Jordan and Joelle Hernandez 
Volunteering and giving back are great ways to get involved in the community, meet new people, and learn more about local resources. However, as locals head out of town during the summer, non-profits often see a sharp decline in volunteer support, even though the need is typically greater with hot weather and children home from school. Northern New Jersey, including Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, Bloomfield, and more, has opportunities to give back. We’ve rounded up ways to give back this summer. Read on to learn how to get involved meaningfully to support the community here in Northern New Jersey.
On-Going Opportunities
Bethany Baptist Church Food Pantry | 275 West Market Street, Newark + 58 Hartford Street, Newark
Volunteers are needed at The Bethany Baptist Church Food Pantry during their opening hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 11AM-1PM. Learn more here.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Blessed Sacrament Pantry | 19 Van Ness Place, Newark
Opportunities to host a food drive are always available at Blessed Sacrament Pantry. In addition to food, common hygiene products such as toothpaste, period supplies, soap, and shampoo are needed at the pantry. Learn more here.
Church of the Eternal God | 190 Highland Avenue, Newark
Join the Church of the Eternal God on the second Saturday of every month to support the food pantry for community members. Guests can pick up food on location or delivery of food is available upon request. Volunteers are needed for food distribution and delivery. Learn more here.
Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry + Thrift Shop | 36 Gould Street, Verona
The Food Pantry and Thrift Shop affiliated with The Church of the Holy Spirit provides basic needs to residents of Essex County. Volunteers are needed to keep the mission going in both community sections. Assistance is needed to set up, greet the guests, and clean up. Volunteers are needed on Fridays from 5PM-6PM before the 4th Friday of the month. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays from 8:15AM – 9:45AM and then from 9:45AM-11:15AM. Volunteers for cleanup are needed by 11AM on Saturdays. Learn how to support here.
First Seventh Day Adventist Church | 15 Elmwood Avenue, Montclair
The First Seventh Day Adventist Church aims to support the food insecure in the community. On the second and last Sunday of every month, the pantry is open to the community. From 12PM-5PM guests can come to receive food and other items. Learn more here.
Franciscan Charities — St. Ann’s | 212 Hunterdon Street, Newark
Keeping up with the tradition since 2004, join the Franciscan Charities of Newark every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11AM-2PM, to help distribute meals and snack bags to the community. Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute the bags and fellowship with those who come. Learn more here.
Hoboken Community Center | 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken
Volunteers are needed throughout the summer at Hoboken Community Center. Volunteering opportunities are available on July 11th, 12th, 16th, 25th, and 26th for things like loading out and in, setting up, Spanish translating, and distribution. Download the Charity Quest app to sign up or visit HCC’s website here.
Hombres y Mujers De Valor Par | 347 6th Avenue, Newark
Volunteers are needed every Saturday from 12PM-3PM for the food pantry at Hombres y Mujeres De Valor Par. Learn more here.
House of Love Kitchen/Pantry | 589-595 Central Avenue, Newark
Join the fight against hunger and other volunteers at The House of Love Kitchen/Pantry in Newark. Since 2008 this pantry has worked to make a difference in the community. The kitchen is open on Tuesdays from 5PM-8PM and the food pantry is open every fourth Tuesday. Learn more here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
The Human Needs Food Pantry is always open for donations. Those interested can make monetary donations or purchase supplies from the pantry supplies list. The pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30AM-12PM for donation drop-offs, and from 12PM-2:30PM. for client pick-up. Learn how to support here.
Inner City Emerg (Joi’s Angels) | 114 South Arlington Avenue, East Orange
Youth, food, housing, and life essentials are the core offerings of Joi’s Angels which provides resources to Essex County and beyond. The organization is currently looking for public-minded volunteers who “aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty”. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Learn more here.
Isaiah House | 238 North Munn Avenue, Orange
Isaiah House provides the community with essentials such as food distribution, HIV/AIDS programs, shelter, community development, and more. Donations of food, cleaning supplies, technology, and trash bags are always welcome. A full list of items needed as well as volunteer opportunities can be found on their site. Learn more here.
Little Zion U.A.M.E. Church Food Pantry | 154 Stephens Street, Belleville
Volunteers are needed every third and fourth Saturday of the month at 10AM to help with food distribution and donations to the community. Those in need are welcome to come to receive perishable and non-perishable food items. Learn more here.
Love of Jesus Ministries Food Pantry | 448 Highland Avenue, Orange
Volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated at the Love of Jesus Ministries Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off and help is needed to distribute and organize food. Learn more here.
Montclair Township Animal Shelter | 77 Willow Street, Montclair
The Montclair Township Animal Shelter has pets ready for their forever home. Volunteer opportunities are available for those 18 years and older. Sign up for dog walking and/or cat care. Learn how to support, here.
Nutley Family Service Bureau | 169 Chestnut Street, Nutley
Nutley Family Service provides resources to those in need to help enhance family life with services such as grocery delivery for seniors, nutrition education, clothing resources, and more. Volunteers are needed to help this organization run. Volunteer orientations are held every second Monday and third Tuesday. Learn more here.
Salvation Army | 430 Main Street, East Orange
The Salvation Army of Essex County is in need of various volunteer tasks. Opportunities to field calls for the organization, fill out local food vendor forms, create client referral packages, and more are available and needed. This Salvation Army services multiple counties in New Jersey. Learn more here.
Toni’s Kitchen at St. Luke’s Church | 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Volunteers are needed for food prep, serving, bagging, driving, food delivery, and pickups at Toni’s Kitchen, St. Luke’s Church. To be accepted as a volunteer, please pre-register online. Learn more here.
The Apostles House | 18-24 Grant Street, Newark
The Apostles House is dedicated to providing life resources to women, children, and at-risk families in Essex County. Volunteers are welcome to help with food and clothing distribution, reading to the guests, teaching life skills workshops, and more. Learn more here.
See More: Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities in Essex County
Zion United Church Food Pantry | 17 Alexander Street, Newark
Every Friday at 5PM, those in need in the community can receive food through the Zion United Church Food Pantry. Guests are asked to call ahead if they are in need. Learn more here.
