The summer season is quickly approaching, and coming with it are plenty of opportunities to give back to local communities. In the Montclair area, nonprofit organizations are seeking volunteers to help with food pantries, donation drives, and more. The Montclair Girl has compiled a list of ways to lend a hand where it’s needed most. Read on for a list of local opportunities in the Montclair + Essex County area for residents to get involved this summer 2025.
Events
Wednesday, May 28th — Distribution Day at Interfaith Food Pantry of the Organization | 357 South Jefferson Street, Orange
This volunteer-powered food pantry will hold a distribution day for those in need of food and other essentials. Volunteers are needed to help distribute and organize. For those unable to make it on May 28th, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Organization is always looking for people to help on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Learn more here.
Read More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
Saturday, June 7th | Nutley Family Service Bureau Rock Concert Fundraiser | 2 East Passaic Avenue, Nutley
This music festival, which supports the Nutley Family Service Bureau, is returning for 2025. The fundraiser, featuring various local musicians, raises money for the organization’s mission of providing access to mental health and social services. Volunteer opportunities for this event and ongoing needs are available. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 7th | PAWS for Cause Walkathon 2025 | Valley Road, Montclair
The Pound Animal Welfare Society will host its annual walkathon to raise funds for vetting, medical, and boarding expenses. There are several ways to get involved with this event. Locals can create a team to walk in person on June 7th and/or create a fundraising team via Facebook. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 14th | Donation Day at Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
The Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair will host a donation day on June 14th from 10AM to 12PM. Volunteers are needed to help bag groceries, pick up food from suppliers, sort and organize clothing and household items, distribute food onsite, and deliver food to those in need. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 14th — Montclair Pride 2025 with Out Montclair | Downtown Montclair
Out Montclair, a nonprofit organization aiming to raise awareness and support for Montclair’s LGBTQIA+ community, is seeking volunteers to help facilitate its annual Pride festival, taking place on June 14th from 12PM to 6PM for the 2025 season. Learn more here.
On-Going Opportunities
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 distribute food and clothing, read to guests, teach life skills workshops, and more. Learn more here.
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 open hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 11AM to 1PM. Learn more here.
Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry | 66 South Grove Street, East Orange
Calvary Baptist Church hosts a weekly food pantry for the community. The service runs from 11AM to 1PM. Learn more here.
Church of the Eternal God | 190 Highland Avenue, Newark
Neighbors can 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 at their location, or food delivery 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 Saturday of the month, on Saturdays from 8:15AM to 9:45AM + from 9:45AM to 11:15AM, and at 11AM on Saturdays for cleanup. Learn more 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. The pantry is open to the community on the second and last Sunday of every month. From 12PM to 5PM locals can help give out food and other items. Learn more here.
Franciscan Charities — St. Ann’s | 242 South 8th Street, Newark
Franciscan Charities of Newark has been serving those in need with food and other essentials since 2004. Volunteers can join the organization to help distribute meals and snack bags to the community. Learn more 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.
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-3PM for client pick-up. Learn more here.
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 always looking for volunteers who “don’t mind getting their hands dirty,” as per its website. Volunteers can help with the non-profit’s Blind + Hearing-Impaired Veterans’ Food Pantry, Essex County College Student Food Pantry, Mommy + Me Diaper Pantry, and more. 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 10:30AM to help in the food pantry, and every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 12PM to help with food distribution and donations to the community. Those in need are welcome to come and 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 Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum has a volunteer program open to anyone 13 and older. Volunteers can help in the African American Cultural Committee (AACC) and the Children’s and Family Programs Creative Aging program. Those interested should email Andrea Ferreira, MAM’s Volunteer and Internship Coordinator, at [email protected]. Learn more here.
Montclair Community Farms | 108 Orange Road, Montclair
Montclair Community Farms has time slots available each day for volunteers to help out on the farm. Learn more here and sign up for available slots here.
