Opportunities From: Volunteer Opportunities at United Way of Northern New Jersey

Kindergarten is the start of a formal school environment for many children.  United Way, as part of our United In Care program, encourages school-readiness and early literacy.  Through this effort, we would like each child at one of our many partner preschools to get a card or letter of encouragement that creates excitement about entering kindergarten.

Volunteering for this project is easy and can be done by ANYONE!  Simply make a card or write a short note of support and encouragement for a new kindergartener.  You can include a favorite memory about your own kindergarten experience or perhaps the titles of your favorite children's books.  Please send your card/letter to United Way of Northern New Jersey at P.O. Box 6835, Bridgewater, NJ  08807 - Attn. Cards for Kindergarten. 

This project can be done by a family, an individual, a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, service club or any other type of group.  Sign up TODAY and start making a nice card to encourage continued learning for children entering kindergarten.

This spring is the perfect time to take action to assist ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who work hard in our community, but who struggle financially and are one crisis or emergency away from falling into poverty.

As part of this year's National Volunteer Month (April) and to promote volunteerism that has a direct impact in our community, United Way of Northern New Jersey is offering a volunteer project to assist families with critical essential items for their well-being.

Volunteers are asked to create Care Kits that include any (or all) of the following essential needs for families:

* Shampoo/Conditioner

* Soap

* Deodorant

* Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

* Feminine Hygiene products

* Home cleaning products (paper towels, dish soap, household cleaner, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc.)

Items can be full-size or travel-size (which works better in shelter or transitional housing situations) and can be packed in Ziplock types of bags or in any type of reusable bags.

Another option for volunteers is to create a Baby Care Kit - which would include any type of baby care items such as:  diapers, wipes, baby shampoo and baby wash, towels, bottles, clothes, powder formula, toys and anything else that would be helpful for new parents in need.

We are aiming to have the Care Kits ready for distribution to our ALICE clients and those of our partner nonprofit organizations by Friday, April 28, 2023, but we can accept the Care Kits any time this spring.

United Way would like to recognize and thank all volunteers participating in this project, so if you register to participate, please take photos of your work and the kits, so that we can share your efforts on social media and thank you publicly for Taking Action for ALICE Families this spring!

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lisa Galonardo at lisa.galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your time and support of ALICE families in our community!!