Community \kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē\ noun, often attributive
a unified body of individuals: such as
a: the people with common interests living in a particular area
broadly : the area itself
b: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger
society
Volunteering within your community... Why do it?
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.
Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.
consider volunteering with/at...
Your Local Parks & Recreation Dept.
Your city or county parks and recreation department may need volunteers from time to time, especially for seasonal events like spring cleanups, leaf collection, and picnic area maintenance.
- Staffing special events hosted at parks
- Maintaining garden beds
- Helping with Park cleanup events
Your Local/Nearby Community Center
Many municipalities have at least one centrally located community center. Bigger cities typically have many community centers, some of which — such as youth centers and senior centers — may focus on specific audiences or types of activities.
- Mentor and help students with homework
- Run after-school programming
- Coordinate arts and crafts projects
- Assist with grounds and gardens
- Assist with building maintenance projects
Your Local Public Library
Public libraries many times accept volunteers.
- Cleaning and sorting library materials and displays
- Helping out with children’s programming, such as story times
- Providing technical support for library patrons
- Raising money for library programming
- Restocking shelves
Local Houses of Faith
You can contribute your time and skills to houses of faith projects that align with your values or service priorities regardless of whether you regularly attend worship services or not. Faith groups of all types routinely support or direct local, national, and global charitable activities. Attaching your efforts to a church, synagogue, or mosque spearheading such efforts can be rewarding and even life-saving to others!
Your Local Animal Shelter / Adoption Center
For the animal lover in you! Not much to say other than, "Bark - Meow - Roof Roof - Purrrr." An animal in need can always use a loving / caring hand.
- Cleaning cages and litter
- Feeding and grooming
- Walking dogs for exercise
- Showing an animal some basic love and attention! :)
Food Banks & Homeless Shelters
Food and housing insecurity are evident in high-cost urban areas and economically depressed rural areas alike.
- Inspect and package food donations
- Supervise and restock open-to-the-public food shelves
- Participate in community gardening projects
- Liaison with partner agencies that distribute donated food
- Join Ladies for America First and assist with Patriots Pantry - Stop Hunger Initiative MORE INFO.
Political Organizations & Advocacy Groups
Find a political candidate / organization that aligns with your ideals.
- Political candidates and elected officials from the lowest level all the way up!
- Political action committees and issue-driven nonprofits, such as environmental justice groups
- Community advocacy groups, such as groups devoted to neighborhood beautification or crime prevention
- Local political organizations including neighborhood associations and homeowners association boards
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Best Places to Volunteer in NJ
by: Ally Souza
You may think of giving back to the community as a seasonal activity. Something like putting together food baskets at Thanksgiving or buying gifts for the needy during the holidays. But the truth is that there are people who need help all year long. Fortunately, the Garden State has plenty of opportunities to make a difference.
