Where to Volunteer in Morristown

Where to Volunteer in Morristown
Morristown is more than just good food and good booze. This town is filled with good people and amazing organizations on a common mission to help people. Want to be part of that mission? Here is a list of organizations that could use your help ASAP:
 
About: This organization is located in the heart of Morristown and provides nutritious meals free of charge, 7 days a week with no questions asked. They also provide a FREE farmers market with food donated from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Stop & Shop and local farms. In addition to helping the hungry, The Community Soup Kitchen also has an Outreach Center which provides visitors of the kitchen access to community resources, counseling services and educational programs.
How you can help: There are multiple ways to volunteer at The Community Soup Kitchen including: serving meals, sorting fresh produce for the farmers market, organizing a food drive, baking homemade desserts, collecting blankets and coats and more!
For a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up for volunteer orientation (the next one is coming up in September) click here.
Give back fact: In 2018, The Community Soup Kitchen served more than 77,000 breakfasts and lunches and also provided more than 650,000 pounds of food for our guests to take home!!
 
 
About: Grow it Green creates sustainable farms and gardens, and educates communities on healthy eating and environmental stewardship. They believe that fresh, local food should be accessible to all and we agree!!
How you can help: Grow it Green has multiple locations in Morristown that could use your volunteership: The Urban Farm, The Early Street Community Garden, The Greenhouse or even in the office!

​GIG needs help prepping their fall harvest NOW. Activities include starting seeds, weeding, harvesting and helping out with farm stand hours, and more! This is a great opportunity for high schoolers looking for volunteer hours. GIG especially needs help on market days: Thursdays from 3-6:30pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm. Please email volunteer@growitgreenmorristown.org for more info!

Here are some other ways to help at GIG:
Saturday Volunteering: Individuals and small groups of 2-6 people can stop by during our Open Volunteer Hours, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (May-October).
Weekday Volunteering: Weekday volunteering is by appointment only. To schedule a trip to the Urban Farm, please register here​
Group Volunteering: GIG works with groups at the Urban Farm, the Greenhouse, and the Early Street Garden. Email info@growitgreenmorristown.org with your group size and time of year that you’d like to volunteer, and they’ll help you schedule your trip!
Great with marketing or photography? GIG can always use help with fundraising, database management, mailings, and photography!
Give back fact: Grow It Green Morristown created New Jersey’s largest public school garden – the Urban Farm – on land owned by the Morris School District.
 
About: Since 1889, the Market Street Mission has been reaching out to the poor and needy in Morris County. The Market Street Mission assists individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty through a life centered on Christ.
How you can help: You can help MSM out in various ways. See below for a list of volunteer projects:
  • Organizing a food drive.
  • Project Backpack- Collect school supplies to fill backpacks that are given to the children of the men in the program and those in need within our community.
  • Bundle Up Bags- Collect hats, gloves, socks, hand and foot warmers that will be distributed to guests who come in for dinner.
  • Coat Drive/Giveaway: The annual coat giveaway held the 1st Saturday in November on the Green in Morristown – Collect coats through a coat drive, sort and bundle coats (at our Thrift Store) during the month of October and help distribute coats on the day of the giveaway.
  • Christmas – Help by wrapping gifts for the men’s children at our annual Christmas “Toyshop” in December Collect items to be given as gifts to the men (list available) and help wrap and package.
Additional Opportunities:
  • Assist the executive staff with office duties ‒ typing, phones, data entry, mailings, filing, and more.Tutor residents pursuing their GED. The Mission especially needs adult math and English tutors. Hours are flexible.
  • Sort food, stock shelves and inventory pantry goods.
  • Serve lunch and clean-up afterward.Serve evening meals and clean-up afterward.
  • Bring in baked goods/treats for meals (cookies, cupcakes, etc).
  • Use your skill as a carpenter, plumber, electrician, welder, etc. to handle on-going repairs and improvements.Various indoor painting projects.
  • Help at the Thrift Store. There are a great variety of tasks to be done there including: Sorting through donated items, pricing and organizing. Cleaning furniture, windows & mirrors, floors, etc.General maintenance and clean-up outside of Thrift Store, such as mowing the lawn, raking, weeding, stacking tires, sweeping, etc.

You can also donate to their Thrift Shop on and go shopping while you’re there! Cue Macklemore.

 
Give back fact: In the past year, MSM has donated 2,500 winter coats during their annual Coat Giveaway!
 