Montclair Film | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Volunteers can help Montclair Film facilitate special events, such as StorySlam + Improv Comedy Nights, the Summer Series, the Kids Art Program, and more. Learn more here.
Montclair Township Animal Shelter | 77 Willow Street, Montclair
The Montclair Township Animal Shelter always needs help with kennels, laundry, facility organization, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available for those 16 years and older. Sign up for dog walking and/or cat care. Learn more here.
Nutley Family Service Bureau | 169 Chestnut Street, Nutley
Nutley Family Service provides resources to those in need to help enhance family life, 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.
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, located inside St. Luke’s Church. To be accepted as a volunteer, please pre-register online. Learn more here.
Union Community Corporation | 409 South 18th Street, Newark
Meet the community every third Wednesday of the month for grocery distribution. Groceries are open to the community, and volunteers are needed monthly. The next grocery distribution event will take place on May 21st, 2025, from 10AM-2PM. Learn more here.
Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
Locals can help the historic Van Vleck House + Gardens this summer in various ways. The organization is looking for garden maintenance volunteers, weekend garden volunteers, education volunteers, and people to help set up events and fundraisers. Learn more here.
YMCA of Montclair | 25 Park Street, Montclair
The YMCA of Montclair is always looking for volunteers to help with various needs, such as assisting local students with homework and aiding in the organization’s annual clean-up projects. Learn more here.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Zion United Church Food Pantry | 17 Alexander Street, Newark
Every Friday at 5PM, the Zion United Church Food Pantry provides food to communities in need. Guests are asked to call ahead if they need help. Learn more here.
23 Montclair Area News Stories This Week | May 4, 2025
After hints of spring here and there, the warmer weather and seasonal blooms have officially arrived in Northern New Jersey. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the Montclair news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: a new eco-friendly program in Newark will bring 5,000 trees to the city streets; East Orange teachers picket for higher pay outside a scheduled Board of Education meeting; and a new Netflix crime thriller featuring Robert De Niro has plans to film in Montclair. Read on for all the news in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County towns for the week ending May 4th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] and we'll consider it for coverage.
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Community Biking Event in Montclair Will Raise Awareness for Traffic Safety
- Montclair Nonprofit Honored at YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards
- Eco-Friendly Initiative, "Rooted in Newark," Will Bring 5,000 Trees to City Streets
- Montclair Stationery + Vintage Store, Parcel, Moving to Park Street With New Concept
- Teachers in East Orange Picket for Higher Pay Outside BOE Meeting
- Montclair Planning Board to Host Public Hearing Surrounding Affordable Housing Plan on 5/5
- Montclair’s Annual Walnut Street Fair Happening on 5/4
- Netflix Thriller Featuring Robert De Niro to Film in Montclair
- Montclair Baseball Field Dedicated to Late Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds
- Community Health Fair to Take Place in Maplewood on 5/3
Community Biking Event in Montclair Will Raise Awareness for Traffic Safety
Montclair Bike Bus, whose goal is to make biking to school safe for all Montclair children, will host a town-wide bike ride called "Kidical Mass" on May 4th from 10AM to 1PM. The six-mile bike ride will raise awareness about traffic violence in the community. This will begin in Upper Montclair, continue through the South End neighborhood, and finish at Essex Park, located at 41 Chestnut Street. Participants looking for shorter rides can join at different checkpoints, including Watchung Plaza for a 4.5-mile or 45-minute ride, Church Street Circle for a three-mile or 30-minute ride, and the northeast corner of Nishuane Park for a two-mile or 20-minute ride. Finishing at Essex Park, riders can look forward to music, games, doughnuts, snacks, merch, and bike repair services. Click here for more.
Montclair Nonprofit Honored at YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards
On April 30th at Montclair Art Museum, five honorees received recognition for the YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards, which annually praises community trailblazers "working to eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people," as per the organization's website. Among this year’s recipients was Latinos of Montclair, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying American Latino voices in Montclair and the surrounding areas. Additional honorees included Kiran Handa Gaudioso, the CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey + president of United for ALICE, Bergen County Assemblywoman Ellen Park, representing the 37th District, Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, the president and CEO of the Partnership for Maternal + Child Health of Northern New Jersey, and Brielle Winslow-Majette, the deputy director of Garden State Equality and LGBTQIA+ Policy professor at Rutgers University.
