Volunteer: Foodstock Program - 20252025 Foodstock 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. Hurricane Ida is that crisis, bringing a significant increase in food insecurity while pantries experience shortages. In response to the impact of the pandemic on many local families, United Way is taking action and collecting needed items for local food pantries. While Foodstock is a year-round project, we are strongly promoting its expansion during the fall timeframe in advance of the holiday season. This will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food to get through this season. How to Help Join in helping our neighbors in need in the northern New Jersey region by registering for Foodstock- 2025. 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 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 2025 Foodstock 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. Hurricane Ida is that crisis, bringing a significant increase in food insecurity while pantries experience shortages. In response to the impact of the pandemic on many local families, United Way is taking action and collecting needed items for local food pantries. While Foodstock is a year-round project, we are strongly promoting its expansion during the fall timeframe in advance of the holiday season. This will help ensure ALICE and poverty-level households have enough food to get through this season. How to Help Join in helping our neighbors in need in the northern New Jersey region by registering for Foodstock- 2025. 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 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: Book Buddies Reading Bags - Share the Love of ReadingUnited 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! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey 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! Agency: United Way of Northern New Jersey Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing 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: Like Shopping? Become a Senior Shopper and help a local Senior Citizen!Senior Shopper. Make a difference by becoming a volunteer for isolated and vulnerable seniors seeking to continue to maintain independent living. The Senior Shopper Program volunteers deliver groceries to home-bound seniors who have been referred to JFS by the Somerset County Office on Aging. For more information, please contact Natalia Black nataliab@jewishfamilysvc.org or visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--senior-shopper.php Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Senior Shopper. Make a difference by becoming a volunteer for isolated and vulnerable seniors seeking to continue to maintain independent living. The Senior Shopper Program volunteers deliver groceries to home-bound seniors who have been referred to JFS by the Somerset County Office on Aging. For more information, please contact Natalia Black nataliab@jewishfamilysvc.org or visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--senior-shopper.php Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08807 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Use your Life Experience and Become a Family MentorFamily Mentor Program. Use your life experience! Social workers make in home assessments of families requesting these services, and volunteers are matched based on their time needs and requirements geographically; and the nature of the goals the family wants to work on. The geographic area served is all of Somerset County NJ. Complete 10 hours of orientation/training and be matched with a family interested in having home visits on a regular (weekly/bi weekly basis) to feel supported, listened to, coached. For more information, please visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--family-mentor.php Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Family Mentor Program. Use your life experience! Social workers make in home assessments of families requesting these services, and volunteers are matched based on their time needs and requirements geographically; and the nature of the goals the family wants to work on. The geographic area served is all of Somerset County NJ. Complete 10 hours of orientation/training and be matched with a family interested in having home visits on a regular (weekly/bi weekly basis) to feel supported, listened to, coached. For more information, please visit https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer--family-mentor.php Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08807 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Senior Friendly Visitor Program Needs VolunteersThe Senior Friendly Visitor Program is designed to provide in-home support, information, and advocacy to Somerset County families and frail, isolated seniors in Somerset or Hunterdon counties. Volunteers will receive training and support from staff in their activities. For more information about the Senior Friendly Visitor Program, please contact Marnie Kean, LCSW at marniek@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799 x105 Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties The Senior Friendly Visitor Program is designed to provide in-home support, information, and advocacy to Somerset County families and frail, isolated seniors in Somerset or Hunterdon counties. Volunteers will receive training and support from staff in their activities. For more information about the Senior Friendly Visitor Program, please contact Marnie Kean, LCSW at marniek@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799 x105 Agency: Jewish Family Service Of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08807 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Share Your Skills/Interests with YouthMiddle Earth is looking for volunteer individuals and small groups to share their skills, interests and expertise. Topics can include career exploration, mock interviews, particular skills and hobbies that volunteers would like to share. Please respond with your interest and we can discuss the topic options. Agency: Middle Earth Middle Earth is looking for volunteer individuals and small groups to share their skills, interests and expertise. Topics can include career exploration, mock interviews, particular skills and hobbies that volunteers would like to share. Please respond with your interest and we can discuss the topic options. Agency: Middle Earth Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08807 Allow Groups: Yes |