About: Deirdre’s House is the center in Morris County for child victims of abuse and/or neglect and for children that have witnessed violence. Established in 1994, Deirdre’s House is the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, prepared for trial, and clinically counseled in English or Spanish—all under one roof.
How you can help:
  • Days of caring: This is a great opportunity for community clubs, organizations, corporations, or a group of friends to donate their time, skills, and/or goods and services. Hundreds of children and people walk in to the Center throughout the year, so for their health and safety, it is vital that the Center maintains sterilization and cleanliness. To uphold this standard: sterilization of toys, organization of the playroom and waiting room area are some of the tasks volunteers have graciously done in the past. Past volunteers have assembled storage shelves and bookcases, held holiday gift/back-to-school drives, donated snacks, created activity baskets, and donated craft materials. Contact the Center to discuss specific days of caring projects.
  • Internships: Deirdre’s House is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2019 semester until July 30th. If you are interested in volunteering or applying for an internship position to learn more and download the application click here.
Give back fact: Last year, more than 200 Morris County residents gave freely of their time and talent as volunteers at Deirdre’s House.
 
About: Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House provide resources to people of all walks of life in Morris County, New Jersey. Cornerstone Family Programs aims to make a difference in our community by educating our children and youth and empowering our teens, providing our families and veterans specialized support, and encouraging our seniors and their caregivers.
How you can help: Morristown Neighborhood House provides several programs and services to those in our community including children, teens, adults, veterans and seniors. For specific ways to help please contact:

Jackie Looby
Director,
Volunteer Services
973.538.1229 ext.17
jlooby@cfp-mnh.org

Give back fact: Together, Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House impact the lives of nearly 10,000 residents in our community with a shared mission of strengthening communities by helping people build better lives.
 
About: The mission of JBWS is the prevention of domestic violence through the protection and empowerment of the victim, the rehabilitation of family members, the advocacy of social reform to prevent partner violence, and the education of the public about domestic violence and its consequences.
How you can help: There are several different ways to volunteer at JBWS including:
To begin the process for becoming a volunteer in any capacity, you can complete the Volunteer Application Form online. It is easy and secure.
To begin the process for becoming a volunteer in any capacity, you can complete the Volunteer Application Form online. It is easy and secure.
Give back fact: More than 75 paid staff and 120 volunteers work together with the help of the community to fulfill the agency mission.
 
About: Literacy Volunteers of Morris County provides free instruction to adults who lack the ability to read, write or speak English. Each year volunteer tutors help hundreds of adults become more successful and productive employees, parents, consumers, and citizens.
How you can help: LVMC provides free instruction to adults in reading, writing and English conversation. For information about becoming a student: Click here to learn more.
Give back fact: 90% of every dollar raised is spent directly on student programming!
 
About: The Homeless Solutions philosophy is “A Hand Up, Not A Handout,” and since 1983 have been offering shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County, New Jersey.
How you can help: There are so many ways you can help! Explore the list below to discover one that fits for you!
Buddies Mentoring Program: Become a mentor to one of the children in our programs. Click here to find out more.
Moving Solutions: Commit to just a few hours a few times per year and virtually watch a family’s homelessness end right before your eyes. Click here to find out more.
Young Professionals: A group of 20 and 30 something’s that offers volunteers hands-on opportunities to learn about Board service, work as a group to plan projects, and network with other young professionals. Click here to find out more.
  • Game time with kids: Just like the job says – come and show the kids a fun time with games, arts, and crafts or outside play. This is an evening opportunity.
  • Babysitter: Help entertain and look after our children while parents attend monthly meetings and workshops.  Days vary but typically Wednesdays from 6:50 pm – 8:30 pm. Should be 16 yrs. or older, will consider 14 & 15-year-olds with an adult, must enjoy working with children, no experience is necessary.
  • Run a Donation Drive: Organize a donation drive for needed shelter supplies.
  • Kitchen Trainer: Show new lunch or dinner volunteers the “ropes.” We’ll train you. Must be outgoing, 16 yrs. or older will consider a mature 15 yr. old. Lunches are weekends only, while dinners can be any day of the week.
  • Dinner Prep and Serve: Prepare and serve dinner for approximately 75 guests at the shelter.
  • Share Your Time and Knowledge: Lead a workshop on a relevant topic – reading comprehension, budgeting, stress management or another topic in which you have expertise.
  • Host a cookout: Host a cookout for our main shelter, Transitional Housing Program, or The Mt. Kemble Home in the summer. You would provide the food, prepare it here and serve our guests. The number of guests varies by program.
Birthday Buddies Host: Help the children of the Shelter or our Transitional Housing facility celebrate their birthday with fun, games and happy memories.  Learn more about our Birthday Buddies.
  • Lunch Prep and Serve: Prepare and serve lunch to approximately 25 guests. Not a good fit for groups larger than 3 people.
Give back fact: 100% of the families that graduated from HSI Transitional Housing Program secured permanent, affordable housing.
 