Eco-Friendly Initiative, "Rooted in Newark," Will Bring 5,000
Trees to City Streets
On Earth Day, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral launched a new eco-driven program at Sussex Park in Newark. The "Rooted in Newark" Tree Canopy Initiative will allow the city to plant 400 new trees across all five wards this spring, including 70 along Central Avenue. Newark plans to plant 500 trees in 2025 and a total of 5,000 trees over the next decade, leading to "cooler, greener, and healthier neighborhoods," Mayor Baraka said in a statement. Newark residents who wish for trees to be planted on their streets can submit a request at this link.
Montclair Stationery + Vintage Store, Parcel, Moving to Park Street With New Concept
Photo Credit: Nancy Laboz
After 22 years at its Bloomfield Avenue locale, the stationary and vintage shop, Parcel, will move its business to the second floor of 11 Park Street, Montclair. Rather than a traditional storefront, Parcel will operate as a showroom and atelier, open once a week each month to the public. During this week, the showroom will highlight a new theme, with new products and displays for the guests to enjoy. Although it will be open less frequently, the showroom will serve a greater purpose, full of magic, inspiration, and a more intimate and meaningful shopping experience. Parcel's ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at 12PM. Click here for more.
Teachers in East Orange Picket for Higher Pay Outside BOE Meeting
Following a declined proposal for the 2022-2027 school contracts in November 2024 and mass layoffs in December 2024, East Orange teachers associated with the East Orange Education Association picketed for higher pay outside a scheduled Board of Education meeting on the night of April 28th. During the meeting, contracts were discussed and a new proposal was drafted, providing almost $1 million more than previously offered by the BOE, according to News 12 New Jersey. A meeting between the EOEA and BOE to discuss contract negotiations took place on Friday, May 1st.
Montclair Planning Board to Host Public Hearing Surrounding Affordable Housing Plan on 5/5
In October 2024, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs issued a mandate requiring municipalities across the state to meet affordable housing obligations, which involved the construction or restoration of various housing units. As per a DCA report, Montclair is one of the many municipalities listed, with 132 housing units in need of repair. A few weeks back, Montclair Township launched a survey where residents were asked for their feedback on the town's affordable housing policy. Now, the township will hold a public hearing on the issue during a scheduled board meeting on May 5th at 7PM. This will take place in the Montclair Municipal Building, located at 205 Claremont Avenue. It will also be streamed online via YouTube.
Montclair’s Annual Walnut Street Fair Happening on 5/4
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The ninth annual Walnut Street Fair, a free community event featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, opportunities to shop from local businesses, and a Family Fun Zone boasting face painting, a bounce house obstacle course, a live magician, and more, returns to Montclair on May 4th from 11AM to 4PM. This will take place on Walnut Street from Grove Street to Forest Street. While indulging in family-friendly fun, attendees can also donate diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials to Junior League of Montclair-Newark's diaper drive to benefit local foster families in need. Click here for more.
Netflix Thriller Featuring Robert De Niro to Film in Montclair
The Whisper Man, a Netflix crime thriller featuring Robert De Niro, will film at a historic building located at 60 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair from May 19th to May 27th. A notice was sent to residents last week about the filming, as per Montclair Local. A prep crew will be on-site from April 28th-May 16th, as well as a wrap crew after filming is done from May 28th-June 6th. Click here for a list of films shooting in Montclair.
