café Bello, beer, wine soda, and cocktails as well as a chance to enter raffles and play cards against poker champions. The evening will begin at 6:00PM. For more information and to purchase a ticket, click here.
March 9th — 13th Annual Casino Night and 6th Annual Poker Tournament {1005 Washington Street, Hoboken}
The United Synagogue of Hoboken is gathering together for another year of fun. Your $85 ticket includes an open bar, dinner, prizes, great gaming and your first 50/50 ticket. Doors will open at 7:00PM and games will begin at 7:30PM. For more information on tickets, click here.
March 9th—Save Our Waterfront March {Pier A—1st Street + Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}
Let your voice be heard on March 9th as residents of Hoboken march to save our waterfront. Organizers are committed to showing Governor Murphy that the waterfront is important to Hoboken just ahead of his meeting with Mayor Bhalla and NJTransit to discuss saving the waterfront from being industrialized. To learn more about how you can help and to RSVP for the march, click here.
March 10th—TRUE Mentors Chili Cook-Off & Home Brew Contest {400 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}
Join TRUE Mentors for the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Home Brew Contest. Let your taste buds decide as you sample chili and beer from local contests and see if your taste matches that of the judges as the winner is crowned while enjoying live music from Gravy Train. Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds will benefit children of Hoboken. Click here to learn more.
March 11th — Jersey City Jazz Soiree {390 4th Street, Jersey City}
ReviewJazz.com is a non-profit committed to making jazz more accessible to new audiences through events, fundraisers and the annual jazz festival. This month the organization will be hosting a benefit for the Jersey City Jazz Festival with a performance by Manouche Bag. Tickets are $85 in advance or $95 at the door and include entrance, small bites, and drinks. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
March 11th — Hoboken Housing Authority Family + Community Dinner {400 Harrison Street Hoboken}
The second Monday of each month is Family + Community Dinner night at the Hoboken Housing Authority. Come to meet and celebrate the residents of The Mile Square over a delicious meal. Head to the website to learn more about volunteer opportunities for this event as well here.
March 12th — Paint + Sip + Pet Puppies {234 York Street, Jersey City}
The MUTT MAFIA is hosting a Paint + Sip fundraiser. Head to the DT 234 Gallery to enjoy an evening of painting, wine, and puppies while supporting MUTT MAFIA’s mission of rescuing and fostering local dogs. The event will begin at 7:00PM and will end at 9:00PM. For more information, visit MUTT MAFIA’s Facebook Page here.
March 15th — Hoboken Ski Club Volunteering at The Hoboken Shelter {300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken}
Ski season may be coming to an end, but the Hoboken Ski Club is not stopping just yet. On March 15th, the club will be preparing and serving dinner at the Hoboken Shelter with drinks at a local bar to follow {bar TBD}. Click here for more information on how to RSVP.
March 16th — Layups 4 Life St. Patrick’s Day Social {310 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}
Layups 4 Life is excited to partner up with The Ainsworth for a St. Patrick’s Day Social fundraiser taking place on Saturday March 16th, 2019. The proceeds from this event will help to raise vital funds for cancer research and clinical trials. Sign up prior to the event to receive a FREE raffle ticket which will include items from local restaurants and businesses throughout Hudson County. A $10 bracelet at the door will also grant you access to food and drink specials throughout the entire event from 12pm-6pm. For more information, email layups4life@gmail.com.
March 19th—A Taste of Hoboken {1 Castle Point, Hoboken}
The Hoboken Community Center, a non-profit formerly known as the Hoboken North-Hudson YMCA, will host the 25th “A Taste of Hoboken” event on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 to support the renovation of the building’s recreation wing, including its beloved Art Deco pool. Featuring live music, wine, beer, and cuisine tastings from Hoboken’s top restaurants, the event will be hosted on the Stevens Institute of Technology campus in the Howe Center’s Bissinger Room, featuring magnificent Manhattan skyline views. This year, Hoboken chef Maricel Presilla is up for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, and both of her restaurants – Cucharamama and Zafra – will be present. Other participating restaurants include Anthony David’s, Carlo’s Bakery, La Isla, Karma Kafe, Tutta Pesca, Madison Bar and Grill, Choc O Pain, Court Street, Charitto’s, Leo’s Grandevous, and Elysian Cafe. Wine and beer will be served compliments of Giannone Wine and Liquor. Tickets are $150 and the event will begin at 7:00PM. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
March 20th — Hudson County CASA Information Session {100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken}
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 starting at 7:00PM. For more information, visit CASA’s website here.
