Ways to Give Back in Jersey City
The Holiday season is a time of expressing gratitude and compassion. It is a time when many people come together and give back. You can give back in Jersey City in many ways, from hosting your community potluck to offering your skills and services to a local charity. Check out the list below and find the best way to contribute to your community today!
Support Local Charities
In Jersey City, numerous diverse nonprofit organizations work hard toward their mission of creating change. From Women’s rights and homeless shelters to children’s educational nonprofits, there are so many ways you can offer your skills and services to make the community a better place. So, whether you have a specific talent in cooking, event planning, or graphic design, check out our article on a list of charities in Jersey City that provide volunteering opportunities and see how you can get involved today. Always contact the organizations directly for more information and their hours of operation.
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Organize a Community Potluck
Food always brings people together, and during the holiday season, you can invite neighbors, friends, and family for a community potluck. This is a great way to build a stronger community and give back. Arrange a community potluck where neighbors bring dishes to share, and any monetary contributions go toward supporting a local charity or a cause of your choice.
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Organize a Food Drive
Many homeless shelters organize holiday events for folks who need food and shelter. Consider donating non-perishable food items to local food banks or shelters. You can also organize a food drive in your community or workplace to collect items like canned goods, rice, pasta, and other staples. Organizations such as the Salt Foundation deliver food to homeless and women’s shelters, churches, food pantries, food drives, and other groups and individuals who need help the most. Welcome Home Jersey City, a community-based nonprofit organization, provides education, employment, and material support for refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers in the Jersey City area. During December, they focus on their Winter Food Bags, which provide new immigrant families just getting their footing in Jersey City. You can help the organizations continue this terrific work by collecting the urgently needed supplies.
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Organize a Clothing Drive or Participate in One
With Winter approaching, many organizations look for warm clothing to continue assisting families and individuals in need. If you’re cleaning out your wardrobe and have extra gently worn coats, hats, or gloves, consider donating to a local organization working with homeless people or families in need, such as Women Rising and the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. Many organizations make donating easy as they are happy to schedule a pick-up.
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Participate in a Charity Run
Each year, there are many charity races that you can take part in to give back. This is a fun way to gather your friends and family while staying active. During Thanksgiving, Jersey City holds an annual Turkey Trot fun run. The proceeds directly go to supporting local causes. Running in the USA has a calendar of all upcoming races in Jersey City. Check out the list of races here.
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Organize a Toy Drive
With the Holidays approaching, hosting a toy drive can bring joy to many children and families in need if you’re looking to give back. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year to distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. You can host a toy drive by partnering with Toys for Tots and starting a local chapter. Gather your friends and family to participate in your toy drive and spread the holiday cheer! And, if you do not have the time to organize your toy drive, you can take part in Jersey City’s Annual Toy Drive and donate before December 5th.
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How are you giving back this year? Share ways you get involved in your community with us!
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