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: Drive for Good: Deliver Meals to Those in Need (Hackettstown)Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need. About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Hackettstown on Thursdays at 9am and deliver them to a meal recipient organization in Hackettstown (~5 minute drive). In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app. Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Parents may volunteer with their children. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits). Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app. Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering. Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who will work together to ensure the weekly route is covered. For instance, it could be that they take turns volunteering each week or decide to pair up together weekly to pick up and deliver meals. Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023; https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure. Agency: Share My Meals Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need. About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Hackettstown on Thursdays at 9am and deliver them to a meal recipient organization in Hackettstown (~5 minute drive). In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app. Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Parents may volunteer with their children. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits). Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app. Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering. Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who will work together to ensure the weekly route is covered. For instance, it could be that they take turns volunteering each week or decide to pair up together weekly to pick up and deliver meals. Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023; https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure. Agency: Share My Meals Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07840 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Drive for Good: Deliver Meals to Those in Need (Morristown)Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need. About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Morristown on Fridays at 2pm and deliver them to a nonprofit organization in Morristown (~5 minute drive). In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app. Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Parents may volunteer with their children. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits). Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app. Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering. Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who will work together to ensure the weekly route is covered. For instance, it could be that they take turns volunteering each week or decide to pair up together weekly to pick up and deliver meals. Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023; https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure. Agency: Share My Meals Every year in New Jersey, 341,000 tons of prepared food goes to waste, while nearly 1 million New Jersey residents don’t have enough food to eat. Share My Meals is closing the gap between food waste and hunger by mobilizing volunteers to recover nutritious surplus meals from commercial kitchens and deliver them to local nonprofits that support individuals in need. About the opportunity: Share My Meals is looking for dedicated volunteers to pick up donations from a meal donor in Morristown on Fridays at 2pm and deliver them to a nonprofit organization in Morristown (~5 minute drive). In order to adhere to food safety guidelines, Share My Meals provides all necessary equipment (i.e. insulated bags) to transport food donations safely and requires volunteers to track pick-up and delivery route start and end times using our smart phone app. Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Parents may volunteer with their children. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers must provide their own transportation and have the necessary auto insurance (minimum of $300,000 Single Limit or $100,000/$300,000 Split Limit auto liability limits). Volunteers must have a smartphone with the ability to download our food donation tracking app. Volunteers must complete Share My Meals onboarding and training before volunteering. Please note: This is not a one-time volunteer opportunity; we are looking for volunteers who will work together to ensure the weekly route is covered. For instance, it could be that they take turns volunteering each week or decide to pair up together weekly to pick up and deliver meals. Sources: https://insights-engine.refed.org/food-waste-monitor?break_by=food_type&indicator=tons-waste&state=NJ&view=detail&year=2023; https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/FoodInsecurity.html#:~:text=The USDA estimates that in,New Jersey were food insecure. Agency: Share My Meals Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07960 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Ground Force Volunteer SessionsWork with a horticulturist on the grounds for our 2-hour Ground Force volunteer sessions. Tasks vary from sessions to session. Agency: Reeves-Reed Arboretum Work with a horticulturist on the grounds for our 2-hour Ground Force volunteer sessions. Tasks vary from sessions to session. Agency: Reeves-Reed Arboretum Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 07901 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Mentor a First Generation College StudentBe the Person You Once Needed in College What you'll do as a Mentor Coach: Mentor Coach Requirements Benefits of Mentor Coaching Supporting an ambitious, first-generation college student in their professional and academic endeavors. Our Fellows are amazing individuals who are ready to learn and grow in our program with our volunteers. Growing your leadership skills and personal professional development. Our Mentor Coaches often express growing more confident as a leader, learning additional tips that are applicable to their own career during workshops, and feeling more fulfilled in their own workplace due to paying it forward in their ANY volunteering. Access to the ANY network and engagement with other professionals in your region. Not only will you be interacting with your own Fellow, but also with other ANY volunteers who are professionals across various industries and companies. Additionally, Mentor Coaches have opportunities to bond during post-workshop happy hours, networking mixers, and more.Ready to make an impact? Agency: America Needs You Be the Person You Once Needed in College What you'll do as a Mentor Coach: Mentor Coach Requirements Benefits of Mentor Coaching Supporting an ambitious, first-generation college student in their professional and academic endeavors. Our Fellows are amazing individuals who are ready to learn and grow in our program with our volunteers. Growing your leadership skills and personal professional development. Our Mentor Coaches often express growing more confident as a leader, learning additional tips that are applicable to their own career during workshops, and feeling more fulfilled in their own workplace due to paying it forward in their ANY volunteering. Access to the ANY network and engagement with other professionals in your region. Not only will you be interacting with your own Fellow, but also with other ANY volunteers who are professionals across various industries and companies. Additionally, Mentor Coaches have opportunities to bond during post-workshop happy hours, networking mixers, and more.Ready to make an impact? Agency: America Needs You Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 07302 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Stein Hospice Office Support Volunteer Needed!Are you available once a week between 9:30-4:30 for 2- 3 hours? Our incredible office staff need steady help with recurring tasks. Computer literacy a must. We are a friendly bunch and we have snacks! Agency: Stein Hospice Are you available once a week between 9:30-4:30 for 2- 3 hours? Our incredible office staff need steady help with recurring tasks. Computer literacy a must. We are a friendly bunch and we have snacks! Agency: Stein Hospice Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 08873 Allow Groups: No |
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 |