Fall is upon us. Kids are back at school and the weather is cooling down. With schedules changing, so are the needs of the community. Fall is a great time to find ways to give back through donations and volunteering locally — and there are any organizations, events, and non-profits that need support in Hudson County. Whether choosing to participate in a one-time opportunity or something more frequent, supporting our neighbors in Hoboken, Jersey City, and the greater Hudson County area is always a great idea. We’ve rounded up ways to give back to the community this fall. Read on to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Hudson County, New Jersey as well as how you can get involved.
Please note: All of these events are included editorially as a community resource. Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including cancellations due to inclement weather, check with the host directly.
One-off Events
St. Jude 5K Run/Walk | 1 MetLife Drive, East Rutherford
Saturday, September 24th | 8:30AM
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, St. Jude Research Hospital is hosting its annual 5K walk/run to benefit cancer research. Participants can either start a team or join an existing team by registering here. Volunteers are also needed. The event will begin at 8:30AM with the walk starting at 10AM. For more information on St. Jude Research Hospital and how the walk supports efforts, click here.
T.E.A.L Fundraiser | 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken
Saturday, September 24th | 12PM – 4PM
Not UR Regular Coffee is hosting an ovarian cancer fundraiser at the Hoboken Historical Museum, located at 1301 Hudson Street. The event will include workshops, food, and raffles. All proceeds and resources will benefit the Tell Every Amazing Lady (T.E.A.L) about Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation. The event will take place from 12PM-4PM. To learn more, click here.
Write on Sports 17th Annual Gala | 550 Avenue, Port Imperial
Wednesday, September 28th | 6PM
Write on Sports is a Hudson County-based non-profit organization providing writing and educational opportunities for children. The Gala will celebrate the 17th Anniversary of Write on Sports and the programs it has provided to hundreds of students. The event will begin at 6PM at the EnVue Hotel in Port Imperial. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-profits to Donate to Year-Round
Party with Purpose + LayUps4Life Cornhole Tournament | 616 Grand Street, Hoboken
Saturday, October 1st | 12PM – 5PM
Join Party with Purpose and LayUps4Life for the annual Cornhole Tournament. The event will be held on Saturday, October 1st from 12PM-5PM at Willie McBride’s Hoboken (616 Grand Street, Hoboken). The tournament will follow traditional cornhole rules and will be double-elimination. Teams of two can register here for $50 a team. Spectator tickets are $10. All players and spectators will have access to food and drink specials all afternoon. For more information on both organizations and the event, click here.
1Day Hoboken | Throughout Hoboken
Saturday, October 1st | 10AM – 1PM
Hoboken Grace is hosting its annual 1Day Hoboken. 1Day Hoboken is an annual gathering of hundreds of local community members doing various community beautification projects throughout Hoboken. Registration for 1Day will begin at 9:30AM with community projects taking place between 10AM and 1PM. Following the community projects, participants are invited to the after-party immediately following. To learn more about 1Day Hoboken and to register, click here.
Carlos Negron Memorial Run | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Sunday, October 2nd | 8AM
Family and friends of Carlos Negron will come together once again to memorialize the life of this Jersey City firefighter for the 13th Annual Memorial Run. The 5K run will take place at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Registration will open at 8AM with the race starting at 9:30AM. Registration is $25 per runner. To learn more and book a spot, click here.
Jersey City Fall Half | 1 Lincoln Park, Jersey City
Sunday, October 2nd | 9:30AM
Head to Lincoln Park in Jersey City for the 2nd Annual Jersey City Fall Half Marathon. This year’s run will support the efforts of Sustainable Jersey City. Runners can choose from various lengths including a half marathon, 10K, or 5K. The race will begin at 9:30AM with an after party to immediately follow. To learn more and to register, click here.
The Hoboken Community Center Bingo Fundraiser | 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
Monday, October 17th | 6PM – 9PM
The Hoboken Community Center is hosting a bingo fundraiser at Pilsener Haus & Biergarten on Monday, October 17th from 6PM-9PM. Each $25 ticket includes one drink and four games. Participants will have the chance to win prizes and 90s band Krystal will perform. All ages are welcome. Tickets can be purchased here.