Montclair Baseball Field Dedicated to Late Superintendent
Dr. Jonathan Ponds
In September 2024, the Montclair Board of Education voted unanimously to rename the renovated Woodman Field in honor of late Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, who sadly passed in the summer of 2024. On Saturday, April 26th, Montclair staff, students, and residents gathered for the unveiling of the new space, which is now called Dr. Jonathan C. Ponds Memorial Field. "This field [stands] as a living tribute to a beloved leader who left an indelible mark on our schools, our town, and our hearts," Montclair Public Schools shared in a statement.
Community Health Fair to Take Place in Maplewood on 5/3
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The Maplewood Health Department will host a Health Fair on May 3rd from 10AM to 1PM at DeHart Park, located at 120 Burnet Avenue. This event will feature free screenings, vaccine administration, preventative services, including blood pressure and hepatitis B tests, and over 40 vendors providing medical information and resources.
Protesters Held Car Caravan Picket at Port Newark on 5/1
Protesters associated with the organizations International Luxemburgist Network + Save Gaza, Save Us All, arranged a car caravan picket at Port Newark on May 1st, in recognition of International Workers’ Day, also known as "May Day." According to event organizers, this port is where U.S. military shipments, connected to the Israel-Hamas War, have allegedly passed through. International Luxemburgist Network member Eric Lerner and Save Gaza, Save Us All member Jay Arena, called this protest a "working class uprising," as it was "big first step in unifying immigrants, all who oppose the genocidal war on Gaza, federal workers, teachers, students, professors, all who are defending Social Security, all who are defending the basic freedoms to speak and protest into a single powerful movement of all who are under attack—which is all workers."
Philadelphia Man Armed with Loaded Gun Arrested at EWR
A Philadelphia man was arrested on April 28th after Newark International Airport TSA detected a handgun at a security checkpoint. The .40 caliber gun, loaded with four bullets, was confiscated by Port Authority Police, making this the third gun detected at EWR this month and the 10th since January. “This individual now faces a stiff federal financial penalty," TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, Thomas Carter, said in a press release. "Hopefully, others will learn from his mistake."
Several Belleville Roads Closed for Construction Through May 16th
A section of Mill Street in Belleville, between Montgomery Street to Franklin Avenue, closed for construction on April 28th. These roads will remain closed until May 16th, as per an alert from the Township of Belleville. Local drivers should prepare for detours for the next few weeks.
Bloomfield's Lead Replacement Project Wins National Environmental Award
The Township of Bloomfield's Lead Service Line Replacement Phases Project, aiming to replace and upgrade thousands of old, potentially lead-contaminated water pipes, has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Excellence in Community Engagement Award. 16 projects were nominated nationwide, but only five were given the title "Exceptional Projects," including Bloomfield's multi-year initiative. Being first launched in 2020, the project has allowed the township to inspect over 3,400 service lines and fully replace 1,300 lead or galvanized lines. "Replacing lead service lines isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about protecting the health of our residents and building trust through transparency and outreach," Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said in a news release. "This award underscores the diligence and dedication of our team and our commitment to doing what’s right for Bloomfield."
Montclair State University Employee Will Graduate With Bachelor's Degree This Spring
Local resident, Jodi Cotugno, always desired to become a teacher, but life circumstances kept that goal out of reach - until recently. Working as a Montclair State University employee, Jodi enrolled in Montclair's Degree Completion Program in 2022, and now, in 2025, Jodi is set to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Education Studies. "Her family will be right there, cheering her on as she becomes the third Cotugno woman to graduate from Montclair after her daughters Emily (Class of 2022) and Molly (Class of 2024)," MSU shared in a statement.
Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative Recipient Opens
Its Doors in Newark
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Last week, the breakfast and brunch cafe Sweet Jeans Kitchen + Espresso Bar opened in Newark at 494 Broad Street. Brick City locals can find a menu of morning classics like cinnamon rolls and avocado toast, as well as fresh pastries, brews, and lunch options. As per Sweet Jean's Instagram bio, the restaurant will soon host latte 101 classes and community events. As part of the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, which aims to revamp the city's downtown area via economic support, Sweet Jeans was granted $38,500 to begin operations. The cafe was the first recipient of this program.
