Looking for a way for you and your family to give back this May? You can log some miles for fellow mamas at the 8th Annual Miles with Moms 5K in Clark, raise money for endangered animals at Cape May Zoo’s Conservation Day or find a home for all of those darling outfits your kiddos have outgrown with JoJo Maman Bebe’s From a Mother to Another in Hoboken and Montclair. Join in on these events and festivities around New Jersey that encourage your children to pay it forward. Let us know which you choose and share! Hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 13 must-know NJ charity events this May:
JoJo Maman Bébé Clothing Recycling Program
Now – May 12
You can give back by donating your gently loved kids’ clothes, and in return get a $10 voucher for JoJo Maman Bebe. Did you know the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year? JoJo Maman Bébé’s From a Mother to Another campaign aims to reduce clothing waste while helping families across North New Jersey. Donations are being collected now through May 12th at both NJ store locations. Before donating, JoJo asks customers to put together outfits, sizes 0-6 years, and pack in a see-through plastic bag, labeled by size and season.
Hoboken and Montclair locations
Autism Awareness Swim & Play
May 4, 10AM – 1PM
Collect pledges for your laps in the pool, or round up lump sum donations from family, friends and neighbors – however you decide to swim and play, know that all proceeds will go to benefit Autism New Jersey. It’s the state’s leading autism resource that provides essential information, advocacy and support to children and their families. There will be food and drink available for purchase, a vendor fair, and crafts and games for the kids.
The Aquatics & Fitness Center • 333 Cheesequake Road, Parlin, NJ
Cost: free
8th Annual Miles with Moms 5K
May 5, 8AM – 11AM
Runners, walkers, mom and dads with strollers, kids, friends and neighbors are all welcome. This fun-filled family event features races, raffles, and kid activities sponsored by local and national businesses. All proceeds from the fundraiser go towards improving programs for children, moms and families at the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey.
Oak Ridge Park, Oak Ridge Road, Clark, NJ
Cost: $12 – $30. Kids Fun Run is free (6 and under)
10th Anniversary Paulette’s C of Blue 5K/1 Mile Fitness Festival
May 5, 8:30AM – 1PM
Support local patients and families affected by colorectal cancer through the C of Blue run or walk at CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center. In addition, CentraState simultaneously will host its Free Fitness Festival. The dual event features a variety of fitness classes and demos, gift raffles, health screenings, fundraising prizes, and children’s activities. Vendors will be on-site for some local shopping.
CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center, 901 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ
Cost: free, race costs $20+
11th Annual Highland Park NJ 5K Road Race & Kids Races
May 5, 9AM – 10:30AM
Come take a run through the beautiful neighborhoods of Highland Park, all for great causes. Race proceeds will benefit the Borough of Highland Park Police, Fire, First Aid, and Recreation departments; the Highland Park Public Library; and Main Street Highland Park. All participants are welcome in the race – including strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Kids races begin at 10AM and those racers receive a t-shirt and refreshments.
212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ
Cost: $10 – $28
Bordentown Family Fun Color Run
May 11, 9AM – 12PM
Get your white t-shirts and shorts ready! It’s time to splash some color around at the the Bordentown Community Family Fun Color Run. The 2-mile run will benefit Bordentown Middle School. Enjoy food trucks, music, and a basket raffle too.
50 Dunns Mill Road, Bordentown, NJ
Cost: $25
Sustainable Princeton’s GreenFest
May 11, 11AM-3PM
GreenFest is a celebration of sustainable living held at the Princeton Shopping Center. At this event, you’ll test drive a variety of electric vehicles, marvel at a live animal wildlife presentation, make sustainable art, enjoy live music, take a sustainable living pledge, enjoy food from low-waste restaurants, and so much more. You are asked to pre-register.
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton, NJ
Cost: free
Cape May Zoo Conservation Day 2019
May 18, 10AM – 2PM
Enjoy a day at the zoo and support a worthy cause – raising awareness and funds for endangered animals and their habitats. During this event various organizations, groups, and clubs from the local community will be supporting our endangered animals by being their voice. All the funds raised by the groups on this day will go towards each animal’s specific conservation fund. The largest amount of money raised by a group will have their donation matched.
707 Route US 9 N, Cape May Court House, NJ
Cost: zoo admission
Delicious Orchards Tractor Pull
May 18, 11AM – 2PM
This fun-filled event will assist the Foundation in its mission to provide Hope and Help for Children with Cancer who reside in New Jersey. Community support of this event will enable the Foundation to help hundreds of children who are battling cancer with the assistance they and their families desperately need.
Delicious Orchards, 320 State Route 34, Colts Neck, NJ
Cost: free, donate here
All Paws on Board Dog Adoption Event
May 18, 11AM – 3PM
Come meet your “FURever” friend at the All Paws on Board Adoption Event. Local rescues and shelters will be here with dogs of all ages that are looking for homes. Be sure to stop by Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Arcade for more fun, hop on the amusement rides, or spend some time at the beach.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Cost: free
Endangered Species Day
May 19, 10AM – 4PM
The Bergen County Zoo is doing what they can to help the beautiful creatures on our planet that are endangered and facing extinction. Come and join them on this special day to learn about these endangered animals. There will be zoo tours, artifact tables, educational activities and crafts.
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ
Cost: zoo admission
Family Volunteer Day
May 19, 11AM – 3PM
The Bergen Volunteer Center annually hosts Family Volunteer Day in the spring to bring families together for a good cause. Families of all shapes, sizes, and ages will work together to strengthen family relationships and teach kids kindness, empathy and respect for others. More importantly, it teaches them that happiness is not dependent on what we have. Families can give their time and talent to those in need and show kids that you as a family value community service.
Fresh Roots Farm 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ
Cost: 12 and older $10, Ages 4-11 $5, 3 and under are free
Walk4Friends 2019
May 19, 12PM – 4PM
Walk4Friends is a fun-filled family event that brings together the entire community for an amazing cause. Come show your support for The Friendship Circle as we walk together to create awareness, solidarity, and support for children with special needs, teen volunteers and their families. The event features a PMX Show, rides, moon bounces, Art Center, Open-Air Market and food for sale.
Vonage Campus, 23 Main Street, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: registration is free and online, walk-up fee $10, $36 per family
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
More fun things to do this weekend:
#NJMOM Hack: Every Kid in a Park Program
Kip’s Castle Park in Verona, #NJMOM Adventure
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