Adding a volunteer opportunity to your schedule is a great way to give back to the Hudson County community, especially as the holiday season gets closer. Whether helping with hunger needs, access to personal care products, lending sports or educational talents, or being an advocate for a fellow community member, making a difference locally can help the community progress. We’ve rounded up ways to give back this season. Read on to learn more about how to volunteer in Hoboken and Jersey City this fall + winter.
Annual Hoboken Turkey Trot | Pier A, Hoboken
November 18th
The Hoboken Turkey Trot is an annual tradition for many families in Hoboken. This 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run helps to raise money for local charities, so it’s a good way to get in some exercise and give back. The race will be held on Saturday, November 18th. The 1-mile fun run starts at 9AM with the 5K following at 10AM. Tickets for the 5K start at $35 and $12 for the 1 miler. Sponsorship opportunities are available and race volunteers are needed. To register and learn more, click here.
TRUE Mentors Namaste + Rose | 100 Hudson Street, Hoboken
November 19th
TRUE Mentors are partnering with Urban Souls Yoga to host Namaste and Rose. The event will run from 6PM-9PM on Sunday, November 19th. Participants are invited to take a yoga class and indulge in wine and refreshments while learning more about getting involved with TRUE Mentors. The class is $20.00 with all proceeds benefiting TRUE Mentors. To learn more and to reserve a spot, click here.
Read More: Donation Locations For Everything in Hoboken + Jersey City
Boys + Girls Club Thanksgiving Dinner | 123 Jefferson Street, Hoboken
November 20th
Join the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County’s Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 20th. Local non-profit, Party with Purpose, will be joining forces with the Boys + Girls Club to provide volunteers for the annual event. Volunteers are needed to help distribute dinner and dessert to the students. The event will begin at 4PM at 123 Jefferson Street in Hoboken. To learn more and to sign up to volunteer, email info@partywithpurpose.com.
12th Annual AngelaCARES Thanksgiving Feed 1,000 Seniors | 3044 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
November 22nd
Join AngelaCARES on November 22nd at the Golden Door Charter School for its 12th Annual Thanksgiving Feed 1,000 Senior Citizens food drive. The event is an all-day drive running from 11:30AM through 7PM. Volunteers are needed to help organize, package, and deliver food to seniors in the Jersey City community. Volunteers must register through the link here. To register a senior to receive a meal, call AngelaCARES at 201-706-2884.
A Night on the Hudson with UCMP | 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken
November 29th
Join the United Children’s Music Project as they celebrate eleven years with a cocktail party fundraiser. The event will be hosted on November 29th at Chart House in Weehawken starting at 7PM. UCMP has been transforming the students of Hudson County through music for over a decade and, through generous donors and supporters, the organization will be able to support hundreds more. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available and range from $125.00 to $1,000. To learn more and to buy a ticket, click here.
20th Annual Auction to Help End Hunger + Homelessness | 92 River Street, Hoboken
December 13th
The Hoboken Shelter is hosting its 20th Annual Auction to Help End Hunger + Homelessness on December 13th at Birch. This event will include a live auction, virtual auction, and cocktail party starting at 7PM. All proceeds from ticket sales and the auctions will benefit The Hoboken Shelter, which is a facility for those living without an address. The Shelter provides hot meals, showers, and shelter to thousands of guests throughout the year. Tickets are $40.00 and sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, click here.
Holiday Toy Drives
Remember To Love Toy Drive | 7th Street + Willow Avenue, Hoboken
Ongoing until December 20th
Joey No Nuts Cafe is hosting its annual Remember To Love Toy Drive. It will be benefitting the York Street Project. This drive is looking for new and unwrapped toys and games. Residents can drop off the items at 7th Street and Willow Avenue on Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4PM and weekends from 8AM to 1PM.
Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive | Multiple Hoboken Locations
November 28th – December 13th
The Hoboken Police Department will be hosting the third annual Sargeant Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive for this holiday season. The department’s annual toy drive was renamed for Sargeant Zanin three years ago, after “Peachy” as he was known, suddenly passed away in 2020. The drive kicked off on November 28th and residents have started to donate toys for children and teens. There will be multiple locations throughout Hoboken for residents to drop off toys. These locations are the Hoboken Police Department, City Hall, Hoboken Fire Department, and others.
