As the weather gets cooler and residents return from the Jersey Shore, the need in our communities grows. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet new people in town and learn about the various needs of our neighbors. Hudson County has numerous ways to give back and we’ve rounded up upcoming events to support. Read on for ways to volunteer and give back in Hudson County this fall 2024 season.

Thursday, September 19th — Party with Purpose Annual Gala | 33 Newark Street, Hoboken

Party with Purpose is hosting its Annual Gala to raise money to support microgrants given to local charities each year. The Gala will be hosted at Antique Loft in Hoboken from 7PM-10PM on Thursday, September 19th. The night will be filled with light bites, drinks, desserts, and dancing. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. 

Sunday, September 22nd — Paws for Hoboken | 14th Street + Willow Avenue, Hoboken

See Spot Rescued is hosting Paws for Hoboken on Saturday, September 22nd from 11AM-3PM at Viaduct Park in Hoboken. This is an adoption and foster event for dogs in need of temporary and permanent homes. Guests are invited to learn more about fostering to see if it’s a good fit and to see if See Spot Rescued has a pet that fits their permanent lifestyle. Potential adopters must fill out an application to be considered. Learn more here.

Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round

Thursday, September 26th — Team Wilderness Blazing-a-Trail 2024 | 201 Lincoln Park, Jersey City

Team Wilderness, a local non-profit providing outdoor-focused extracurricular activities for children, is hosting its annual Blazing-a-Trail Gala. The event will be held at The View in Jersey City from 6PM-9PM on September 26th. Tickets are on sale and include hor d’oeuvres, dinner, beer, and wine. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.

Thursday, September 26th — CASA’s Chip In for Charity Golf Tournament | 515 Duncan Avenue, Jersey City

CASA is hosting its third annual Chip In for Charity 9-Hole Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 26th. Tee-off is at 3:30PM and the tournament will be followed by beers and BBQ at 6:30PM. All proceeds will benefit the work CASA does for foster children in the community. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here. 

Saturday, September 28th — WISE Strides 2024 | Newport, Jersey City

Wise Animal Rescue will be at the New Jersey Half Marathon and 5K in Newport, Jersey City. Come cheer, run, or walk to support animals in need. The race is being held on Saturday, September 28th and check-in starts at 6:30AM. Any runner who raises $400 or more will have their race entry fee covered by WISE Animal Rescue. To learn more and to register for the race, click here.

Saturday, October 5th — Computers for People 2nd Annual Pepper Fest | 524 Willow Avenue

Computers 4 People is turning up the heat with its annual Pepper Fest. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 1PM-5PM at 524 Willow Avenue. Thirty contestants will put their taste buds to the test in twenty rounds of a pepper-eating contest for cash prizes. Spectators can cheer on their favorite contestants. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

Saturday, October 5th — Hoboken Cupcake Wars | 800 Clinton Street, Hoboken

Join the Hoboken High School Student Government and the Hoboken High School Class of 2025 for Cupcake Wars. This sweet fundraiser will bring out the best Hoboken bakers on Saturday, October 5th at 2:30PM. Contestants are asked to bake three dozen of their best cupcakes to submit to the competition. Admission for spectators is $5 and cupcake tastings are $2. There will be five categories judged by celebrity judges with one winner per category. To learn more or to enter, check out @hobokenpublicschooldistrict on Instagram.

Tuesday, October 8th-Tuesday, October 22nd — The Hoboken Girl x The Flow Initiative Period Supply Drive

The Hoboken Girl and The Flow Initiative are teaming up again for the 5th Annual Period Supply Drive. The drive will run from October 8th through October 22nd with various drop-off locations throughout Hoboken and Jersey City. Items being collected include pads, tampons, panty liners, period underwear, and hygiene wipes.

Tuesday, October 15th — The Hoboken Girl x The Flow Initiative Period Supply Drive Happy Hour | 72 Hudson Street, Hoboken

Join the fight against period poverty with The Hoboken Girl and The Flow Initiative at The Waiting Room on Tuesday, October 15th. Guests are encouraged to bring period supplies such as pads, tampons, and panty liners to support The Flow Initiative’s mission of supplying menstruating people with necessary products. Happy hour pricing will be available for those who donate.

