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

2025 Foodstock

Even before any disaster or crisis hits, food security can be a significant issue for ALICE®  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those in poverty. ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and was one crisis away from financial despair. The government shutdown and suspension of SNAP (food assistance) benefits is that crisis, creating a significant increase in food insecurity while pantries are already at capacity and experiencing shortages.

In response to this impact of the SNAP emergency, United Way is taking action and encouraging people and groups to collect needed items for local food banks/pantries. While Foodstock is a year-round project, we are strongly promoting its expansion during this critical timeframe, given the critical need right now.  This will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food while the SNAP program is on hold. 

How to Help

Please sign up to support local food banks/pantries by running a collection drive or contributing food to YOUR local pantry. 

To sign up, respond as an individual or as a team using the buttons to your right. Submit your name and email address—all other requested information is optional—and that’s it!

Once you’ve registered, please check out food pantry information and the types of foods most needed right now in the following counties:

Somerset County: Somerset County Emergency Food Box Needs     (Food Assistance | Somerset County)

Morris County:  Donate Food - Interfaith Food Pantry Network

Sussex County:    food-pantry-update.pdf

Warren County:  Food Bank

Essex County:  Essex-County-Food-Pantries-pdf.pdf

You can also check out the Foodstock flyer, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

Please make sure to connect directly with the local food pantry you plan to deliver your food donations to in advance of going there.  Also, please consider making a financial donation to your local pantry to support their efforts to help your neighbors in need.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling families, children, seniors and those with disabilities in need of food throughout northern New Jersey! 

Once you’ve registered, please check out the Foodstock flyer, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

Please make sure to connect directly with the local food pantry you plan to deliver your food donations to in advance of going there.  Many have implemented safety protocols that you will need to understand before going there.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling northern New Jersey residents!

2025 Foodstock

Even before any disaster or crisis hits, food security can be a significant issue for ALICE®  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those in poverty. ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and was one crisis away from financial despair. The government shutdown and suspension of SNAP (food assistance) benefits is that crisis, creating a significant increase in food insecurity while pantries are already at capacity and experiencing shortages.

In response to this impact of the SNAP emergency, United Way is taking action and encouraging people and groups to collect needed items for local food banks/pantries. While Foodstock is a year-round project, we are strongly promoting its expansion during this critical timeframe, given the critical need right now.  This will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food while the SNAP program is on hold. 

How to Help

Please sign up to support local food banks/pantries by running a collection drive or contributing food to YOUR local pantry. 

To sign up, respond as an individual or as a team using the buttons to your right. Submit your name and email address—all other requested information is optional—and that’s it!

Once you’ve registered, please check out food pantry information and the types of foods most needed right now in the following counties:

Somerset County: Somerset County Emergency Food Box Needs     (Food Assistance | Somerset County)

Morris County:  Donate Food - Interfaith Food Pantry Network

Sussex County:    food-pantry-update.pdf

Warren County:  Food Bank

Essex County:  Essex-County-Food-Pantries-pdf.pdf

You can also check out the Foodstock flyer, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

Please make sure to connect directly with the local food pantry you plan to deliver your food donations to in advance of going there.  Also, please consider making a financial donation to your local pantry to support their efforts to help your neighbors in need.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling families, children, seniors and those with disabilities in need of food throughout northern New Jersey! 

Join United Way’s Disaster Volunteer Corp.

For local residents looking to help the community during challenging times, there are a variety of ways volunteers can make a difference. 

Local organizations work hard to respond during times of disaster and provide critical services safely to those most in need in our community.  The needs will change over time and we need individuals ready to quickly fill new volunteer needs.

As part of the UWNNJ Disaster Volunteer Corps and you will be among the first to be notified as new needs arise in Morris County. And, if willing, you can be ready to “deploy” where most needed. 

Sign up TODAY and we will send you updates about local volunteer needs in our region, specific volunteer opportunities and information on how you can with preparation activities.  Thank you!

This is the perfect volunteer activity for any team or group!  Come together to create Disaster Preparedness kits for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and individuals at risk (e.g. seniors, adults with disabilities, etc.).

Volunteers will pack drawstring backpacks with some key essentials to help families and individuals be better prepared for a disaster.  Items include:

- blanket or tied pillow

- small flashlight

- extra batteries

- a contact list with key information

- non-perishable snack items

- a bottle of water

- water treatment packets 

- a whistle 

- personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)

- small first aid kit

- colored pencils

- mandalas coloring book

We will coordinate with your team to arrange for supplies for your assembly project.  Ideally, we would like this done during September, which is National Disaster Preparedness month.

