Holiday Volunteer Opportunities in Every Jersey County

Whether it’s giving the gift of time, donating goods or contributing money, volunteers are the backbone of organizations across the state.

South:

Atlantic County: Heal the Homeless with Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Ending homelessness is no easy task, but for 50 years Atlantic City Rescue Mission, a combination shelter, food pantry and thrift store, has helped people get back on their feet. Help serve the 720 meals provided daily to those without a home in Atlantic City; organize goods in the facility’s warehouse; or clean out your closet and donate gently used clothing and coats to the mission’s thrift store.

Burlington County: Give Gifts to Less-Fortunate Families at Legacy Treatment Services
Add a few extra items to your holiday shopping list to support families who cannot afford presents. Through Legacy Treatment Services, donate clothing, toys, personal care items and electronics to the children’s holiday gift drive or request a wish list from the adopt-a-family program. Don’t forget to pick up some rolls of festive gift wrap and tape.

Courtesy of: The Neighborhood Center

Courtesy of: The Neighborhood Center

Camden County: Become a Hunger Relief Helper for The Neighborhood Center
Serving over 47, 000 meals per year, the Neighborhood Center is a hunger relief hub for Camden residents. Throughout the year, volunteers tend the urban farm and serve lunch Sunday through Friday. For Thanksgiving, volunteers set up and restock a flash grocery store at the facility on November 21 and 22 where community members shop for Thanksgiving meal items. For Christmas, shoppers and gift wrappers prepare for the toy drive on December 20 and 21.

Cape May County: Preserve Local Heritage with Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC)
MAC provides tours, cultural events and other historic happenings in Cape May for locals and visitors. On December 3, 10 and 17 volunteers can join Cape May’s annual Christmas candlelight house tours as crossing guards, parking attendants and guides in the Victorian homes on display. As an incentive, MAC volunteers are rewarded for their work with discounts at the museum shops and invitations to exhibits and lectures.

Courtesy of: Vineland Veterans Home

Courtesy of: Vineland Veterans Home

Cumberland County: Spread Joy at The Vineland Veterans Memorial Home
With 300 residents—all former soldiers who fought in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam War—the Vineland Veterans Home is full of both history and opportunities to help. Volunteers assist with recreational activities, put on musical performances, give presentations and, most importantly, just spend time with these servicemen and women. Get in the holiday spirit the weekend following Thanksgiving by decorating the home’s 28 Christmas trees and hanging evergreen garland.

Gloucester County: Give Back to the Gloucester County Library System
These literature-loving helpers support Gloucester County’s libraries in Glassboro, Mullica Hill, Greenwich, Logan and Swedesboro. Updating the community bulletin board, preparing a holiday-themed craft for children’s programs or creating a book display are just some ways to keep these libraries thriving. Administrative support, such as reshelving returned items or sorting donated books, are other responsibilities.

Courtesy of: The B.E.A.T Center

Courtesy of: The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties

Ocean County: Help The Hungry with The B.E.A.T Center
The B.E.A.T. Center, a food resource in Toms River, is made up of three organizations—Peoples Pantry, a food pantry started during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy; JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation; and The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, which works to alleviate hunger in the Garden State. Do your part to fight food insecurity in our state by starting a food drive in your workplace or school and then donating the items to the facility. The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties alone logged over 27,000 hours of volunteer time last year, this year they need food packers and sorters at either of their warehouses (in Neptune and Toms River). Through January, volunteers are trained to help with the income tax assistance program run by the food bank.

Salem County: Share Some Love at the Salem County Humane Society
Fully volunteer-run, the Salem County Humane Society in Carney’s Point relies on playful, pet-adoring helpers to keep this shelter for homeless furry friends running effectively. Feeding, exercising and cleaning the dogs and cats are the biggest daily responsibilities. Share some extra love during the holidays by temporarily fostering animals from the shelter as they recover from surgery or illness.

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