Wednesday, October 16th — An Evening of Promise Gala | 1081 Broadway, Bayonne

Family Promise of Hudson County is hosting its annual Evening of Promise Gala. The event will honor multiple people throughout town who provide support for marginalized families by advocating for affordable housing. The event will be held at the Chandelier Room in Bayonne on October 16th from 6PM-9PM. All proceeds will benefit Family Promise of Hudson County. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Thursday, October 17th — Celebration of Service Gala | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Women Rising, a non-profit dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness, is hosting its annual Celebration of Service Gala. The event will be hosted at Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City from 6PM-9PM. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Saturday, October 19th — Party with Purpose + Lay Ups for Life Cornhole Tournament | 616 Grand Street, Hoboken

Party with Purpose and Lay Ups for Life are collaborating for the annual cornhole tournament. The event will be hosted at Willie McBride’s Irish Pub in Hoboken and will raise money for both hosting charities. Teams are invited to sign up to play a bracket-style tournament and spectators are invited to cheer on their favorite team. Food and drink specials will be available for purchase. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.

Sunday, October 20th — Out of the Darkness Community Walk 2024 | 525 River Street, Hoboken

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Sunday, October 20th, at the Babbio Center-Stevens Institute of Technology. Day-of registration for the event starts at 9AM, and the walk will begin at 10AM. Attendees are encouraged to start or join a team to raise funds for the cause and come out to support. Day-of volunteers are also needed to help the event run smoothly. To learn more and register, click here.

Saturday, October 26th — HoBOOken 5K Race | Pier A, Hoboken

The Hoboken Shelter is hosting one of Hoboken’s largest annual events — the HoBOOken 5K. The race is a celebration of Halloween complete with costumes and treats. All proceeds from the race will benefit The Hoboken Shelter. In addition to runners, the race needs volunteers to help marshal, hand out water, and share instructions with runners. To register for the race, sign up to volunteer, and to learn more, click here.

Saturday, October 26th — Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest | Church Square Park, Hoboken

The Hoboken Community Center is hosting its annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest on Saturday, October 26th from 2PM-4PM. All pets and owners are invited to dress up and participate in the parade for a small monetary donation benefitting the Hoboken Community Center. Prizes will be awarded for various categories. Tickets go on sale in late September and will be available here. 

Sunday, October 27th — Hoboken House Tour | 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken

The Hoboken House Tour is back for another year of architecture fun. The House Tour is a self-guided tour of 8-10 houses that shows the beauty of Hoboken real estate for a great cause. All ticket sale proceeds benefit the Hoboken Historical Museum. All participants will start at the museum and will be given a map of all the homes to tour. To learn more and to purchase a ticket, click here.

Saturday, November 23rd — Hoboken Turkey Trot | Pier A, Hoboken

The Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition for many families. The Hoboken Turkey Trot is being hosted on Saturday, November 23rd on Pier A. Runners have two race options: a 5K and a 1-mile fun run. The festivities will start at 9AM and tickets start at $20 with all proceeds benefitting Community Lifestyles. To learn more about the event and to register, click here.

 

On-Going Opportunities

Volunteer With ANGELACares | 439 MLK Drive, Jersey City

ANGELACares supports the elderly, youth, and caregivers throughout Hudson County. Volunteers are needed to support the organization’s efforts and individuals can choose to help as a one-off opportunity or come regularly. Click here to learn more about what’s required and apply to become a volunteer.

Volunteer With the Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County | 225 Morris Boulevard, Jersey City

The Boys + Girls Club of Hudson County has been serving the community for decades. The organization always needs volunteers to support the development of emotional, academic, behavioral, and social skills for children in grades K-12. Volunteer opportunities can be done as a one-off or regular opportunity. Anyone interested must first apply before participating. To learn more and to apply to volunteer, click here.

Refurbish Computers at Computers 4 People | 321 Newark Street, Hoboken

Computers 4 People collects, refurbishes, and donates computers to individuals and organizations in need. Volunteers skilled in tech refurbishing are always needed to help fix old devices. Volunteers are also needed to help with inventory and sorting incoming donations, wires, and more. To learn more about how to get involved, check out the Computers 4 People page on Charity Quest here.

