The weather is breaking, temps are slowly but surely getting warmer, and spring is on the horizon. With warmer weather comes more time to spend outside + more volunteer opportunities within our community. We have rounded up all events in the area that are in need of support and your time this month {and even one of our own}. Keep reading for all the volunteering opportunities happening in March in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Now through March 28th — Hoboken Girl Helps Formalwear Drive and Community Sale Donations
HobokenGirl Helps is gearing up for its annual community sale benefitting Hudson County’s Dress for Success non-profit organization. Donations of formalwear {think prom gowns, bridesmaids dresses, cocktail attire, jewelry, accessories, business wear, etc.+ new cosmetics} are accepted at various locations in Hoboken and Jersey City including JaneDo, Boutique Realty, Westside Realty, Athleta, Hudson Family Chiro + PT, and Downtown Med Spa {JC} during all business hours. Shop the sale on Saturday, March 28th.
Tickets on Sale Now —Party with Purpose Winter Benefit {33 Newark Street, Hoboken}
Hudson County-based non-profit Party with Purpose is set to host its annual Winter Benefit. Head over to Antique Loft for a night of food, drinks, dancing, live and silent gift auctions, and more on March 5th. The night will benefit local organizations that provide various resources for children in the area. Tickets are on sale now on the site. Use promo code HG for a discount.
Every Saturday in March — Volunteer Gardening {1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
The Friends of Liberty State Park gather every Saturday to beautify the community park. Individuals and volunteer groups are very welcomed, with no experience required. 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 here Rosemarie.Cuillerier@dep.nj.gov.
March 1st — Blood Drive at the Knights of Columbus{122 Adams Street, Hoboken}
The local Knights of Columbus have teamed up with the Red Cross for a blood drive. Follow this link to sign up for a time slot.
March 3rd — Hudson County CASA Volunteer Information Session {568 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City}
CASA volunteers have the opportunity to directly impact foster children in the Hudson County area. CASA aids children with medical care, academics, and enrichment activities right in our own backyard. They are in need of volunteers and are ready to share information with those interested. The meeting will begin at 6:30PM. For more information on CASA, visit here.
March 6th — MFL Casino Royale {50 Regent Street, Jersey City}
The Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention is hosting a fundraiser to continue the fight towards a cure. From 6:30PM-11:30PM, enjoy a night of gambling, drinks, floating buffet, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $150 per person with $100 back in chips. To purchase tickets or learn more, email MFLCasino2020.givesmart.com.
March 6th —The Equality Soiree {145 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}
Garden State Equality has announced its first annual Equality Soiree to celebrate how the Jersey City community is moving equality forward. Tickets are $150 and include an open bar with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Winter Festive attire is recommended. Click here to purchase tickets.
March 7th — Prayer Walk: Remembering the Victims of the Fires {67 Park Avenue, Hoboken}
All Saints Episcopal Parish and The Mile Square Cathedral are remembering the fires of 1978-1983. Join in the walk to visit and pay respects to the areas of the fires as well as the hope and renewal that grew from those tragedies
March 8th — Chabad Young Professionals Volunteer Opportunity {273 16th Street, Jersey City}
Join Chabad Young Professionals on Sunday, March 8th for a day of bringing joy to the community. The first opportunity will begin at 10:30AM. Volunteers will make care packages for local seniors while enjoying brunch and mimosas. The second opportunity will be distribute these packages beginning at 12:30PM. This event will take place at the SOHO Lofts. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
March 12th— Make A Difference Happy Hour Kick-Off Event {205 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Join Community Lifestyle, a Hudson County-based organization supporting resources and services for youth and teens, for their kickoff event. This gathering will showcase the work this organization is doing in the community. Tickets to attend are free and include a complimentary drink ticket. Follow this link to RSVP.
March 15th— Hoboken “Swap Market” {1200 Park Avenue, Hoboken}
Hoboken’s first swap market is here. Celebrate Life Studio is opening up its event to the community for free. Guests can drop off portable children’s items {think books, games, clothes, etc.} and swap them for other items — again, for free. The goal of the Swap Market is to keep good items out of our landfills and prevent the waste associated with making/shipping new things within our community, all while helping each other out. Items accepted include children’s clothing, toys, games, books, puzzles, unused food, and personal items. Please limit drop-offs to two bags per person.
March 19th – Girl Scout Cookie Sale & Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fundraiser {50 Regent Street, Jersey City}
The lobby of 50 Regent Street will be supporting the local Girl Scout Troop and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Not only are both organizations seeking donations, but volunteers as well. It is encouraged that children, parents, and all members of the community volunteer time for this worthy cause. For those interested in volunteering, email RSVP@libertyharbor.com.