United Way of Northern New Jersey works to build a love of reading and early literacy among children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those struggling financially.  One way we do this is providing Reading Bags to children who do not have access to books and other learning materials in their homes. 

You can help by becoming a Book Buddy and providing one or more Reading Bags for a local child.  Simply sign up, then feel free to either run a drive to collect the items needed for the bags or build your own Reading Kit(s) to donate.

Reading Bags can include: 

The Basics:  1-3 new children's books (for ages 2 1/2 to 6 years), a pack of crayons, an activity or coloring book, a bookmark, and a small inspirational card or note (no last names)

Enhancements (one or more of the following):  a small new stuffed animal or pillow, a small snack pack, flash cards with letters, etc.

Items can be shared in reusable bags, decorated canvas bags or drawstring bags.  New books in multiple languages are also welcomed.

Thank you for helping to promote early literacy and the love of reading with young readers!

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.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is building an online library of stories being read by people of all ages in our community.  We need volunteers like YOU to be a virtual reader and a virtual Book Buddy! 

Please sign up to volunteer to share your time and a much-loved children's story and your love of reading with early readers in our area.  We will send you the Book Buddies Toolkit to assist you and other interested volunteers in how to record yourself reading young children's books.  The online Guide can be accessed through this Form:  21VirtualBookBuddies. or by registering for this project.

Participating is easy!  The time needed is about an hour to 90 minutes to plan and record yourself reading one children's story, depending on how much you choose to rehearse the reading.  You will submit your recording via WeTransfer, which make it easy to upload your video and send to us.

Book Buddies is an ongoing project, so feel free to sign up and submit as many recordings of reading children's books as you wish.  We are also encouraging people to read stories in other languages, especially in Spanish (the books themselves do not need to be Spanish-language books).  Please contact us for more information about submitting a recording in a language other than English.

Thank you for helping to promote early reading and the love of reading with new readers!

Discovering the wonder of how something works can be the spark that ignites a child’s enthusiasm for learning. The world of science provides unlimited potential.  In the time it takes to have lunch, employees can create a STEM kit and help light that spark in a child’s imagination!

A STEM kit is comprised of a book, supplemental materials and all of the items necessary to complete an age appropriate science experiment.  STEM kits give teachers, child care workers and parents ready-to-use tools to unlock the possibilities for a child’s future in science, math and related fields.

This is a fun and interesting team-building project and has a long-term positive impact for children in our community.

VVF is looking for volunteers to participate in virtual “visits” with a nursing home resident for as little as 10 minutes. Click the link below to access our signup sheet. After you sign up, you will receive a welcome email with further instructions.

This link will take you to the registration page for this opportunity.

Projects in a Box Menu 

All of United Way of Northern New Jersey’s projects-in-a-box/kit build pricing includes the purchasing and coordination of all the supplies, transportation/delivery of items to the location of your choice, set up and break down, one or more staff members to explain the significance of the project and the impact on the recipients and to lead the event, and transportation/pick up of the finished items to the recipient program/agency. Please see our list of projects below with cost per kit and recommendations of amounts based on a standard, 1.5-2-hour project. Please note that prices are provided as quotes and that actual prices may vary depending on the needs of your group. 

Please note that for most projects, a minimum 3 week lead time is needed to allow for the ordering of supplies. 

Reading Buddy Bags/Literacy Kits - Encourage a love of reading by building stuffed animal “Reading Buddies” and packing new books for 3-5-year-old students. Please ask about options to brand your buddies or include them in a bag with an age-appropriate book for an early learner.  $17 per kit

Up to 15 people: 30+ 

16-30 people:  60+

31-50 people:  100+

Teacher Classroom Survival - Assemble supply boxes for United In Care or UWNNJ partner school classrooms. Boxes would include pens, pads, correction stickers, band-aids, sanitizer, tissues, etc. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Personal Care Kits - Provide essential toiletry items for ALICE families and those experiencing poverty or housing insecurity. Kits will include items such as soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitizer, razors, deodorant, and washcloths. $15 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Snack Packs - Many students leave school without enough food to eat at home. Provide students snack packs for ALICE and struggling students in our community. Your team would assemble small packages of healthy snacks and food such as milk/juice boxes, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and applesauce, all in a bag decorated by you! $10-15 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  75+

31-50 people:  125+

Financial Literacy Kits—Volunteers will assemble classroom kits for teachers/volunteers to easily facilitate a fun financial workshop for K-2 students. Each kit includes a ceramic piggy bank to paint and decorate, mini-books or activity cards. and crayons. The mini-books can be printed with the sponsor’s logo on the back. $10 per kit