Food Distribution at Dvine Konektion | 611 56th Street, West New York

Dvine Konektion food pantry receives monthly deliveries of food and personal care items. Volunteers are needed to set up the space, arrange tables, carry heavy items,  and organize the space for food distribution. Volunteers must be 16 or older and are encouraged to dress comfortably. To check out the schedule and sign up, visit the Dvine Konektion page on Charity Quest here.

Volunteer with Hudson County CASA | 442 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City

Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) regularly seeks committed volunteers. Volunteers are needed to connect with children living in the foster care system in Hudson County through monthly visits with the assigned child, their teachers, social workers, and other important people in the child’s life. Volunteers must be 21 or older and commit to their duties until the case is closed, usually taking about one year. Volunteers must complete an application and a 30-hour training course. To learn more and to apply, click here. 

Unload Bags at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center | 124 Grand Street, Hoboken

The Hoboken Community Center Pantry serves thousands every year. Because of the high volume, volunteers are needed to help unload delivery trucks and set up the Hoboken Multi-Service Center for distribution days. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. This volunteer opportunity may require some heavy lifting and lots of walking. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. To learn more and sign up, download the Charity Quest app here.

Translate Spanish at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center | 124 Grand Street, Hoboken

Many guests visiting the Hoboken Community Center Pantry speak Spanish exclusively. The Hoboken Community Center is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to help translate and better serve the community. Download the Charity Quest app here to check out the volunteer schedule, learn more about the opportunity, and sign up.

Serve Meals at The Hoboken Shelter | 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken

The Hoboken Shelter provides resources for hundreds of people weekly. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to help cook and serve food to guests in the newly renovated kitchen. The Shelter accepts individual volunteers or groups, including corporate community service outings. To check when solo volunteers are needed and sign up, visit the Hoboken Shelter page on Charity Quest here. To reserve a shift for your group of six or more volunteers, email Natalie Hull at natalie.hull@hobokenshelter.org.

Support Guests at Let’s Celebrate | 46 Fairview Avenue, Jersey City

Volunteers are needed at Let’s Celebrate to help clients shop during bi-weekly free choice pantry hours, serve lunch, and provide translation services. Volunteers are usually asked to help guests choose items, reach products on higher shelves, plate meals, translate Arabic, and move heavy bags. To learn more and sign up, visit the Let’s Celebrate page on Charity Quest here. 

Food Distribution + Translation Services With Love Thy Neighbor | 106-8 Atlantic Street, Jersey City

Love Thy Neighbor hosts a monthly food and clothing distribution at the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Jersey City. The distribution runs from 8AM-2PM. The morning is hectic, so volunteers are needed early in the day to assist with station monitoring, sharing food limits with guests, and monitoring the line. Volunteers should report to the church at 7:30AM and should expect to be busy until 9:30AM. Volunteers are also needed for Arabic and Spanish translation services. To check out the schedule and to learn more, visit the Love Thy Neighbor page on Charity Quest here.

Volunteer With St. Matthew Trinity Lunchtime Ministry | 8th + Hudson Streets, Hoboken

St. Matthew Trinity Lunchtime Ministry serves hot, nourishing meals to over 70 guests every Monday through Thursday. The program is made possible by donations from local food establishments and volunteers. Volunteers are needed from 8AM to 12PM to set up and serve lunch and fellowship with guests. Tasks may also include sorting donations and cleaning the lunch space. Volunteers can come for any length of time during the four hours of the program. To learn more, click here.

See More: Fall 2024 Volunteering Opportunities in Essex County

Volunteer Teachers for The Open Door NJNY | 5017 Boulevard East, West New York

The Open Door NJNY works to strengthen immigrant families by providing resources to the community. Once the required training is completed, volunteers are needed to provide educational resources to guests. Teaching needs include math, computers, and ESL. Administrative and hospitality volunteers are also needed. English classes are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and math classes are held on Wednesday evenings. To learn more and to apply for training, click here.

Distribute Food at Temple Beth-El Pantry | 2419 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City

The Temple Beth-El Pantry opens its doors to individuals needing non-perishable goods weekly. Volunteers must be 14 or older to help organize food, distribute food to the pantry, and prepare bags for the following week’s distribution. To learn more and sign up, visit the Temple Beth-El page on Charity Quest here.