March 19th — ResearcHERS Campaign Launch Party {132 West 32nd Street New York, NY}
The ResearcHERS of NYC are rallying female leaders across various industries to raise awareness and funds for women-led cancer research. This event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the campaign, meet + greet with local ACS-funded female researchers, and sign up for the 2020 campaign. To RSVP, email Shannon Roming at Shannon.romig@cancer.org.
March 20th – 14th Annual Wine Tasting {502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City}
Hudson County CASA is hosting its annual wine tasting eats = sweets event. CASA supports children in need of shelter and basic resources within Hudson County. The event kicks off at 6:00PM and the fun will run through 10:00PM. Tickets are on sale now here.
March 21st — Pink Tie Casino Night {499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City}
Join the Susan G. Komen Foundation of North Jersey for a night of cocktails, food, and prizes all while raising money for education and research to beat cancer. Tickets are on sale now for $250 and include $100 in casino cash, open bar, and hors d’oeuvres. Purchase tickets here.
March 21st — Rock the 21 World Down Syndrome Day Blue & Gold Gala {479 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City}
Join Rock the 21, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, for the 2020 Blue & Gold Gala. The event will being at 7:00PM at The Westin Hotel in Jersey City on World Down Syndrome Day. Tickets include an open bar, chef stations, silent auction, raffle baskets and dancing. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
March 22nd — Carolina Cano Memorial 5K {West Side Avenue, Jersey City}
The friends of Lincoln Park are joining to run in memory of Carolina Cano. Cano was kidnapped, assaulted, and murdered in this very park just a year ago while on a run. Friends will gather to finish her run for her in her memory while raising awareness for violence and violation. Register for the race here.
March 28th — Lincoln Park West Shoreline Clean-Up {200 Lincoln Highway, Jersey City}
Lincoln Park has teamed up with Hudson County Improvement Authority Hudson County Sierra Club along with Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. for a ShoreLine Clean Up at Lincoln Park West. {sponsored by Hudson County Board of Freeholders}. All clean-up materials are provided as well as lunch. For those interested in attending, please meet by the iron bridge that goes to the Nature Walk Trail, located next to the parking lot by the dog park.
March 28th — HobokenGirl Helps Formalwear Community Sale {124 Grand Street, Hoboken}
HobokenGirl Helps is set for its annual community sale. Thanks to all the generous donors who are making this event a possibility. The sale is open to the community from 11:00AM-3:00PM. All items sold are $5 and below. Professional stylists will be on-site day of the event. Shop the sale with all proceeds benefiting Hudson County’s Dress for Success chapter. Learn more about this event here.
March 30th — Glam + Go Makeup Class and Empowerment Workshop {22 Hudson Place, Hoboken}
Lean In New Jersey has joined with Salon Gatto and Glamami for Women’s History Month. The event will include a makeup class, product education, cupcakes, cocktails, swag bags, raffles, glam shots, and a chance to network with other like-minded women. App proceeds from ticket sales will benefit a local women’s shelter. Follow this link to purchase tickets.
On-Going Opportunities:
Lunchtime Ministry at St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Church {798 Hudson Street, Hoboken} — Lunchtime Ministry {LTM} was started in the 1970s by the people of St. Matthew Trinity to provide a warm meal, hospitality, and community for our neighbors who are homeless, marginally housed, or just hungry. They are in need of volunteers to cook and serve every Monday-Thursday from 8:00AM-12:00PM. Get more information here.
Donate to The SMT Center {798 Hudson Street, Hoboken} — St. Matthew Trinity is proud to be renovating their building on 8th and Washington, now called The SMT Center, which will serve as a center for hope, healing, and wholeness in the heart of Hoboken. For more information on the project or how to donate, click here.
TRUE Mentors — 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 seven to 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 their website 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 in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Additionally, every Wednesday, the Liberty Humane Society offers low-cost wellness clinics for pets. Times between 4:00PM-6:00PM can be secured online. Walk-in pets are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
Hockey in New Jersey {807 Summit Avenue, Jersey City} — Hockey in New Jersey provides inner-city children the opportunity to learn and play ice hockey, completely free of cost. New Jersey Hockey is specifically looking for on and off ice volunteers in Jersey City. On-ice coaches will help assist with practices and coach teams in games. Volunteers are needed at Pershing Field Ice Rink in the Heights, with 350 Jersey City boys and girls. The season runs to the end of October — March. To sign up or for more information, visit the site here.
Jewish Institute for Global Awareness {80 Grand Street, Jersey City} — The JIFGA is looking for volunteers 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 — 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 website 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.
2020 Formalwear Community Sale — Save the date for our annual 2020 Formalwear Community Sale, as it is happening on Saturday, March 28th. As we do each year, we’ll be collecting short dresses, long gowns, men’s tuxedos {must be a full set}, and more for our community sale. Get more information here.
Have a volunteer opportunity you’d like shared? Want to get involved? Email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com!
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