The season of giving is here, and what better way to share the spirit than by giving back to the community. There are several organizations in Essex County with opportunities to volunteer in a variety of capacities, from serving food, tutoring teens, sorting donations, and more. Read on to learn more about some of the ways Essex County neighbors can get involved, this season and year-round.
December 7th- January 22nd Montclair Township Animal Shelter | 77 North Willow Street, Montclair
The Montclair Township Animal Shelter is in need of support daily from 9AM to 12PM to assist with a few tasks. Volunteers are needed to help with kennel cleaning, dishes, laundry, and more. For those interested, please be sure to wear clothes that are okay to get dirty or potentially bleached. All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Learn more about this opportunity here.
December 14th Bloomfield Police Toy Donation Drive | 1129 Broad Street, Bloomfield or 1 Municipal Plaza, Bloomfield
The Bloomfield Police have started the annual toy drive for families in need in the community. The department is asking that new, unwrapped toys or gift cards be donated no later than December 14th. Gift cards accepted include Amazon, Target, and Visa. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
December 17th 1 Woman 4 All Launch Event | 47 Edison Place, Newark
Service organization 1 Woman 4 All is set to launch in the Greater NY area. For those looking for community service initiatives in the area, look no further than this organization. All proceeds from ticket sales for the launch event will support 1 Women 4 All. Tickets allow entry to the launch, networking opportunities with industry professionals, food and dessert buffet. Learn more about this opportunity here.
December 19th NJ #IHOR GIVESback Project | Station Road, Newark
Personal care items are often needed by those experiencing homelessness but are one of the least donated items. The project aims to gather toiletries bags and needs support. From 12-3 bring donations of toothbrushes, body wash, soap, toothpaste, washcloths, etc. to be packaged. Learn more about this opportunity here.
December 18th Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Christmas Toy Drive | 31 Liberty Street, Newark
‘Tis the season of gift-giving. The men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. are working to ensure a happy holiday is had by children in Essex County. From 2PM-6:30PM at Jimenez Tobacco, new or gently used unwrapped toys will be accepted. Learn more about this opportunity here.
February 12th West Orange Cupid’s Chase 5K 2022 | 500 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Housing and employment opportunities are vital for persons living with disabilities. The Cupid’s Chase 5K helps raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause. Runners, joggers, and walkers are all welcome. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Ongoing Opportunities
Animal Fostering at Pound Animal Welfare Society
Fostering a pet could save the animal’s life. PAWS in Montclair is consistently looking for loving foster parents to provide a safe environment for cats until they find a forever home. Fostering allows for a less stressful environment for the animal than a shelter and also starts the socialization process with humans earlier. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Covenant House New Jersey | 330 Washington Street, Newark
For anyone interested in working with young people, Covenant House needs support. Direct service volunteers can lead workshops and courses such as yoga, meditation, music, fitness, job readiness, parenting, and more. Volunteers must commit to at least six months of consistent service to help foster a stable environment for those benefiting from the services. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
First Seventh-Day Adventist Church Soup Kitchen | 15 Elmwood Avenue, Montclair
Every Sunday from 12:00PM-2:30PM the soup kitchen at the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church is available to those in need in the community. Join as a volunteer to this ministry that has been in and of service for over a decade. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve food. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
Opportunities to give back to the community are always available here. As a necessary component to the operation of the food pantry, volunteers are needed to do tasks from packaging fruits and vegetables to sorting donated clothes. For those who would like to interact with the community, the opportunity to deliver food to homebound clients is available. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Lights on in Newark | Address available post-sign-up
Join in on the opportunity to have fun mentoring high school students in Newark. Mentors can take part in a variety of student interests such as sports, arts, music, and more. Weekday opportunities are available on an ongoing and as-needed basis. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Montclair Community Farms | 108 Orange Road, Montclair
The Montclair Community Farms’ mission is to educate and engage the community through farms, food, and health. The community has come to love the volunteer opportunities to learn more about urban farming and help make healthy food accessible to those in the area. Email head farmer Lana at lana@montclaircommunityfarms.org to learn about current opportunities. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
St. James Service Corporation | 604 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark
The task of donation organization is needed consistently at the St. James Service Corporation. Volunteers are asked to sort various items, break down boxes, and display items where needed. Volunteers can work independently or in a group. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities at the Montclair Public Library | 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
During the pandemic volunteer opportunities have been difficult to come by especially for teens in search of projects to fulfill school requirements or to simply have something to do after school hours. The Montclair Public Library saw this concern and created new opportunities. For teens looking for virtual volunteer opportunities, sign up to be a Reading Buddy from now until May. For those comfortable with in-person volunteering, opportunities to be involved with the Summer Reading Program are now available. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Toni’s Kitchen | 73 South Fullerton Street, Montclair
Serving food to the community is a daily effort. Toni’s Kitchen in Montclair is available for this support. The Kitchen stays in operation with the support of volunteers. Those high school age and up are eligible to help with serving food to guests. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups daily. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
