Giving back to the community is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and support the place we call home. Whether working with children or animals, beautifying parks, or stocking a food pantry, no act is too small. Hudson County organizations are offering lots of opportunities to give back this spring. We’ve rounded up ways to volunteer and give back this season. Read on to learn more about upcoming events and ongoing opportunities to support locally.
Tuesday, March 26th – 2nd Annual Charity Partner Meet + Greet | 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken
Each year, local non-profit Party with Purpose supports more than a dozen charity partners through micro-grants and volunteer support. Now, the community has an opportunity to learn more about the work done by each organization during the 2nd Annual Charity Partner Meet + Greet. The event will be hosted at the Hoboken Historical Museum on Hudson Street on March 26 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Guests are invited to come and learn more about the mission of Party with Purpose and how to get involved with local charities through donations and volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided. To learn more, click here.
Saturday, April 6th – 5th Annual Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival | Throughout Hoboken
Join Hoboken Happy Hours and Party with Purpose for the 5th Annual Mac + Cheese Festival. Think of a bar crawl but for macaroni and cheese. Some of Hoboken’s most beloved restaurants, including GTK, UH, Madd Hatter, and more, will participate by providing attendees with samples of the cheesy pasta treat. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hudson County’s non-profit, Party with Purpose. Tickets range from $12-$35 and are currently on sale. To learn more and purchase a ticket, click here.
Read More: Animal Shelters + Rescue Organizations to Support in New Jersey
Friday, April 12th – Hoboken Shelter 80s Dance Party | 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken
Partiers can break out the neon outfits, leg warmers, and sweatbands for the Hoboken Shelter Annual 80s Dance Party fundraiser. The event will be held at the Kolo Klub in Hoboken from 7:00PM to o 10:00PM. Tickets are $50.00 and include access to the party with a DJ playing the best of the 80s, light bites, and a donation to the Hoboken Shelter. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, to become a sponsor, or to purchase a ticket, click here.
Monday, May 20th – 19th Annual Golf “FORE” Kids | 1730 Morris Avenue, Union
The 19th Annual Golf “FORE” Kids benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County is being held on Monday, May 20th at the Suburban Golf Club in Union. This event will raise money to support the efforts of the Boys and Girls Club. Opportunities to sponsor golf are available, with ticket prices and sponsorship rates ranging from $150.00-$7,500.00. To learn more about the event and to register, click here.
Thursday, May 30th – Celebrate CASA | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City
Hudson County CASA is hosting Celebrate CASA at Battello in Jersey City to raise funds to support foster children in the community. The event will run from 6:30PM to 10:30PM and boasts a DJ, delicious food, cocktails, and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to support court resources for children living as a part of the foster care system in Hudson County. Tickets are $150.00 and will be available on April 15th. To learn more, click here.
Ongoing Opportunities
Homework Help with Amazing Truth Society | 411 Marshall Drive, Hoboken
Calling all math wizards. Amazing Truth Society hosts after-school programming and needs homework help volunteers, particularly for grade school math help. Volunteers are needed to help set up the learning environment before students arrive at 4:00PM and then help with homework for about two hours. Approximately 15 students attend the program each day, with most students needing support with math homework. To check out the volunteer schedule and sign up, take a look at the Amazing Truth Society page on Charity Quest or check out the Amazing Truth Society website here.
Volunteer with ANGELACares | 439 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City
ANGELACares supports the elderly, youth, and caregivers throughout Hudson County through advocacy work and providing necessary resources. Volunteers are needed in various capacities to support the efforts of the organization. Volunteers can choose to support as a one-off opportunity, or come regularly. To learn more about what’s needed and to apply to become a volunteer, click here.
Volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County | 225 Morris Boulevard, Jersey City
The Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County has been serving the community for decades. The organization is always in need of volunteers to support the children it serves in various capacities. Volunteers are needed to help develop 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.