March 21st — Pershing Field Neighborhood Association Community Night {201 Central Avenue, Jersey City}
Pershing Field Neighborhood Association, the newest community association in The Heights, committed to strengthening community bonds among neighbors residing in the area is hosting a community night. The meeting will serve as a forum for residents to share comments and concerns so that the organization may act as a liaison to local government. The meeting will begin at 7:15PM on Central Avenue. Get more information here.
March 21st—CHD Coalition Annual Annual Tricky Tray {546 River Drive, Garfield}
A great night of dinner, dancing, prizes and raffles all to raise money for the CHD Coalition. Congenital Heart Defects are the number one birth defect in the United States. The CHD Coalition is committed to providing grants to help fund much needed research to progressive hospitals across the United States. The CHD Coalition is hosting its annual Tricky Tray starting at 6:30PM on March 21st. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.
March 22nd — Young Professionals Sleep Out {330 Washington Street, Newark}
One hundred fifty young professionals will fight against youth homelessness by sleeping outside Covenant House NJ’s shelter, which aids homeless and trafficked youth. With only a box and a sleeping bag, YPs will take themselves out of their comfort zones in hopes of raising both funds and awareness. Young professionals throughout the state who are interested in participating are encouraged and welcomed to sign up. Come with your friends, family, or coworkers in a night that will not just change the lives of youth throughout the state who are between the ages of 18-21, but will leave a lasting impact on you too. You can sign up at this link.
March 23rd — A Wing + A Prayer {1005 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Enjoy Hoboken’s best wings for charity — name a better combination. St. Francis Church in Hoboken will be crowning a locale the coveted title of Best Wings in Hoboken as local participating restaurants help raise funds for the Father Michael Food Pantry. Come and take part in the fun from 6:00PM-9:00PM. Tickets can be purchased here.
March 23rd — Marist High School Tricky Tray {1241 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne}
Support Marist High School and the various programs offered to its students by attending the Marist High School Tricky Tray. Purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win kitchen appliances, event tickets, gift baskets, and more. Tickets are priced at $25 in advance or $30 at the door and tables of eight can be purchased together, in advance, for $160. Complimentary cake and coffee will be served and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. For more information, click here.
March 23rd — Paint + Punch {155 North Street, Jersey City}
The WE Project works to support hungry families in Jersey City. Support this mission while having fun at Paint + Punch — a night of painting and fun at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The event will begin at 7:00PM and will last for two hours. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, visit The WE Project’s site here.
March 28th —CycleNation NYC 2019 {285 Fulton Street, Manhattan}
This amazing fundraising cycle event will be supporting the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association. This event is much more than a fundraiser, it is a life saving movement that puts the heart and stroke disease campaign front and center. 100% of donations go directly to the ASA/AHA. The money raised will help build healthier lives through research, advocacy, education, and quality care initiatives all necessary to fight against stroke and heart disease.The minimum team fundraising goal per bike is $5,000 ($1,250 per person) or there is an individual challenge where you do the ride along and that goal is $2,000. It’s pretty much a 2-hour, team oriented, party on a bike! The fundraising is open until May 1st so donations can be made even after the event. For more information, click here.
March 28th — WomenRising Women’s History Month Celebration {270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City}
Celebrate the past, appreciate the present, and welcome the future while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages donated by women-owned businesses throughout Hudson County at WomenRising’s Women’s History Month Celebration. Tickets are $35 and the event will begin at 6:00PM. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
March 29th—Hudson County CASA 13th Annual Wine Tasting {210 Hudson Street, Jersey City}
One of Hudson County’s largest fundraisers is set for this month. Hudson County CASA, a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children, is hosting its annual Wine Tasting on Friday, March 29th from 6:00-10:00PM at the Harborside Atrium in Jersey City. The wines are selected by CORK Wine & Spirits and there will be sweets and treats to enjoy as well as a silent auction. Tickets are currently $150 until March 28th and the price will go up to $175 the day of the event. For more information on Hudson County CASA and the Wine Tasting, click here.
March 29th-31th — Beneath the Sea {355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus}
Take a stand and protect our oceans at Beneath the Sea at the Meadowlands Expo Center. Sea Shepherd NYC onshore volunteers will be on hand to update attendees on the latest campaigns, the ships, and how to become a member of the Direct Action Crew. The team will also be signing up new volunteers and selling official Sea Shepherd merchandise. Tickets can be purchased here.
Ongoing Opportunities:
St. Mathew’s Trinity Lutheran Church {798 Hudson Street, Hoboken} — Stop in to help serve lunch Monday-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 Jersey Cares 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 their site to fill out an application before the interview process to ensure that you are a good fit. The 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 morning, afternoon 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 its 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 — 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 its website 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
