Home Events + NewsEvents Volunteering Opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City | Winter 2021

Volunteering Opportunities in Hoboken + Jersey City | Winter 2021

by Jordan and Joelle Hernandez
cleaning services
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Winter is the season of giving and Hudson County is full of opportunities to do just that. We’ve rounded up all the local organizations with opportunities for volunteering and to give back to the community. Read on to find out how to get involved in Hoboken and Jersey City this season.

volunteering opportunities hoboken jersey city winter 2021

Jersey City’s 25th Annual Toy Drive Donation | through December 3rd

Jersey City is hosting its annual toy drive donation this December. Those wishing to donate can bring unwrapped toys appropriate for ages 1-12 should bring donations to the Resident Response Center (208 Grove Street) Monday through Friday between 9:00AM and 6:00PM or toys can be purchased through the Amazon Wish List here. Toys will be distributed on December 3rd. To learn more about getting involved, click here. Mask wearing and social distancing protocol will be in place during gift distribution.

Club Pilates 2023

Sunday, December 5th | Photos with Santa for Wise Animal Rescue | 1401 Adams Street, Hoboken

This is a chance for our four-legged friends to take a pic with the jolly man in red. Santa Claus will be under the viaduct on 14th Street in Hoboken. Photos are $20 and will be taken from 12PM-3PM on Sunday, December 5th. All proceeds will support animals in need at Wise Animal Rescue. For more information, click here.

Harborside Sport + Spine

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

Hobbs Inc

Hoboken Community Center Holiday Market | through December 9th

The Hoboken Community Center is hosting its 2nd Annual Holiday Market on December 9th. To get involved, drop off a new gift during The Center’s extended holiday drop off hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays from 9AM-11AM at 1301 Washington Street or at any of the drop off locations at bwe kafé (Newport and Viaduct Hoboken locations) or Choc ●O ●Pain (uptown and downtown locations). Gifts should not be wrapped, but wrapping supplies are accepted as donations so families can wrap on their own. To learn more about how to get involved, check out The Center on Instagram @hobokenfoodpantry or email hobokenfoodpantry@gmail.com. 

Hudson County CASA First Annual Toy Drive | through December 9th

Clutch Moto presents its First Annual Toy Drive to support Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The drive will accept new and unwrapped toys for Hudson County CASA at Clutch Moto in Bayonne, located at 590 Avenue C. Hudson County CASA is a non-profit organization that recruits and trains volunteers who advocate for foster care children with the goal of a safe and permanent home for each child. To learn more, check out the organization on Instagram @HudsonCASA. 

Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive | through December 10th

Sgt. Peter Zanin spent more than 20 years in the Hoboken Police Force and was known for his love of supporting the community. Sgt. Zanin passed away last year at the age of 46 and, in his honor, his loved ones have organized a holiday toy drive. Donations of unwrapped toys or gift cards in any denomination can be dropped off at any of the three locations, which are the Hoboken Police Department at 106 Hudson Street and Hoboken Firehouses at1313 Washington Street and 616 Washington Street through December 10th.

yoga renew hoboken

Mayor Dina M. Grilo & Borough Council Holiday Drive | through December 10th

The Mayor Dina M. Grilo & Borough Council are hosting a holiday drive for children ages 1-13. Donations of unwrapped toys will be accepted through December 10th at East Newark Borough Hall located at 34 Sherman Avenue in East Newark. Toys will be distributed at the annual Santa’s Workshop benefitting the children of the borough. For questions or to volunteer, call 973-481-2902 or email info@boroughofeastnewark.com.

Friday, December 10th-Sunday, December 12th—Virtual Auction for The Hoboken Shelter | Virtual

Neighbors can support the fight against homelessness by supporting The Hoboken Shelter’s Virtual Auction. The Hoboken Shelter is taking its annual fundraiser virtual for the second year and is providing a weekend full of events. There are opportunities to sponsor the event as well as participate. To learn more about giving levels and how to get involved throughout the weekend, click here.

The Hoboken Christmas Exchange | through December 11th

Hoboken Grace Church is hosting its annual Hoboken Christmas Exchange for the seventh year. There are opportunities to donate gifts as well  to distribute toys. Donors will be paired with a child whose wishlist has been submitted. Donations can be dropped off at 301 Garden Street on December 9th from 7:30PM-9:PM, December 10th from 7:30PM-9:PM, and December 11th from 9:AM-11:AM. Donations should be wrapped. Volunteers are also needed to accept donations and distribute toys. To learn more about the Hoboken Christmas Exchange and how to get involved, visit the site here.

North Jersey Toys for Tots | through December 12th

For more than 60 years, Toys for Tots has been making children all over the country smile during the holidays and this year is no different. Community members can make Consider making an age-appropriate toy donation by December 12th. Donations can be accepted at the tents in front of the visitor center’s parking lot aboard Picatinny Arsenal on Friday, December 10th starting at 8AM through 5PM and Saturday December 11th from 9:AM until 2:PM or can be dropped off at any of the Drop Off Locations, prior to Dec 12th, listed on this site here.  

902 Brewing Company 2nd Annual Toy Drive | December 2nd

December 19th   | 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City 

902 Brewing Company is back for another year of cheer. The Jersey City establishment is hosting its 2nd annual toy drive. Donations of unwrapped toys will be accepted and those who participate will receive 10% off their check. All toys will be donated to the Dante Aligieri Society’s Annual Children’s Christmas Event scheduled for Sunday, December 20th

Thursday, January 27th, 2022 —Women Rising 2021 Celebration of Service | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Jersey City

The Women Rising Celebration of Service is going virtual and will continue to honor some of the most impactful and influential people in the community. After it was originally scheduled for October 2021, Women Rising made the decision to postpone and move the event online. 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:PM. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and to learn more, 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, 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 through collecting these items from generous donors. Items such as 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. 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. 

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 11AM-2PM  and 6PM-7PM. Please call before arriving as The Shelter can only host a couple of 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. 

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 more 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 tons of different opportunities, the opportunity identified as “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 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 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.

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. 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 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, applicants must fill out a Volunteer Inquiry Form here. Once that’s completed, applicants 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 + 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 

See More: Where to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in New Jersey + New York

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 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

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. Check out the shelter’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. Foster opportunities are available. Fosters are most often needed for large dogs and cats. To apply to become a foster, click here.

See Spot RescuedJersey City

See Spot Rescued is a 501c3 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

EMAIL BUTTONS

Old Lorenzos Pizza

also appears in

0 comment