Parisa Burton 
For some, summer is filled with a little too much free time and not enough to do. If you’re feeling stuck and looking for a way to channel that extra energy or searching for a greater sense of purpose and community, volunteering can be a great place to start. Whether you want to stay active, give back, meet new people, or build your resume, there are plenty of ways to get involved locally. Read on for a list of volunteer opportunities in Montclair this summer 2026.
Freedom School @ Mark | 51 Elm Street
Volunteer opportunities at The Mark (Church Community) include a wide range of ministries such as AV, communications, hospitality, music, children and youth programs, liturgical dance, fellowship, prayer, and outreach efforts like Covenant House Caring Connections and homebound support. If interested, apply here.
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MESH Café | 12 Midland Avenue
Montclair Emergency Services for Hope, Inc. is seeking volunteers to help with its MESH Café Dinner Service at Union Baptist Church. The organization provides meals for community members in need, and volunteers can assist with serving dinner, greeting guests, and supporting day-to-day operations. Dinner service takes place Monday through Friday from 4PM to 6PM and Saturdays from 3PM to 5:15PM at 12 Midland Avenue in Montclair. Sign up here.
Montclair History Center | 108 Orange Road
Montclair History Center is looking for volunteers and interns interested in history, education, and community engagement. Opportunities range from event support and visitor services to gardening, education, and working in the organization’s historic hearth kitchen. Volunteers can also assist with office work, research projects, and collections management, though some roles are currently paused through summer 2026. All volunteers complete an orientation with staff and learn about the history of the organization’s local sites before getting involved. Interested volunteers can email [email protected] or call (973) 744-1796 for more information.
Montclair Public Library | 50 South Fullerton Avenue
Montclair Public Library offers volunteer opportunities for both adults and teens looking to get involved locally. Adult volunteers can help shelve books, staff the welcome desk, usher events, lead programs, and support community outreach efforts through the Friends of the Library. Adults can apply here or reach out to [email protected] with questions.
Teen volunteer opportunities are open to students in grades 7 through 12 who live in or attend school in Montclair. While some applications are currently closed, the library still hosts monthly volunteer opportunities for local teens and allows students to earn volunteer credit through themed book list projects. Check here to see the upcoming opportunities.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue
Montclair Art Museum is seeking volunteers ages 13 and older to support its mission of engaging the community through art. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with children’s and family programs, special events, creative aging classes, membership tables, and the museum’s School of Art, as well as involvement with the African American Cultural Committee (AACC). Adults can apply here. Individuals ages 13-17 can apply here.
Montclair Film | 505 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair Film is seeking volunteers to support year-round programming and the annual Montclair Film Festival, with opportunities available for those 15 and older. Volunteers can assist with special events, theater operations, merchandise, event production, street teams, and more, both during the festival and throughout the year. Interested participants can register here or email [email protected] with any questions.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street
The Pantry welcomes volunteers ages 18 and older to support its food distribution and community assistance work. Volunteer opportunities include bagging groceries, bread, and produce, sorting and organizing clothing and household items, and delivering food to homebound clients. The organization is especially seeking bilingual volunteers who speak English and Spanish or English and Haitian Creole. Interested individuals can apply here.
Montclair YMCA | 25 Park Street
YMCA of Montclair is seeking volunteers to support a range of ongoing and seasonal community programs. Opportunities include homework help, coaching, event support for initiatives like the Montclair Run, and seasonal clean-up projects, all designed to fit different interests and schedules. Interested individuals can explore opportunities here.
Montclair Township Animal Shelter | 77 North Willow Street
Montclair Township Animal Shelter welcomes volunteers ages 16 and older to support daily animal care and shelter operations. Volunteers help staff with sanitation and enrichment for animals, as well as tasks like laundry and facility organization, with additional opportunities available in kennel and cat care. Interested individuals can apply online or contact the shelter directly at [email protected].
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Montclair Community Farms | 108 Orange Road
Montclair Community Farms is a nonprofit urban farming organization founded in 2011 that increases access to affordable, fresh produce while promoting hands-on education in gardening, food systems, and healthy living. Volunteers support the greenhouse and gardens during the growing season by helping with planting, cultivation, and general farm upkeep while learning about urban agriculture. Interested? Sign up for volunteer listings here.
Succeed2gether | 11 Pine Street
Succeed2gether is a nonprofit serving more than 240 students through programs like after-school tutoring, weekend workshops, spring break activities, and summer enrichment aimed at closing the opportunity gap. Volunteers can get involved as tutors or mentors through the After-School Tutoring Program (ASTP) and Pathways Forward initiatives, supporting students academically and personally. Applications are required and can be found here. When done, submit to [email protected].
Toni’s Kitchen | 73 South Fullerton Avenue
Toni’s Kitchen is a food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church that works to ensure reliable access to healthy meals for residents of Montclair, Bloomfield, and West Orange. Volunteers (high school age and up) are welcome to apply here.
Out Montclair | 41 Watchung Plaza
Montclair Pride is a volunteer-driven organization that relies heavily on community support to bring its events and mission to life, including Montclair Pride 2026 on June 13, 2026, and other year-round programming. Volunteers (ages 16 and older, with minors requiring a guardian-signed waiver) help support event operations and ensure programs run smoothly. You can sign up for this year’s festival here.
Van Vleck House & Gardens/The Montclair Foundation | 21 Van Vleck Sreet
Van Vleck House & Gardens relies on a dedicated volunteer program to help maintain its historic house and gardens, with opportunities for hands-on training and community involvement. Volunteers assist across areas such as education, events, gardening, and facilities, supporting everything from special programs to ongoing garden upkeep. Interested volunteers can sign up for individual inquiries here. For more information, see this flyer.
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