The old saying goes “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, it looks like the warm weather is here to stay for good — and that means more outdoor community service opportunities and ways to advance the community. This month, gather for events such as gardening or clearing out your closet to donate shoes to small business owners in developing countries. Read on for a full list of volunteering opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City this month.
May 2019 — Women’s Prison Association Emerging Philanthropist Junior Board
The Emerging Philanthropists aka EPs are an incredible group of young professionals who dedicate their time and talents to help WPA raise critical funds and awareness. Each EP commits to donating/fundraising at least $500 over the course of one year using a combination of recurring {“set it and forget it”} gifts, attending and bringing friends to ticketed events, peer to peer fundraisers, employer matching gifts, and other special events such as the NYC marathon. Visit the site here for more information.
May 1st —HOPES Shoe Drive Fundraiser {301 Garden Street, Hoboken}
Starting May 1st and running through June 30th, join HOPES to collect gently worn shoes to benefit small businesses in developing nations. There will be designated receptacles in the entrance of every HOPES location for easy drop-off. Please note, single shoes and shoes with holes or damaged soles will not be accepted. For a full list of all HOPES locations, please visit the site here. Contact Kenneth O’Neill at 201-823-0700 ext. 2048 or via email at koneill@bankwithbcb.com, who can pick up donations from anyone in Hoboken, as well.
May 2nd —HoLa Hoboken Public Dual Language Charter School {82 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
HoLa Hoboken Public Dual Language Charter School is a public charter school in Hoboken which teaches children K-8 a traditional curriculum in a Spanish immersive manner. The school is a model school for the state of New Jersey for its bilingual educational methods and its top statewide scores {#2 in Hudson County}. More information can be found here.
May 2nd-May9th —Annual Sabor de Hola Fundraiser {84 Aubrey Drive, Jersey City}
HoLa Hoboken Dual Language Charter School is hosting its flagship fundraiser to equip its teachers and students with technology and developmental resources. The evening will include an auction, DJ, food, and an open bar. The event begins at 8:00PM and tickets can be purchased here.
May 3rd —Hearts + Minds: Saint Peter’s Scholarship Celebration {47 Glenwood Avenue, Jersey City}
The St. Peter’s University Alumni invite you to join them in “unmasking their students’ potential and support their dreams” with a night of “dining, dancing, and disguise.” Cocktail attire is requested while participation in the masquerade is optional. For more information and tickets visit St. Peter’s University website.
May 4th — Car Wash Fundraiser for TECCS Middle School {95 Broadway Street, Jersey City}
Get a clean car for a cause. The Ethical Community Charter School students and teachers are excited to wash cars to raise funds for their annual overnight and extended day field trips. Guests can get their car washed starting at 10:00AM for $7 per car.
May 4th —Volunteer Gardening {1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
Come out to Liberty State Park for a day of beautification. Whether you would like to come solo or bring a group, join in on a day of planting and gardening to build the community. Time slots for Saturday from 9:00AM-12:00PM are available. If you are a part of a large group or want to request times outside of Saturday, contact Maria via email at Rosemarie.Cuillerier@dep.nj.gov.
May 4th —Hoboken Spring Fling Community Clean Up Day {94 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Hoboken is known for its great sense of community. If there was a day to prove that as true, this is it. The Spring Fling will offer Hoboken residents, businesses, and community groups the opportunity to work together on a “hands-on” high-visibility service project from 10:00AM-2:00PM. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, follow here.
May 4th — All Saints Episcopal Day School Empty Bowls {798 Hudson Street, Hoboken}
Come together with the community for a morning of cereal and live entertainment to raise funds and awareness on hunger relief. All proceeds from the morning will benefit the work of the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry. All tickets for this event will be sold at the door. $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, please call Nicole Ciccariello at 201-792-0736.
May 5th — Neurofibromatosis Northeast Families and Community Gathering {1 11th Street, Hoboken}
Join NF Families for an afternoon of mingling and meeting at Maxwell Place Park. This is an opportunity to meet other families in the tri-state area affected by neurofibromatosis and to learn how NF Northeast can be a resource. To add to the fun, 16 Handles will be offering 10% off to any families joining the gathering. The fun will start at 3:00PM. To RSVP, please email apatterson@nfnortheast.org.
May 5th — Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure {1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
The Susan G. Komen Foundation is hosting a celebration of survivors and a day to remember those we have lost via a 5K race and fun walk. The course begins at 8:00AM. Register today here.
May 7th — HoBOOKen 5K Committee Recruitment Happy Hour {935 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}
Halloween may seem like a far way away, but when planning one of the largest races in the city, planning must start early. For those who enjoy work behind the scenes, a group of dedicated volunteers is needed. The HoBOOken 5K race and Scary Scurry Kids Run benefits the Hoboken Shelter. The meeting will start at 7:00PM. All are welcome for drinks and apps.
May 7th–Hudson County CASA {595 Newark Ave. Rm #901 Jersey City}
The County Court Appointed Special Advocates is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children. CASA is looking for volunteers to make an impact on the lives of these children. Come to their monthly information session to learn more about what being a volunteer entails. For more information follow here.
May 9th–Party with Purpose Happy Hour {120 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}
Come party with a purpose–literally. This Hudson County based non-profit org is gathering at Wicked Wolf for a night of fun and fundraising. $10 cover at the door allows access to $4 draft beers and $5 well drinks. Wrist bands can be purchased at the door.
May 9th — The Ethical Community Charter School Family School Association Happy Hour Fundraiser {163 Newark Street, Jersey City}
TECCS invited guests to join in video and arcade games for a good cause. Tickets are $30 and allow for four drink tickets and extended happy hour pricing. Drinks and games start at 6:00PM. For more information, click here.
