The leaves will soon be changing colors and the crisp air will be arriving — meaning fall is finally here. Cooler weather means more time indoors and shifts in activity. This change can also be seen in the opportunities available to serve the community. Now more than ever, volunteers are needed — especially because resources in some areas continue to be scarce due to COVID. From rescue animal happy hours to blood drives and walks to community clean-ups, there are so many opportunities to help get involved and give back to our local Montclair and North Jersey communities. We’ve rounded up local Essex County events, non-profits, and volunteer opportunities that need your support. Read on to see what volunteering opportunities are available this Fall in Essex County + the greater North Jersey area.
Please note: These events are included editorially as a community resource. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including cancellations due to inclement weather, please check in with the host directly.
If you have a volunteering opportunity you’d like us to include, send us a note at hello@themontclairgirl.com.
Bake Sale + Jewelry Sale | 401 Avon Avenue, Newark
September 24th | 12PM
New Psalmist Worship Center is gathering to help raise funds for education scholarships. Stop by to purchase baked goods and jewelry designs. Learn more about this event here.
4th Annual Autism Walk | South 13th Street, Newark
September 24th | 9:45AM – 3PM
E’nayah’s Hollow Community Corporation is gathering for the 4th annual walk to support people with autism. This event will run from 9:45AM to 3PM at Newark’s West Side Park. This event is meant to help cross the barrier between those living with disabilities and the community. Learn more about this event here.
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St. Jude 5K Walk/Run | 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
September 24th | 9AM – 12PM
St. Jude is a leading force behind curing childhood cancer. From 9AM – 12PM on September 24th, the team will host a 5K walk/run to raise funds for this worthy cause with an estimated 8,000-10,000 attendees. Join in the day by fundraising, walking, or volunteering. Learn more about this event here.
Luck O’ The Pup Pet Adoption + Fundraiser | 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
September 25th | 12PM – 4PM
The Shillelagh Club and Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh-Essex County is set to host a pet adoption and fundraiser event. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and hosted by Terrie Carr AKA ‘The Rock’ of New Jersey, this event will monetarily support multiple rescue centers and help find forever homes for the furry friends available. For those just attending and not adopting, a portion of all drink sales will also go to the shelters. Learn more about this even here.
Community Blood Drive | 365 Osbourne Terrece, Newark
September 29th | 10AM – 3PM
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey are hosting a community blood drive. All hospitals in the U.S. are in urgent need of blood right now to continue saving lives. Learn more about this event here.
Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk | 51 Park Place, Newark
October 1st | 10AM – 4PM
My Sister’s Lighthouse is raising awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault with their annual walk. Learn more about this event here.
Beautiful One Outreach Program Breast Cancer + Domestic Violence Walk/Color Run Community Event | 709 Raymond Boulevard, Newark
October 8th | 9AM
The Beautiful One Outreach program is set to host its annual event honoring survivors of breast cancer and domestic violence. Instead of their typical gala, the organization will host a walk/run, paint and chill, and a fashion show. Volunteers, vendors, and participants are needed for this event. Learn more about this event here.
October Weekend Donation Day | 9 Label Street, Montclair
October 8th | 10AM – 12PM
The Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair is in need of items to fill their center. Each month, volunteers and donors gather to fill the shelves. This will be the only donation day during the month of October. Learn more about this event here.
Mayor’s 5K | 66 Main Street, West Orange
October 9th | 10AM
Starting at 10AM, the Mayor’s run will kick off in support of patients living with ALS. Proceeds from the race will support PSZ Believe Foundation, an Essex County-based non-profit helping those living with this disease and their families. Registration for ages 12 and up is $25. Learn more about this event here.
Equality Walk 2022: Montclair | 40 S Fullerton Street, Montclair
October 9th | 12PM – 2PM
OutMontclair is supporting Garden State Equality with the Equality Walk. Every dollar raised through this walk will help the cause of this organization which is to provide human rights to the LGBTQ community in New Jersey. Learn more about this event here.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer | Mulberry Street, Newark
October 16th | 10AM
Gather in Mulberry Commons Park to raise funds that will benefit the fight against breast cancer as well as support all affected by it. This event is even more than just a walk/run. Resources from this event will help with one-on-one patient care, virtual connections for caregivers, loved ones, and more. Learn more about this event here.
Comedy for Charity | 34-20 Park Place, Newark
October 22nd | 6:30PM
Laughter helps improve so much and this event is hopeful it will improve hunger rates in the U.S. Join Amer Zahr and Jeremy McLellan at 6:30PM for a night of fun. Tickets are currently on sale at $45 per person which includes dinner, access to the event, and a donation. Learn more about this event here.
Alexus Coat Giveaway | 205 Spruce Street, Newark
November 5th | 9AM
The Penn House Foundation is hosting a community coat giveaway. Join in the efforts of being a helping hand by placing needed resources in the hands of those who need them most. The first 50 people to sign up will receive coats. Recipients must be a resident of Newark with valid ID and proof of address. Learn more about this event here.
Human Needs Food Pantry Turkey Trot | 414 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
November 18th | 7:45PM
The 7th annual turkey trot benefitting the Human Needs Food Pantry is set to take place on Friday, November 18th at 7:45PM. The event is hosted by the Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Learn more about this event here.
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Ongoing Opportunities
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
The Human Needs Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers to serve the community. Volunteers are needed to pack fruits and vegetables, pick up food from suppliers, sort donated items, and deliver food to homebound clients. Those interested in volunteering should fill out the interest form here. In addition to volunteering, individuals can host a drive for needed items. For more information on how to start a drive, click here.
ANSWERS Moving Forward Inc. | 712 Springfield Avenue, Newark
ANSWERS Moving Forward (AMF) is a non-profit organization created to support men in need of temporary shelter. The organization works toward re-entry to society while providing a clean, safe environment. AMF is always in need of donations to support its guests. Items most needed include clothing and toiletries. To organize a donation drop-off or to learn more, email A.MovingForward@ymail.com.
Kiwanis Club of Montclair Shoe Collection | Multiple Locations
The Kiwanis Club of Montclair is running a shoe collection fundraiser this year. There are collection bins at every Montclair school as well as Town Hall, Cycle Bar, Watchung Booksellers, Fleet Feet, the YMCA, the Paper Plane Coffee Company and the TD Bank in Lackawanna Plaza where residents can donate their lightly-worn shoes. The club will sell the donated shoes to a California-based non-profit, the Fundraising Company, who will pay the club $1.50 per pound. Every penny raised will be returned to Montclair High graduates in the form of scholarships. Learn more here.