Jersey City’s 27th Annual Toy Drive | 280 Grove Street, Jersey City
December 8th | 5PM – 8PM
Open to Jersey City residents, the city is bringing its annual toy drive back. A proof of residency is provided when registering. Families must fill out information for their children before the drive takes place on December 8th. Children must be present on the day of the event to be able to receive the toy. The toy drive will be held from 5PM to 8PM.
Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange | 409 14th Street, Hoboken
December 9th | 9:30AM
For its ninth year, Hoboken Grace is looking for volunteers and donors to be apart of this year’s Christmas exchange. This event is meant to make sure every child up to 18 years old has a gift for the holiday season. It can be by either giving them a toy or other kinds of gifts. Donors have the chance to receive a wishlist from a child and wrap up the gifts personally.
Hoboken Community Center’s Holiday Market | 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken
December 9th | 10AM – 12PM
From now until December 4th, HCC is accepting new and unwrapped toys to give away at its event. Besides toys, the center is also looking for electronics, games, books, puzzles, accessories, and other items for the whole family. Donors can mail these items personally to HCC’s address 1301 Washington Street or drop them off. The locations to drop off are at both Choc O Pain’s Hoboken locations and bwé kafe’s Uptown and Newport locations. After collecting all donations, the event will take place on December 9th for Hoboken residents.
TZCA Annual Holiday Party + Toy Drive | 1072 West Side Avenue, Jersey City
December 13th | 7PM – 9PM
The Tom Zuppa Civic Association is hosting a toy drive at Salumeria Ercolano in Jersey City. There is no direct toy donation information that has been released. However, the event promises to be a night to support a cause and give back to the children in the Jersey City community. Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased here to attend.
Ongoing Opportunities
Lunchtime Ministry | 57 8th Street, Hoboken
St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Church created a Lunchtime Ministry program for the Hoboken community. Its mission is to give residents the chance to enjoy warm meals. There is a chance to connect with other residents in this space as well. Volunteers are welcome to join and help out in this program. Lunchtime Ministry’s opening hours are from 8AM to 12PM on Mondays to Thursdays.
SoulPhamm Advisory Board | Virtual Opportunity
SoulPhamm, a new non-profit in the Jersey City area, is looking for a new member to join its inaugural Junior Board. The organization has a mission of making a positive difference in the lives of young people by providing unique artistic and athletic experiences and performances and assisting them in achieving the highest standards of professionalism through the development of discipline, skill, confidence, cooperation, leadership, responsibility, and character. Meetings are held once a month on a Monday from 6PM-7PM. Learn more about this opportunity 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. Computers 4 People, started by Hoboken teenager Dylan Zajac, is dedicated to collecting and refurbishing technology to distribute to individuals and groups in need. 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.
Dress for Success Hudson County | 591 Summit Avenue, Jersey City
Give confidence: This is the motto Dress for Success lives by. Dress for Success is a non-profit organization providing solutions to break the cycle of poverty for women. One of many ways the organization fulfills its mission is by making new and gently used professional attire available by collecting these items from generous donors. Items needed include professional suits and dresses, blouses, work-appropriate footwear, new/unused undergarments, jewelry, and handbags (briefcases, portfolios, etc.). Please keep in mind that many of the women benefitting from the donations often head straight to a job interview, so clothing must be dry-cleaned and ready to wear immediately. Clothes should not be more than five years old. To learn more about how to make a clothing or monetary donation, click here.
Hoboken Community Center Personal Care Items + Food Distribution | 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken
The Hoboken Community Center is hosting weekly food and personal care item distribution throughout Hoboken. Every Thursday, the HCC is open from 9:00AM-1:00PM for donation drop-offs at 1301 Washington Street. Donations needed can be found here. Every other Friday (starting Friday, November 3rd), the HCC has its bi-weekly food distribution. On the weeks in-between on Tuesdays, the HCC has its bi-weekly Personal Care item distribution. Volunteers are needed to help organize donations and distribute items to those in need. To learn more about times, locations, and volunteer opportunities, click here.
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 at a time in order to comply with CDC guidelines, and anyone ages 13 and up can help. Volunteers are asked to sign up before coming here. Learn more 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 welcome 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 has opportunities to host volunteers in person from 11AM-2PM and 6PM-7PM. Please call before arriving as The Shelter can only host one to two in-person volunteers at a time due to social distancing guidelines. Learn more here.
Hope House Jersey City Thanksgiving Meal | 246 2nd Street, Jersey City
Hope House Jersey City is an emergency shelter for women and children. The shelter houses up to 20 people and provides three meals each day. Thanksgiving Day is no different. To make this meal special, Hope House needs donations and volunteers. To learn more about getting involved, call 201-420-1070.