Up to 15 people:  40+

16-30 people:  80+

31-50 people:  130+

Confidence Kits: Feminine Hygiene items for ALICE and low-income students and other girls and women experiencing “period poverty,” a widespread issue. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  100+

31-50 people:  150+

Baby Basics Bags —Volunteers pack baby care items for new and expectant parents who are struggling financially.  Baskets may include some of the following:  baby wash, shampoo, lotion, pacifier, pack of diapers, wipes, bottles, nail clippers, diaper cream, a blanket, washcloths/towel, rattles, toys. $30 per kit

Up to 15 people:  30+

16-25 people:  75+

26-50 people:  100+

Night-Night Bags—Volunteers will stuff a plush animal and put together a bag of comforting nighttime items (a book, toothbrush and toothpaste, and an activity) for very young children who enter a shelter for the first time.  $20 per bag

Up to 15 people: 30+ 

16-30 people:  60+

31-50 people:  100+

Military Support - Organize a letter-writing campaign for veterans or active duty servicemen and women. Invite individuals who have previously served in the military or have family members who have served to lead the campaign. 

Up to 15 people:  $100

16-30 people:  $150

31-50 people:  $200

Growing Minds STEM Kits —Volunteers will decorate drawstring bags and assemble STEM learning kits for early learners.  Each kit will include a small seed-starter pot, soil, seeds, instructions and a plant/growing related paperback book. $12 per kit

Up to 15 people:  40+

16-30 people:  80+

31-50 people:  130+

Bright Smiles Dental Kits – Help put a smile on the face of a child. Volunteers create dental supply kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, small kids mouthwash) for children from families in need. Supplies can be placed in large zip-lock bags for ease in distribution. $9 per kit 

Up to 15 people:  50+

16-30 people:  75+

31-50 people:  125+

Top of Form

I am interested in a Project in a Box!

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.

As part of Women United's focus on supporting ALICE families in our community, Women United volunteers are encouraged to take part in the Book Buddies project, sharing your love of reading with young children from ALICE families.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is building an online library of stories being read by people of all ages and backgrounds in our community.  We need volunteers like YOU to be a virtual reader and a virtual Book Buddy! 

When you register to share your time, a much-loved children's story and your love of reading with early readers in our area, you will use the Book Buddies Toolkit to assist you in recording yourself reading young children's books.  

Participating is easy!  The time needed is about an hour to 90 minutes to plan and record yourself reading one children's story, depending on how much you choose to rehearse the reading.  You will submit your recording via WeTransfer, which make it easy to upload your video and send to us.  

Book Buddies is an ongoing project, so feel free to sign up and submit as many recordings of reading children's books as you wish. 

We are also encouraging people to read stories in other languages, especially in Spanish (the books themselves do not need to be Spanish-language books).  Please contact us for more information about submitting a recording in a language other than English.

Please make sure you also submit the project waiver, which allows us to post your recording on our online Book Buddies Library.

Thank you for helping to promote early reading and the love of reading with new readers!

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!!

Foodstock with Women United

Even before the pandemic hit, food security was a significant issue for ALICE®  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and those in poverty. ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and was one crisis away from financial despair. That crisis is here, bringing a continued increase in food insecurity while pantries experience shortages.

Year-round, Women United is taking action, collecting needed items for local food pantries. Due to the success of this summer initiative and the ongoing need, Women United has adopted food insecurity as its year-long mission. Foodstock with Women United will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food to get through the day. 

How to Help

Join in helping our neighbors in need in the northern New Jersey region by registering for Foodstock - Powered by Women United.

To sign up, respond as an individual or as a team using the buttons to your right. Submit your name and email address—all other requested information is optional—and that’s it!

Once you’ve registered, Women United will send you a Foodstock toolkit, which contains all you need to get started such as a list of participating pantries in our five-county region, needed pantry items, and ideas for getting others involved in this effort.

As some pantries welcome homemade masks and food-collection bags, our toolkit also includes instructions on how to make these items.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of struggling northern New Jersey residents!

To ensure physical distancing does not mean social disconnection, two leading experts on mentoring are launching the Virtual Mentoring Portal. The Virtual Mentoring Portal is a safe and monitored mentoring platform for mentors and mentees to continue their relationships while they may be separated due to COVID-19.

iCouldBe, one of the leading experts on virtual mentoring in the U.S. since 2000, and MENTOR, the nation’s field and movement leader for youth mentoring for the last 30 years have joined forces to develop this free tool. The Virtual Mentoring Portal provides unstructured (internal, monitored email) or structured (research-back curriculum) communications and will provide mentoring programs with virtual mentoring access for existing mentees ages 13 or older, and their mentors. The platform has been constructed with respect to best practices, safety, and data privacy.