May 9th — Open the Arches Fundraiser {54 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City}
Join the Journal Square Community Association for a night of jazz, spoken-word, and more to raise money for a new park in Jersey City. The association is looking to convert the mile-long stretch of the unused railway into an area that will rival the NY Skyline. For tickets, visit the site here.
May 10th — Books, Seeds, and Earth Day {257 Montgomery Street, Jersey City}
Celebrate Earth Day at Van Vorst Park by re-painting and decorating the Nature Spirit Liberty. This event is free and open to all. The fun will begin at 5:30PM and is hosted by the Antinanco Earth Arts School and Kidbilt.
May 10th — AngelaCARES Food Pantry Grand Opening {439 Martin Luther King Drive Jersey City}
AngelaCARES is committed to strengthening communities by “enhancing the quality of life through empowering seniors, caregivers, and youth.” Join them as they open their very own food pantry. The event is free and open to all. The afternoon will run from 1:00PM-5:00PM.
May 11th–21st Annual HOHA Classic 5 mile Run {100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}
The Mother of all races is back. The Hoboken Harriers Running Club is hosting its annual 5 mile run that spans along the Hudson waterfront to benefit the Jubilee Center this Mother’s Day Weekend. Registration is now open here. Use code HOBOKENGIRL for $5 off full registration price.
May 11th — 6th Annual Memorial 5K Run and Family Walk {1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}
Calling all runners. The American Cancer Fund is raising money through this day of running, food trucks, artisans, and family activities. For special instructions and registration visit the site here.
May 15th–Hudson County CASA Volunteer Information Session {100 Bloomfield St, Hoboken}
Join CASA at Little City Books to learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children. Click here to learn more about the organization and their work.
May 16th — The Scandinavian School of Jersey City Spring Gala and Fundraiser {502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City}
The SSJC is ready for its annual Spring Gala to benefit their programming. Gather for a night of food and fun, as well as a live and silent auction. The night will begin at 7:00PM and close out by 11:00PM. Tickets can be found here.
May 17th — Support MST’s Youth Programs During #HudsonGives Day of Giving {1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken}
It is no surprise that access to the arts helps our children excel and the Mile Square Theatre is working to increase that access for more children in Hudson County. Their spring fundraising will close out with a 24-hour day of giving to benefit tuition programs. Join them and help them hit their goal of $20,000 by clicking here.
May 18th — In the Trenches: A Hale + Hardy Cocktail Party and Fundraise {107 308 2nd Street, Hoboken}
In the United States, almost 40,000 veterans are homeless, and another 1.4 million are at risk of having no place of their own to rest their head. In our backyard, there are over two-dozen veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Join the American Legion for a night of cocktails and fundraising to help combat homelessness in our area. The event runs from 6:30PM-9:0oPM. To learn more, click here.
May 18th — Jersey City Fashion Forward 2019 {210 Hudson Street, Jersey City}
A popular event is now partnering with local non-profits for a good cause. Jersey City Fashion Forward is bringing awareness to Mental Health Awareness Month by partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and celebrating hair and fashion. Tickets start at $25 and doors open at 3:00PM. Tickets can be purchased here.
May 19th–New Uptown Hoboken Historic Walking Tour {606 Garden Street, Hoboken}
After the success of the first tour, the Hoboken Historical Museum is offering additional viewings. Learn about the architecture of Uptown Hoboken’s public buildings, churches and residential streets with Hoboken Museum director Bob Foster. Visit the site for tickets and more information.
May 19th — Handstand for Hunger {210 Hudson Street, Jersey City}
Yoga teachers and the community are united to combat hunger amongst people and pets nationwide. From 9:00AM-12:00PM, enjoy all flows and levels of yoga for a great cause. Tickets can be purchased here for $10.
May 25th — Leonard Gordon Park Conservancy Breakfast Fundraiser for Heights Live Summer 2019 {701 Rt. 440 South, Jersey City}
Help the Leonard Gordon Park Conservancy’s mission to revitalize Leonard Gordon Park with breakfast at Applebee’s. The $10 breakfast ticket includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a drink. For more information and ticket sales please visit the site here.
May 28th — Hudson County Democratic Organization 59th Annual Spring Gala {210 Hudson Street, Jersey City}
Chairwoman Amy DeGise of the Hudson County Democratic Organization invites members of the community to the annual gala with special guest Phil Murphy. The elegant evening begins at 7:00PM and tickets can be found here.
May 30th—American Liver Foundation + Liver Life Walk Fundraiser {1313 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}
Nicole Shipitofsky is the team captain of “Bruce’s Roost” and, in honor of her father (team name is the name of his former Bar) who passed away from liver failure, she will be participating in the Liver Life Walk on June 9th in Verona, NJ. To raise funds for the team, Nicole and friends will be hosting a happy hour at The Shepherd and the Knucklehead from 7:00-10:00PM. Enjoy drink specials and learn more about the cause. All proceeds will go to the American Liver Foundation.
Now-June 8th — D10 Decathlon {533 W218th Street, New York City}
Whether an athlete or volunteer, getting involved with D10 is a life changing experience. The decathlon, held at Columbia University’s Wein Stadium, benefits pediatric cancer treatment provided by Memorial Sloan Kettering. If participating as an athlete, events will include 400m run, football throw, pull ups and more. Volunteers are also needed to help throughout the day. Sign up here to learn more about volunteering and to sign up. Hoboken Resident, Shelly Mady, will be participating in the race. To support her team specifically, 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 seven-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 site 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 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 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 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