Hyacinth Foundation Thanksgiving Drive | Virtual
The HBB Group Realty of Hudson County is hosting its 15th Annual Thanksgiving Drive and Raffle. Participants are asked to donate any amount. Each donation provides an entry to the HBB Group raffle. Donations of all sizes are welcome, but $50.00 will provide a family with a full Thanksgiving dinner. Prizes include a $200 restaurant gift card and a 1-month unlimited Rumble membership. Donations will be accepted through November 16th. To learn more and to make a donation, click 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
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 cleanup 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.
LGBTQ+ and Family
Amazing Truth Society | 411 Monroe Street, Hoboken
For low-income communities, Amazing Truth Society is a karate studio located in the public housing community room. The program is intended to create an activity and structured environment for elementary-aged kids, as well as assist them with their homework while their parents are working.
Hudson Pride Center | 176 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Hudson Pride Center creates safe spaces to celebrate and enjoy life for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The Center advocates for the physical, mental, and social well-being of all people. Volunteers are needed to support these efforts alongside full-time staff members. Opportunities include office assistant volunteers, a tutor specialist, a special event support facilities manager, and Pride Festival volunteers. To learn more about Hudson Pride Center and what each volunteer opportunity entails, click here.
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. While there are many different opportunities, the opportunity named “most urgent” in the North Jersey area is a Volunteer Driver. Drivers are needed to safely transport lifesaving blood from local blood drives to hospitals. Volunteers are asked to commit to two to four shifts per month with each shift being about four hours. All volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, at least three years of a clean driving record, and should be able to lift at least 45 lbs. Learn more here.
Children + Education
Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County | 225 Morris Boulevard, Jersey City
Be a part of more than 100 years of history by volunteering with the Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County. This organization has been a staple in the community for decades thanks to the help of committed volunteers and impacts the lives of more than 1,500 students annually. Throughout the year, there are various opportunities to get involved as a one-time volunteer or to make a commitment to an ongoing effort. Volunteers are needed to support after-school programs and to serve as tutors, mentors, and coaches. Volunteers must fill out an application to be considered. Volunteers should be ready to provide emotional support, counsel, friendship, and positive reinforcement to the students. To learn more about the Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County, click here.
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.
Educational Arts Team | 300 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
Educational Arts Team believes in using the power of art to empower children to see the world in a positive light, improve self-esteem, and promote academic success. The Educational Arts Team organizes various events throughout the year to empower local children. Volunteers are needed for various tasks including administrative tasks in the office. To learn more about how to become a volunteer and what’s needed currently, click 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, and 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, Hoboken
Hoboken Historical Museum is periodically in need of volunteers. To check if a need comes up and slots are available, check the signup 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 the donations of generous supporters. Learn more here.
HOPES Community Action Partnership Inc. | 301 Garden Street, Hoboken
Established in 1964, HOPES Community Action Partnership Inc. is a non-profit agency responding to the various needs of all people throughout the community. HOPES provides numerous opportunities for children, adults, and seniors to ensure success and overcome barriers that may cause poverty. Volunteers are needed in all capacities for all age groups and opportunities to support vary according to the current need. To learn more about the organization and how to get involved, click here.
Symposia Bookstore | 510 Washington Street, Hoboken
Symposia Bookstore 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 and 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.
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 years 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
Wise Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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, fostering animals, and transportation. To submit a volunteer application, click here. Learn more here.
See More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
Liberty Humane Society | 235 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Liberty Humane Society is a homeless animal shelter servicing Hoboken, Jersey City, and Bayonne. The mission is to foster a community of compassion and respect and provide animals in need with a chance at a lifelong, loving home. Currently, in-person volunteer opportunities at the shelter are suspended, but check out the shelter’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. Foster opportunities, however, are available. Fosters are most often needed for large dogs and cats. To apply to become a foster, click here.
See Spot Rescued | Jersey City
See Spot Rescued is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue based in Jersey City, NJ, and Austin, TX whose mission is to provide loving forever homes to dogs everywhere. The organization is 100% volunteer-run and is always looking for more people to join the team. Volunteers are needed to transport dogs throughout the tri-state area, support rescue events, organize fundraising efforts, make calls, and foster. No time commitment is too large or too small. To learn more about See Spot Rescued and to consider becoming a foster, click here.
