Volunteer: 2026 Tools for School - Collect School SuppliesEach year, obtaining critical school supplies for their children is a significant challenge for thousands of ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained) families and those living in poverty. This issue has been made more difficult by the pandemic, where ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and one crisis away from financial despair. Even with the uncertainty of how children will return to school this fall, children need supplies to be able to begin school ready to learn. Schools and local non-profit organizations serving thousands of students in our communities are seeing significant increases in need for assistance for struggling families – for food, access to technology and for basic school supplies. This summer, United Way’s Tools for School is looking to provide packed backpacks for local students through community and corporate donations. Our goal is to support students in need from communities we serve: Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County. Please join us as we help children from ALICE households and those in poverty get a great start on the new school year! It’s EASY! It’s important! It’s fun! Here are some ways to help: * Run a Tools for School supply drive for new school supplies with your company, community group, faith organization, youth group, family or on your own! Sign Up HERE to participate in this year's Tools for School program. * To donate/provide one or more needed backpack(s) filled with school supplies: 2026TFS * Donate or run an online donation drive via our partner, YouGiveGoods. Click HERE for the link to the 2026 drive page. * Make a donation from our Amazon Tools for School Wishlist (which will be delivered to us): * Make a monetary donation, which will be used to purchase needed school supplies and gift cards for additional school essentials for students. Click HERE to make a donation. * Volunteering: For those running a drive or donating needed supplies, you are invited to register to volunteer in person at our Tools for School location in Bridgewater, NJ. Please check back on this site on July 17, 2026 to register for one or more volunteer slots during the weeks of August 3 - 8 and August 10-12, 2026, which is when we will be working to pack backpacks and provide school supplies to local families. * Sponsorships - if your company, business or group would be interested in becoming a sponsor for this year's Tools for School program, we will happily share sponsorship information. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and they all come with benefits for your group (including guaranteed volunteer slots for many sponsor levels). For more information, please contact Lisa Galonardo at Lisa.Galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Lisa Galonardo (Lisa.Galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org) Thank you for your interest in assisting ALICE families and those experiencing poverty and giving their children a great start on the new school year. Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Each year, obtaining critical school supplies for their children is a significant challenge for thousands of ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained) families and those living in poverty. This issue has been made more difficult by the pandemic, where ALICE was already navigating life without a safety net and one crisis away from financial despair. Even with the uncertainty of how children will return to school this fall, children need supplies to be able to begin school ready to learn. Schools and local non-profit organizations serving thousands of students in our communities are seeing significant increases in need for assistance for struggling families – for food, access to technology and for basic school supplies. This summer, United Way’s Tools for School is looking to provide packed backpacks for local students through community and corporate donations. Our goal is to support students in need from communities we serve: Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County. Please join us as we help children from ALICE households and those in poverty get a great start on the new school year! It’s EASY! It’s important! It’s fun! Here are some ways to help: * Run a Tools for School supply drive for new school supplies with your company, community group, faith organization, youth group, family or on your own! Sign Up HERE to participate in this year's Tools for School program. * To donate/provide one or more needed backpack(s) filled with school supplies: 2026TFS * Donate or run an online donation drive via our partner, YouGiveGoods. Click HERE for the link to the 2026 drive page. * Make a donation from our Amazon Tools for School Wishlist (which will be delivered to us): * Make a monetary donation, which will be used to purchase needed school supplies and gift cards for additional school essentials for students. Click HERE to make a donation. * Volunteering: For those running a drive or donating needed supplies, you are invited to register to volunteer in person at our Tools for School location in Bridgewater, NJ. Please check back on this site on July 17, 2026 to register for one or more volunteer slots during the weeks of August 3 - 8 and August 10-12, 2026, which is when we will be working to pack backpacks and provide school supplies to local families. * Sponsorships - if your company, business or group would be interested in becoming a sponsor for this year's Tools for School program, we will happily share sponsorship information. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and they all come with benefits for your group (including guaranteed volunteer slots for many sponsor levels). For more information, please contact Lisa Galonardo at Lisa.Galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Lisa Galonardo (Lisa.Galonardo@unitedwaynnj.org) Thank you for your interest in assisting ALICE families and those experiencing poverty and giving their children a great start on the new school year. Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Runs Until Aug 3, 2026 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Pick Produce and Help Feed Hungry FamiliesVolunteers are needed to join our team and come to the America's Grow A Row farm and help us pick fresh produce for local families and individuals who are suffering from food insecurity. This is a great project for people of all ages! Spend the morning with United Way and help us pick fresh vegetables that will nourish local children and adults who are hungry. Register yourself or your team and we will share project details with you (what to wear, what to bring, etc.). Thank you for your interest and willingness to help provide fresh nutritious food to people who most need it in our community! