Giving back to the community is always a great feeling and can make a significant impact on those who are in need. Throughout our neighborhoods, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Read on for a list of volunteer opportunities in Hoboken, Jersey City, and outer Hudson County.
May 1-31: StacheStrong #BrewStacheStrong Fight Against Brain Cancer {Nationwide}
StacheStrong is a non-profit organization founded by Hoboken resident Colin Gerner, after his brother’s battle with brain cancer. In honor of Brain Cancer Awareness Month, StacheStrong has partnered with 200 breweries around the country to raise money for research and clinical trials, including five New Jersey breweries. Learn more here.
May 13: Hudson Gives 2021 {Hudson County}
Hudson Gives is a 24-hour fundraising challenge with a mission to ensure that no non-profit is left behind. The day will be celebrated through opportunities to give to non-profits across Hudson County as well as a ‘Zoomathon’ that will incorporate prizes and games for great causes. Learn more here.
Food + Supply Donations
Computers 4 People {51 Newark Street, Hoboken}
As digital products continue to take over, what is known as the “digital divide” gets wider. The digital divide is a term used to describe the lack of access to technology such as computers, tablets, smartphones, etc due to decreased access to resources needed to obtain these products. One local organization has a mission to close this gap throughout Hudson County. Computers 4 People, started by teenager Dylan Zajac, is dedicated to collecting and refurbishing technology to distribute to individuals and groups in need. To date, the organization has helped hundreds of students gain better access to technology allowing for an easier time completing homework, learning about technology, accessing digital programs to support learning, and more. Computers 4 People will accept items such as old desktop computers, laptops, hard drives, tablets, keyboards, monitors, and more. The organization also accepts monetary donations. Additionally, if volunteers have experience in refurbishing computers or can store items, help in those areas is needed. Learn more here.
Read More: A List of Eco-Friendly Businesses in North Jersey
Hoboken Food Pantry {1301 Washington Street, Hoboken}
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 coming here.
Hoboken Shelter {301 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken}
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. Learn more here.
Westside Community Fridge {Delaware Avenue, Jersey City}
The Westside Community Fridge in Jersey City provides fresh food to anyone in need 24/7. Volunteers are needed to donate food and monetary resources. Items such as fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt, milk, non-perishables, and more are needed to support the community. Learn more here.
Recycling & Sustainability
Clean Green Jersey City {Jersey City}
{Photo credit: @cleangreenjersey}
Clean Green Jersey City’s goal is to help clean our local neighborhood. Cleanups occur Saturdays from 10AM-1PM at various locations in Jersey City and also in Hoboken. Volunteers can receive service hours and COVID-19 precautions are taken! To sign up for one of the cleanups, press here.
Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse {Uptown Waterfront, Hoboken}
The Hoboken Waterfront is home to some of the most breathtaking views of NYC as well as a playground for countless activities. The Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse wants residents to enjoy what the Hudson River has to offer while taking care of the space as well. HCCB encourages residents to pick up trash in the area as they see it, but will also start to host community pick-up times as weather permits. Volunteers are needed to support the clean-up efforts and can be trained to lead volunteer trips. Learn more here.
Round 2 Resources {Hoboken}
Round 2 Resources allows items throughout our community to have a second chance and avoid landfills. The non-profit organization has made a commitment to protect the environment by gathering useful resources throughout the community and re-distributing these items to those who have a need for them. Its mission is not tied to just one cause—as the tagline suggests, “we are not fighting to champion one cause, we are fighting for the world.” To make a donation or volunteer, contact leadership at round2resources@gmail.com.
Medical Assistance
Community Emergency Response Team {715 Summit Avenue, Jersey City}
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. Learn here.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps {707 Clinton Street, Hoboken}
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. Learn more here.
Hudson County American Red Cross {257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City}
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 two – four shifts per month with each shift being about four 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. Learn more here.
Children + Education
Community Lifestyle {311 Harrison Street, Hoboken}
Community Lifestyle understands the importance of getting children and teens involved in after-school and weekend activities to provide opportunities to socialize, learn and grow in a positive environment. The organization’s values of stability, empathy, diversity, and connectedness can be seen through the programming provided throughout the year. Currently, the organization has opportunities for volunteers to get involved in numerous capacities. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for programs like T.A.L.E which provides teens with an insight into the business world as well as for the new Flag Football Program. Learn more here.
Hoboken Family Alliance {Hoboken}
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, check out the website and fill out the volunteer form.
Hoboken Historical Museum {1301 Hudson Street, Hoobken}
The Hoboken Historical Museum was able to open during Phase two 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. Learn more here.
Hoboken Public Library Foundation {Hoboken}
The Hoboken Public Library provides necessary, educational resources to the community and allows for access to these resources. Many elements of the library rely on the support of community members. The Library is currently accepting donations through both the Friends Organization and Foundation. Learn more here.
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates {442 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City}
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 donations of generous supporters. Learn more here.
Symposia Bookstore {510 Washington Street, Hoboken}
Symposia Bookstore {510 Washington Street} is the only non-profit store dealing with used books in Hoboken. The store has been in existence since 2001 and is run by the husband and wife team, Carmen + Corneliu Rusu. Symposia is run on donations from the community. Local residents are encouraged to donate used books to Symposia, donate monetarily, and volunteer in-person. Learn more here.
See More: Resources for the Homeless in Hudson + Essex Counties
True Mentors {Hoboken/Virtual}
True Mentors is Hoboken’s only one-to-one mentor program. The program matches children ages 7-17 with trained mentors. Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors and can sign up to be trained. Volunteers must be 18 or older and must make at least a one-year commitment to their mentee for a minimum of eight hours per month. Learn more here.
Write on Sports {Jersey City}
Started in 2005 by a former sportswriter, Write on Sports is a non-profit organization whose mission is to fill in writing curriculum gaps by giving students the opportunity to learn through sports. Thousands of children, each year, fall behind in writing skills due to a lack of understanding, lack of resources, or simply a lack of interest in the writing topics in a traditional curriculum. Write on Sports allows students to improve literacy skills through a topic that interests many middle schoolers—sports. The organization has expanded over the past 16 years and now has a chapter in Jersey City. The Jersey City Chapter needs a Volunteer Assistant, Partnership Coordinator, and Social Media Intern. Learn more here.
Animals
Wise Animal Rescue {North Jersey}
Wise Animal Rescue is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the well-being of all dog breeds. The rescue facility works with veterinary services to rescue and provide services/resources to dogs of all ages and breeds who have previously been in unsafe environments. Volunteer opportunities are available with Wise Animal Rescue in various capacities. Individuals are needed to help with adoption events, administrative tasks, fundraising, social media, and transportation. To submit a volunteer application, click here. Learn more here.
