Fall is upon us and as the weather changes, so do the needs of the community. We’ve rounded up ways to give back around town. Read on to find out how you can support various causes in Hudson County.
October 3rd + October 10th —Block Clean-Up Jersey City | Multiple Locations, Jersey City
Help keep the area clean by supporting the local block cleanup. Join Sustainable JC for this effort. All supplies for the cleanup will be provided by Sustainable JC and the effort will begin at 10:00AM. The clean-p on October 3rd will take place at Boyd-McGuinness Park and the October 10th cleanup will take place at Broadway/Marion. To sign up and for more information, click here.
October 21st — Women Rising 2021 Celebration of Service | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
The Women Rising Celebration of Service is back in person this year and will continue to honor some of the most impactful and influential people in the community. Women Rising is an organization whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of women and children. Proceeds from the Gala will support this continued effort by providing resources for assistance, education, supplies, and more. The Gala will be held at Liberty House in Jersey City and will begin at 6:00PM. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and to learn more, click here.
October 30th — Party with Purpose + LayUps for Life Annual Cornhole Tournament | Pilsner Haus 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
Join Party with Purpose and LayUps for Life for the Annual Cornhole Tournament. The tournament will be held at Pilsner Haus this year and will run from 12:00PM-5:00PM on October 30th. Teams of two can sign up for $50. The ticket includes tournament entry and access to happy hour pricing. Spectator tickets are $10 and grant access to happy hour pricing. A costume contest and 50/50 raffle will be held throughout the day. To sign up and learn more, click here.
October 30th — HoBOOken 5K | Pier A, Hoboken
The Annual HoBOOken 5K is back in person this year. Approximately 250 runners will line up on Pier A to take part in the fight against homelessness by running to support The Hoboken Shelter. The in-person race will be held on October 30th and will get started at 8:00AM. There will be a virtual option this year as well, which will take place from October 30th through November 6th. To learn more and sign up, click here.
Ongoing Opportunities
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 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, JerseCity
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 through 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 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. Learn more here.
Read More: Volunteering Opportunities in Montclair + Beyond | Fall 2021
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 does have opportunities to host volunteers in-person from 11:00AM-2:00PM and 6:00PM-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
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.
LGBTQ+ & Family
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. It 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 volunteer, tutor specialist, 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, JerseyCity
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 there are many different opportunities, the opportunity Named “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 2-4 shifts per month with each shift being about 4 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.
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. 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, 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
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. Q 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 1-year commitment to their mentee for a minimum of 8 hours per month. Learn more here.
See More: Latinx Nonprofits to Support in Northern New Jersey
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 | Online
Wise Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3)3 nonprofit 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.
Liberty Humane Society | 235 Jersey CityBoulevard, Jersey City
As Hudson County starts to open, the Liberty Humane Society will start to take a new approach to in-person volunteer opportunities. 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 Rescue and to consider becoming a foster, click here.