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Volunteers are needed to join our team and come to the America's Grow A Row farm and help us pick fresh produce for local families and individuals who are suffering from food insecurity. This is a great project for people of all ages! Spend the morning with United Way and help us pick fresh vegetables that will nourish local children and adults who are hungry. Register yourself or your team and we will share project details with you (what to wear, what to bring, etc.). Thank you for your interest and willingness to help provide fresh nutritious food to people who most need it in our community! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On Aug 21, 2026 Zip Code: 08867 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Foodstock Program - 20262026 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! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey 2026 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! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08807 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Cheer on a new Kindergartener!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. Agency: 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. Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Agency Requirement: >10 years old Zip Code: 08876 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Become a Virtual Visit Friend and Lift the Spirits of SeniorsVVF 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. To register, click here: Virtual Visit Friends This link will take you to the registration page for this opportunity. Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey 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. To register, click here: Virtual Visit Friends This link will take you to the registration page for this opportunity. Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Caregiver RespiteCaring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is one of the most selfless things we can do, but it can also be exhausting. Through Jewish Family Service of MetroWest’s Respite program, volunteers support caregivers by visiting their loved ones for 2-3 hours once a week or every other week. Each volunteer is matched with a caregiver and their loved one to provide companionship, socialization, and activities such as reading books, watching movies, or playing games depending on the person’s abilities. This allows the caregiver a break while the care recipient still has safety and supervision. Volunteers must complete a background check. Training on working with clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is provided. For more information, call (973) 637-1762 or mmoyer@jfsmetrowest.org This service is supported by a grant from The JFNA Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is one of the most selfless things we can do, but it can also be exhausting. Through Jewish Family Service of MetroWest’s Respite program, volunteers support caregivers by visiting their loved ones for 2-3 hours once a week or every other week. Each volunteer is matched with a caregiver and their loved one to provide companionship, socialization, and activities such as reading books, watching movies, or playing games depending on the person’s abilities. This allows the caregiver a break while the care recipient still has safety and supervision. Volunteers must complete a background check. Training on working with clients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or another chronic illness is provided. For more information, call (973) 637-1762 or mmoyer@jfsmetrowest.org This service is supported by a grant from The JFNA Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07052 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Friendly VisitingFriendly Visiting Friendly Visitors are matched with a homebound older adult to meet with in their home weekly. Volunteers provide conversation, companionship, and socialization opportunities. Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFSMW Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator via our app. For more information contact Kathy Mikula at kmikula@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1726. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Friendly Visiting Friendly Visitors are matched with a homebound older adult to meet with in their home weekly. Volunteers provide conversation, companionship, and socialization opportunities. Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFSMW Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator via our app. For more information contact Kathy Mikula at kmikula@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1726. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07042 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Tessie’s TouchTessie’s Touch
Tessie’s Touch brings joy & connection to isolated older adults by matching them with a caring volunteer. Together, they can do activities and excursions in the community. Tessie’s Touch is an extension of our traditional Friendly Visiting program and allows us to go above and beyond for our seniors. Each senior is paired one-on-one with a volunteer to facilitate a deeper connection through shared experiences and activities. JFS Staff will work with the pair to find an activity that brings them joy such as a trip to a botanical garden, attending a show or movie they had been looking forward to seeing, or sharing a meal at a local restaurant. Tessie’s Touch will cover the cost of the activities and transportation. Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFS Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator online. For more information contact Kathy Mikula at kmikula@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1726. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Tessie’s Touch
Tessie’s Touch brings joy & connection to isolated older adults by matching them with a caring volunteer. Together, they can do activities and excursions in the community. Tessie’s Touch is an extension of our traditional Friendly Visiting program and allows us to go above and beyond for our seniors. Each senior is paired one-on-one with a volunteer to facilitate a deeper connection through shared experiences and activities. JFS Staff will work with the pair to find an activity that brings them joy such as a trip to a botanical garden, attending a show or movie they had been looking forward to seeing, or sharing a meal at a local restaurant. Tessie’s Touch will cover the cost of the activities and transportation. Volunteers must submit to a background check. The program commitment is 1 hour once a week and the schedule of meetings is flexible. Volunteers are expected to report their hours monthly through the JFS Volunteer Tracking system and submit an update of the visit to the program coordinator online. For more information contact Kathy Mikula at kmikula@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1726. Agency: RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07039 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Project Sunshine Volunteer - (Haskell, NJ) Support Pediatric