It’s the season of giving, so why not bring the family to one of these charity events across the state, where even a small gesture goes a long way? Vote for your favorite tree at the 2024 Festival of Trees Charity Fundraiser in Toms River, get your jingle on to help find a cure for arthritis at the Jingle Bell Run in Holmdel, or enjoy a visit with Santa and bring a new, unopened toy at the Santa Annual Charity Event in Freehold. Want to know more about NJ charities that will put you in the giving spirit? Find a list of them here. (Featured photo credit: iStock/mattjeacock)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
2024 Festival of Trees Charity Fundraiser
December 5 at 5 PM
Come “vote” on your favorite tree at this joyous festival. This year’s theme is inclusion and there will be lots of local charities who are participating by decorating a tree for the display. Check them out, vote by making a cash donation for your favorite, and the funds will be collected by the charity for the tree you pick. Beyond the tree display, the whole family will have a blast seeing Santa, enjoying a S’mores bar, hot cocoa, snacks and baked goods, kids’ activities, storytime, and more.
Toms River Elks Lodge #1875; 600 Washington St., Toms River, New Jersey, 08753
Cost: free admission
PBA #38 Toys for Tots Charity Hockey Game
December 6 at 6:30 PM
Head to the rink and watch as Woodbridge PBA #38 takes on South Brunswick PBA #166 in a fun and eventful game. The only thing you need to bring is your coat and a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Cost: A toy for donation is required for entry
The Club At Woodbridge, 585 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Jingle Bell Run
December 7 at 9 AM
Get your jingle on at a holiday fun run supporting the Arthritis Foundation. Have the whole fam don their merriest apparel and strut your stuff as you walk or run the 5K. Feel good about doing good, and help jingle all the way to a cure–100% of your registration fee goes straight to the foundation, which helps to raise funds and awareness about this crippling disease.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Cost: Pricing depends on registration
Make A Wish Holiday Wishes 2024
December 7 at 2 PM
This live music event, which is both fun and impactful, will benefit Make A Wish New Jersey. Over a dozen talented musicians will perform three hours of live musical entertainment. The Make-A-Wish Foundation will receive 100% of the donations.
Reef & Barrel Beach Bar & Grill, 153 Sea Girt Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Asbury Park Santa Run
December 7 at 10 AM
Ho Ho Ho! Back in its ninth year, this popular event features thousands of Santas running through the streets of Asbury Park in support of Lunch Break, a charity that provides food, clothing, and life skills to those in need. Support the event by entering and dressing up like the big guy–kids can dress up too while they cheer on the Santas that whiz by them. If you can get kid coverage, there’s a special adults-only after-party performance from Brian Kirk & the Jirks at The Stone Pony.
Race starts at The Stone Pony; 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Cost: $49.95
Charity Hockey Game
December 7 at 2 PM
It’s the annual Bellmawr Police and Firemen vs. Bellmawr Hockey charity hockey game to benefit Kiernans Kids Toy Drive. This is the sixth annual event where the family collects toys for children in the hospital for the holidays. You can also donate to the cause.
Cost: Free to attend, please bring a toy or make a donation
Bellmawr Street Hockey Rinks, Anderson Avenue, Bellmawr, NJ 08031
Jingle All The Way 3K
December 8
Kick off the holiday season with this fun event that will get the whole family moving and support a great cause. Hundreds of sprinters, joggers, and walkers will participate in this 3K to raise money for all the Special Olympics athletes in New Jersey.
Cost: Varies depending on registration
SONJ Sports Complex, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Toys for Tots Car Show
December 8 at 12 PM
Head to this first annual event to support Toys for Tots. You can donate new and unwrapped toys. Santa will be available for photos, and refreshments will be served.
Cost: Free to attend, please bring a toy or a donation
American Legion Post 119, 137 New Market Road, Dunellen, NJ 08812
Santa Annual Charity Event
December 14 at 11 AM
This annual event is a great way to give back during the holiday season. Freehold Ford is collecting donations of new, unused toys for the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a free photo with Santa for kids of all ages, family members, or a single person. Refreshments and light food will be served.
Freehold Ford, 3572 Route 9 South, Freehold, NJ 07728
Teddy Bear Rally
December 15 at 10:30 AM
For the 35th year, come to this fun event and watch an exciting road rally. All of the new, unopened toys will be donated to Toys for Tots, an amazing charity that provides kids with toys for the holidays.
Cost: Free to attend, please bring a new and unopened toy
Subaru World of Hackettstown, 364 US 46 West, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
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