Flag Football Support Roles at Community Lifestyle | Mama Johnson Field, Hoboken
Community Lifestyle is gearing up for another season of flag football and needs volunteers in various capacities to make it a success. Positions that need to be filled are referees, coaches, Support Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, Concessions Coordinator, field set-up team members, general managers, Sponsorship Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Reporting Coordinator, and Feedback Coordinator. All roles will support the running of the program. To learn more about the specific tasks of each role and to sign up, visit the Community Lifestyle site 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 who can refurbish computers are needed to support the organization’s mission. Tasks include helping with incoming donations, equipment sorting, inventory counting, wire and cable sorting, and more. Tasks may vary depending on the donations received. To learn more about how to get involved and when volunteers are needed, 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 non-perishable food items, produce, frozen food, and personal care items. Volunteers are needed to help set up the space, arrange tables, carry heavy items into the space, and organize the space for food distribution. Volunteers must be 16 or older and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. 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) is regularly looking for committed volunteers to support its mission. Volunteers are needed to make connections with children living in the foster care system in Hudson County through monthly visits with the assigned child, their teachers, social workers, and more. Volunteers must be 21 or older and must commit to their duties until the case is closed, which usually takes 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 hundreds of individuals and families monthly. To accomplish this, volunteers are needed to help unload delivery trucks and set up the Hoboken Multi-Service Center for distribution days. Volunteers over 13 years of age are needed. It’s important to note that this volunteer opportunity may require some heavy lifting and lots of walking. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. To check out when volunteers are needed, learn more, and sign up, download the Charity Quest app here.
Translate Spanish at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center | 124 Grand Street, Hoboken
Many of the guests benefitting from the resources provided by the Hoboken Community Center Pantry exclusively speak Spanish. The Hoboken Community Center is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to help translate and serve the community better. Food distributions are held regularly at the Hoboken Multi-Service Center. To check out the volunteer schedule, learn more about the opportunity, and sign up, download the Charity Quest app here.
Serve Meals at The Hoboken Shelter | 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
The Hoboken Shelter provides resources for hundreds of people weekly. Tasks include serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to help cook and serve food to guests. Volunteers can sign up individually or as a group. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual clothing, a hat, and closed-toed shoes. Single-use gloves are provided for food safety. 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 6 or more volunteers, email Ayten Mohammed at getinvolved@hobokenshelter.org.
Support Guests at Let’s Celebrate | 46 Fairview Avenue, Jersey City
Let’s Celebrate needs volunteers to support its mission. Volunteers are needed to help clients shop during bi-weekly free choice pantry hours, serve lunch, and offer translation services. Tasks include assisting guests in choosing items, reaching products on higher shelves, plating meals, translating Arabic, and moving heavy bags. To check out the schedule, learn more, and sign up, visit the Let’s Celebrate page on Charity Quest here.
Food Distribution and 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 from 8:00AM-2:00PM. Volunteers are primarily needed during the morning rush to assist with station monitoring, communicating food limitations to guests, and monitoring the line. Volunteers should report to the church at 7:30AM and can expect to support the efforts through 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.
See More: Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities in Essex County
Volunteer with St. Matthew Trinity Lunchtime Ministry | 8th + Hudson Streets, Hoboken
St. Matthew Trinity Lunchtime Ministry serves over 70 people daily who need a hot, nourishing meal from 8:00AM-12:00PM Monday through Thursday. The program is made possible by donations from local food establishments and volunteers. Volunteers are needed 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.
Volunteer Teachers for The Open Door NJNY | 5017 Boulevard E., West New York
The Open Door NJNY works to strengthen immigrant families by providing resources to the community. Individuals are needed to provide educational resources to guests. Teaching needs include math, computers, and ESL. Administrative and hospitality volunteers are also needed. Volunteers are required to attend official training before gaining access to the schedule. English classes are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and math classes 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
Every week, the Temple Beth-El Pantry opens its doors to individuals needing non-perishable goods. Volunteers are needed to help organize food, distribute food to the pantry, and prepare bags for the following week’s distribution. Volunteers must be 14 or older. To learn more and sign up, visit the Temple Beth-El page on Charity Quest here.
Volunteer with TRUE Mentors | 601 Jackson Street, Hoboken
TRUE Mentors has been supporting the youth of Hudson County since 2011 by building meaningful relationships. Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors for the program throughout the year. Volunteers are asked to commit at least 8 hours per month for a minimum of 1 year. Before starting, volunteers must fill out an application and be approved. To learn more about what mentoring entails and to apply, click here.
Volunteer with Welcome Home Jersey City | 597 West Side Avenue, Jersey City
Welcome Home Jersey City provides various resources for the refugee and asylee community arriving in Jersey City. Volunteers are needed to provide airport transportation, translation, educational services, food, and more. Those interested in volunteering can sign up for newsletters in specific areas of interest to learn more about getting involved. Click here to learn more about Welcome Home Jersey City and sign up.