PatientsProject Sunshine is an international volunteer-led nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy and play to pediatric patients. Our volunteers get firsthand experience of aiding the healing journey of children facing medical challenges through play, which allows for creative expression, creates an outlet for emotion, and minimizes the anxiety or stress the children experience. Project Sunshine volunteers do this through in-hospital visits, packing activity kits, and leading virtual play (TelePlay). We lead programming for medical facilities or disease specific nonprofits. Volunteer Opportunity & Application We are currently seeking volunteers to support our in-person 'Here to Play' volunteer program at medical facility partners across the county. You can view more details about the program here: https://projectsunshine.org/here-to-play Application: If you are interested in volunteering, please submit your information through Volunteer Match or apply on our website at https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application In Person Volunteering: Facilitate developmentally appropriate arts and crafts activities for children ages 3-18 based on the agreed upon schedule with the medical facility and your chapter Bring a bright, positive attitude and energy Arrive at your medical facility in a prompt and punctual manner Set up and break down of play area with program supplies Keep an open line of communication with your chapter leader Adhere to all Project Sunshine and medical facility policiesIn-person Training requirements: Online Volunteer Application (15 minutes) New Volunteer Training (1 hour) New Volunteer Training Quiz (15 minutes) In-person Volunteering Training (30 minutes) Potential Facility Clearance ProcessRequirements: Must be 18+ years old Must reside in the United States Must pass a criminal background check Must be COVID-19 vaccinated Complete all Project Sunshine onboarding and medical facility clearance processesQualifications: Passion for the Project Sunshine mission and working with children Positive and openminded attitude Interest or experience working in the medical field (a plus) Experience working with children 3-18 years old (a plus)Whether it is watching the smile on a child’s face grow when they yell 'BINGO!’ or seeing them use their brilliant imagination by bringing a ceramic animal to life, Project Sunshine volunteers get a unique experience brightening the lives of children who are going through hard times. If you are interested in volunteering with Project Sunshine, please apply on our website or find the application linked here: https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application?hsLang=en . Agency: Project Sunshine Project Sunshine is an international volunteer-led nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy and play to pediatric patients. Our volunteers get firsthand experience of aiding the healing journey of children facing medical challenges through play, which allows for creative expression, creates an outlet for emotion, and minimizes the anxiety or stress the children experience. Project Sunshine volunteers do this through in-hospital visits, packing activity kits, and leading virtual play (TelePlay). We lead programming for medical facilities or disease specific nonprofits. Volunteer Opportunity & Application We are currently seeking volunteers to support our in-person 'Here to Play' volunteer program at medical facility partners across the county. You can view more details about the program here: https://projectsunshine.org/here-to-play Application: If you are interested in volunteering, please submit your information through Volunteer Match or apply on our website at https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application In Person Volunteering: Facilitate developmentally appropriate arts and crafts activities for children ages 3-18 based on the agreed upon schedule with the medical facility and your chapter Bring a bright, positive attitude and energy Arrive at your medical facility in a prompt and punctual manner Set up and break down of play area with program supplies Keep an open line of communication with your chapter leader Adhere to all Project Sunshine and medical facility policiesIn-person Training requirements: Online Volunteer Application (15 minutes) New Volunteer Training (1 hour) New Volunteer Training Quiz (15 minutes) In-person Volunteering Training (30 minutes) Potential Facility Clearance ProcessRequirements: Must be 18+ years old Must reside in the United States Must pass a criminal background check Must be COVID-19 vaccinated Complete all Project Sunshine onboarding and medical facility clearance processesQualifications: Passion for the Project Sunshine mission and working with children Positive and openminded attitude Interest or experience working in the medical field (a plus) Experience working with children 3-18 years old (a plus)Whether it is watching the smile on a child’s face grow when they yell 'BINGO!’ or seeing them use their brilliant imagination by bringing a ceramic animal to life, Project Sunshine volunteers get a unique experience brightening the lives of children who are going through hard times. If you are interested in volunteering with Project Sunshine, please apply on our website or find the application linked here: https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application?hsLang=en . Agency: Project Sunshine Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07420 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Volunteer Needed to Transport Food Donations - TUESDAYSTuesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers are needed to transport meals from The Peck School (Morristown, NJ) to Joi's Angels (East Orange, NJ), Meal pickup in Morristown (any time between 1-2PM), ~25 minute drive to East Orange. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Tuesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers are needed to transport meals from The Peck School (Morristown, NJ) to Joi's Angels (East Orange, NJ), Meal pickup in Morristown (any time between 1-2PM), ~25 minute drive to East Orange. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07960 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Volunteers Needed to Transport Food Donations - WEDNESDAYSWednesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Wednesday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07934 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Volunteers Needed to Transport Food Donations - FRIDAYSFriday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Friday Meal Recovery: Volunteers needed to transport meals from Gill St. Bernard's School (Peapack, NJ) to Nourish NJ (Victory Gardens, NJ), Meal pickup in Peapack (any time between 2:45 - 3:45PM), ~25 minute drive to Victory Gardens. Note: Volunteer must have their own car and a valid driver's license. Agency: Share My Meals Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07934 Allow Groups: Yes |