Spring is here and so is the opportunity to give back. Various non-profits and charity organizations throughout Essex County are hosting events and providing opportunities to volunteer and support. We’ve rounded up ways to give back this spring. Read on to find out how to get involved.
March 31 – The Spring Fling! | 18 Label Street, Montclair
Join Out Montclair for its Pride 2022 fundraiser: The Spring Fling. Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks, and dancing with DJ Steve Sidewalk. The event is restricted to those 21+. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. The Montclair Girl is excited to be the media sponsor for this event.
April 1-30 – St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center 30 Day Challenge | Virtual
Join the Spring Forward 30 Day Challenge to benefit St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. The center supports the needs of rescue animals in the area. The goal for 2022 is to raise $50,000 to cover the costs of the center during its busy season. Participants are encouraged to set up teams for the fundraiser to increase impact throughout the challenge. To learn more about the challenge, how to participate and for registration, click here.
April 2 – Charity Ice Show | 41 Chestnut Street, Montclair
In support of the 30 million Americans suffering from eating disorders, a group of young ice skaters has partnered with the Nation Eating Disorder Association to raise money for the cause. Admission to the show is $5 and the show will be held on Saturday, April 2nd at 12:30PM at the Clary Anderson Arena in Montclair. To learn more about the show, make a donation or purchase a ticket, click here.
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April 10 – Second Saturday Concert Series-Modern Romantics | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
Check out the next installation of the Second Saturday Concert Series at the Van Vleck House + Gardens to benefit the Montclair Foundation. April’s concert will feature modern romantics. The concert is free, however, a donation of $10 per attendee is suggested. Seats for the performance are limited and proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. For more information, click here.
April 16-23 – Northeast Earth Coalition Earth Day Celebrations | Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
The Northeast Earth Coalition will celebrate Earth Day with a week of events. Participants will learn how to get more involved in restoring our planet through a series of small gatherings and virtual conversations. In-person events will take place at Crane Park in Montclair with virtual events happening online. To learn more about the various events and how to get involved, click here.
April 29 – Women Unite Sleep Out | 330 Washington Street, Newark
Sleep Out is an annual event hosted to support the more than 2,500 young people who come to Covenant House New Jersey for various resources including mental health support, shelter, and more. To participate, attendees have the option of participating in-person at Covenant House or virtually. During this event, attendees sleep outside, in their cars, on their porches, or on the floor to raise awareness for individuals experiencing homelessness. A fundraising target of $300 per person is highly suggested. To learn more about how to get involved, click here.
May 15 – Alzheimer’s New Jersey Walk | South Mountain Reservoir, Cherry Lane, West Orange
Everyone can join the fight against Alzheimer’s at the Alzheimer’s New Jersey Walk in West Orange at the South Mountain Reservoir. Registration will begin at 8:30AM, followed by the opening ceremony at 9:30AM. The walk will officially begin at 10:00AM. Participants are encouraged to create or join a team. To learn more about the cause and to sign up, click here.
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May 15 – Mental Health America 72nd Annual Gala | 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange
Neighbors are invited to join Mental Health America and support the mission by attending the 72nd Annual Gala. The event will raise money to support the organization’s work toward providing resources to those suffering from mental health concerns as well as erasing the stigma associated with mental health issues. For more information on the gala and to inquire about ticket purchases, click here.
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.