Multilingual West Orange Students Honored at BOE Meeting
During a West Orange Board of Education meeting on April 28th, multilingual students at West Orange High School were honored for their accomplishments this school year. This included the student leaders Alexandra Morales, Joshua Montague, Justin Weinshank, Rohaan Mehta, and Aishwarya Jacob of the WOHS Latin Club, in partnership with The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission Organization, as they "[developed] crucial entrepreneurial skills, [planned] fundraising events, and [raised] awareness of global issues right here in West Orange while developing a second language," as per a West Orange BOE statement. Graduating seniors Cathlens Antoine, Aaliyah Correa, Rosa-Jane Desormeaux, Laeticia Fayette, Willcielys Gonzalez, Ericka Jacques, Katrina Jean-Baptiste, Marsha Marseille, Kimberly Mira Barrientos, Nelly Pierre, Kamille Ramalho Chavez, Trigal Rosario-Taveras, Camilla Saltos, Nathania Zemedagegnehu, and Neissa Zetrenne were also recognized for earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy in three languages.
Montclair Italian Restaurant da Pepo Closing on 5/10
Da Pepo, located at 54 Fairfield Street in Montclair, announced that its last day of business will be Saturday, May 10th, 2025, via Instagram on May 1st. “To our amazing customers — thank you for your loyalty, support, and love over the years. It means the world to us. Sadly, we’ll be closing our doors on Saturday, May 10th. We hope to see you before then so we can serve you one last time and say goodbye in person," the caption read. The Italian restaurant is located inside Watchung Booksellers, which will remain open. Click here for more.
New Networking Space Coming to Montclair This Fall
A new networking space has announced its plans to open inside the newly reopened Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair come October 2025. Soon to be located at 294 Bloomfield Avenue, RecRoom will be "a welcoming 'third space' where we can get out of our homes to work, study, meet, and hang out," as per its website. Come fall, the business will host all kinds of community gatherings, including meetings, workshops, parties, craft nights, happy hours, truck shows, markets, game nights, and more.
United Airlines to Cancel Flights at EWR Due to
Ongoing Flight Delays
This past week, Newark International Airport has delayed over 400 flights and canceled over 200 flights, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware. This is due to the closure of one of its biggest departing runways, which will remain closed for renovations until mid-June, as well as technology malfunctions and staffing issues surrounding air traffic controllers. As a response, United Airlines will cancel 35 round-trip flights arriving and departing from EWR a day. "It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” CEO Scott Kirby said in a note to customers on May 2nd.
Little Words Project Opens at The Mall at Short Hills
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Little Words Project, a jewelry company known for its bead bars where customers can build and personalize their bracelets, has opened another location at The Mall at Short Hills, located at 1200 Morris Turnpike. The franchise, founded by New Jersey native Adriana Carrig, has locales all across the country. The new Short Hills location marks its second New Jersey site and opened on May 3rd.
School Dedicated to Students with Autism Opens in Newark
Branch Brook School, Newark's first elementary school dedicated solely to students with Autism, has officially opened its doors at 228 Ridge Street. With the goal of "[helping] families obtain the services they need for their children without enrolling in a program outside the city," as per a statement released by the district, the school will provide on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to all its students. "Our goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, have access to a high-quality education right here in Newark,” Newark Superintendent Roger León said in the statement. "The opening of Branch Brook School is a powerful step forward in our mission to serve every child with excellence."
Retired Belleville Firefighter Graduates from Montclair
State University
Ralph Castellano, a retired Belleville firefighter, small business owner, husband, and father, is now also a graduate of Montclair State University. In 1975, Ralph began his college career, taking part-time classes while also working a full-time job in construction. “I was accepted [to the school] part-time and went at night for about six years,” Ralph told MSU. "Then I got on the fire department and said, ‘I’ll finish this some other time.’ And I did – 50 years later." Now, after five decades, Ralph will graduate with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and walk in the spring commencement this coming week.