About: Sustainable Morristown’s mission is to promote and support a sustainable future for the Morristown community through education, leadership, and action.
How you can help: Sustainable Morristown envisions itself to be the landing spot for those interested in sustainability in Morristown. Sustainable Morristown will also provide a platform to promote or celebrate the efforts and achievements of local organizations, or individuals by hosting events, programs and annual awards ceremonies. On the First Wednesday Each Month, Sustainable Morristown meets at the Mayo Performing Arts Center located at 9 Pine Street, on the 3rd floor  (Unless otherwise noted). They welcome the community to meet the Board of Trustees and find out about our upcoming initiatives and how you can get involved. To learn more and be notified of upcoming volunteer opportunities subscribe here.
Give back fact: Sustainable Morristown has developed several initiatives including bike paths to decrease car traffic and clean ups of town ponds and parks.
 
About:
The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye®dogs. In pursuit of this mission, The Seeing Eye: Breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs; Trains Seeing Eye dogs to guide blind people; Instructs blind people in the proper use, handling, and care of the dogs; Conducts and supports research on canine health and development.
How you can help: The Seeing Eye is fortunate to have many talented volunteers who provide clerical assistance, fill dog food dishes, drive our graduates to speaking engagements, and perform a multitude of other tasks. We are also seeking volunteers who can assist in event planning and provide other professional services. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email volunteers@seeingeye.org to receive a volunteer application form.
Give back fact: The Seeing Eye is a non-profit philanthropy supported by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as bequests and other planned gifts. The school receives no government funding. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters…

The fee charged to students has remained unchanged since the 1930s — $150 for their first Seeing Eye dog or $50 for a replacement dog. Military veterans are only charged $1.

About: Good Grief’s mission is to provide unlimited and free support to children, teens, young adults, and families after the death of a mother, father, sister, or brother through peer support programs, education, and advocacy.
How you can help: To join Good Grief’s community of over 300 passionate, kind, and inspiring volunteers who contribute to our Nights of Support, events, and facilities click Get Involved and fill out their online form.
Give back fact: Good Grief provided unlimited and FREE support to children, teens, young adults, and families after the death of a mother, father, sister, or brother through peer support programs, education, and advocacy.
 
About: 911 Dog and Cat Rescue is a 100% volunteer organization that provides Fostering, Rescue and Adoptions for Dogs and Cats in need of permanent forever homes. Based out of Morristown, all animals originate from local New Jersey animal shelters.
How you can help: Here are a number of things you could do to help the animals of 911 Dog and Cat Rescue.
  • Assistance at Adoption Days
  • Transporting Animals to/from Adoption Events.
  • Assisting with Social Media Outlets(Twitter, Pintrest, Instagram etc)
  • Group Walks with the Dogs
  • Grant Writing
  • Supply Drives-This is a great idea for kids who want to get involved.
  • Collecting Donations at Retail Stores
Give back fact: Since starting this program in 2010, Morristown has had a 0% euthanasia rate for healthy animals.
 
About: The mission of the Morris Educational Foundation to generate and distribute financial and other resources to and for the Morris School District for enrichment programs and other projects aimed at enhancing the quality of education and educational opportunities for students in the district.
How you can help: The MEF is proud to offer a volunteer one-on-one tutoring program to support students at Frelinghuysen Middle School. Volunteers work collaboratively with school staff to help students in need of academic support in language arts and math. The program runs from October – May. We welcome you to join us in this pursuit. A background in education is not required. We’ll work with you to make sure you have everything you need to help your students achieve success.  To join us, please submit the application here.
Give back fact: Morristown Onstage is the premier fundraiser for the Morris Educational Foundation.  It is a unique showcase of amateur “acts” of all ages performed in the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.
Hopefully this blog has inspired you to help! There are SO many organizations that need volunteers! If you end up volunteering after reading this blog, please share your experience in the comments below!
Thank you!