Blazing a Trail: A Night Celebrating Empowering Youth Outdoors | 33 Newark Street, Hoboken
Thursday, October 13th | 7PM – 8:30PM
Team Wilderness is a Hudson County-based non-profit organization that empowers youth through outdoor adventure. The event will take place at Antique Loft on Newark Street in Hoboken and will begin at 7PM. Proceeds from the event will support the Team Wilderness Photo Club, which provides nature photography skills to students involved with the organization. Tickets and sponsorship can be purchased here.
50th Anniversary ULOHC Empowerment Gala | 47 Glenwood Avenue, Jersey City
Friday, October 14th | 6:30PM
Urban League of Hudson County Inc. is celebrating 50 years of providing quality child care for the community with its annual Empowerment Gala. The event will be held at St. Peter’s University and will begin at 6:30PM. All proceeds will benefit the resources provided by the ULOHC. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk | 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
Saturday, October 15th | 9AM
ZERO Prostate Cancer, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is hosting a run/walk to support its efforts in prostate cancer research. The race will take place on October 15th at 9AM. Participants are encouraged to join an existing team or start a team. To learn more and to register, click here.
JCMC Golf Classic | 100 Caven Point Road, Jersey City
Monday, October 17th | 11AM
Jersey City Medical Center is hosting a Golf Classic to support the hospital and the resources it provides. This is an annual event with this year’s focus being placed specifically on the healthcare professionals who worked tirelessly through the pandemic. The event will be held on Monday, October 17th at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. To support and lean more, click here.
Hoboken Walk to Fight Suicide | 525 River Street, Hoboken
Saturday, October 23rd | 9AM Check-in
The New Jersey Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting its annual Walk to Fight Suicide on Saturday, October 23rd at the Babbio Center at Stevens Institute. The walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support for those who are living with suicidal thoughts, have survived attempts, and the family and friends of those who have been lost to suicide. For more information and to sign up to walk or volunteer, click here.
Annual HoBOOken 5K | Pier A, Hoboken
Saturday, October 29th | 10AM
The Hoboken Shelter is hosting its annual HoBOOken 5K race this October. Runners are encouraged to embrace the Halloween theme by dressing in costume and running for a cause. Pricing for runners starts at $40 for registration with the option to run in person or virtually. All proceeds will support the Hoboken Shelter to provide meals, showers, educational programs, personal care items, and more for individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more and to register, click here.
Justice for All Gala | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Thursday, November 10th
The Waterfront Project is hosting its Justice for All Gala in November. The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP), is a legal center that provides free civil legal representation, assistance, and advocacy to New Jersey residents who are asset-limited, income-constrained, homeless, or disenfranchised. The gala will take place at Maritime Parc in Jersey City with all proceeds benefiting the organization. To learn more and to view pricing + sponsorship opportunities, click here.
A Salute to Our Veterans 5K | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Saturday, November 12th | 10AM – 2PM
Greater Newark Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Salute to Our Veterans 5K on Saturday, November 12th at Liberty State Park. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Newark Habitat for Humanity to support veterans who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Runners can register in advance for $35 on the day of the race for $40. To sign up and learn more, click here.
Magic for a Cure | 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
Tuesday, November 15th | 6PM – 9PM
Join the FSHD Society for its Second Annual Magic for a Cure event. The event will be hosted at Kolo Klub in Hoboken. Come to see celebrity magician John Stessel for an engaging show while supporting muscular dystrophy research and resources. The event will be held from 6PM-9PM. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities start at $95.00 and can be purchased here.
On-Going Opportunities
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 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 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.
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 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 1-2 in-person volunteers at a time due to social distancing guidelines. Learn more here.
St. Mary’s Advocates Thrift Shop | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
St. Mary’s Advocates Thrift Shop provides affordable clothing, toys, and more, and reinvests its proceeds into local organizations and charities that support residents with health + education needs. As a thrift store, the organization accepts items in good, sellable condition. The shop accepts in-store help on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s, and Saturday’s, as well as off-hours help at various times. St. Mary’s is also looking for volunteers to help with social media. 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+ and 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 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 Volunteer 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, 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
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 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 varies 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.
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.
See More: This Clifton Non-Profit Serves the Community Through Agriculture + Education
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, 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. 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.
