Whether your family is inspired by the month of love or you’ve just been thinking about teaching your kids ways to be kind, you can start pumping the positive vibes right now. NJMOM rounded up 15 must-know charity events this month around New Jersey for you and your little ones to do a good deed – because all it really takes is one small act of kindness to help grow your child into a pint-sized philanthropist.
Charity Events in NJ You Need To Know About Right Now
1. Hoops to End Homelessness
Saturday, February 3, 2018 | 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Shoot, score, and support! The 24th Annual trio of basketball games is undoubtedly competitive, but every team is winning for this great cause to benefit Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. Join hundreds of basketball fans and community members in a high-spirited, friendly competition full of fundraising fun.
Elizabeth High School – Dunn Sports Center
600 S. Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Cost: $10 adult, $5 youth
2. Benefit Concert for Music Together
Sunday, February 4, 2018 | 11:00AM to 12:00PM
The one and only singing sensation, Uncle Gerry, will perform fan-favorite songs. Everyone can sing, dance, and have a grand time supporting the Music Together at the Shore Scholarship Program and the Shirat Hayam Preschool.
Music Together at the Shore
700 N Swarthmore Ave, Ventnor City, NJ 08406
Cost: $20 per family in advance, $25 at the door
3. One Simple Wish
February 8, 15, & 22, 2018 | 4:00PM to 5:00PM
Turn TV hour into charity hour, as giving back can start from the comfort of your couch. One Simple Wish spreads love, hope, and joy to foster children throughout the country. You and your little ones can engage through their weekly Facebook Live cast, where the One Simple Wish cast provides creative tips on giving back, plays silly games and gives away prizes.
Facebook Live event – tune in here
One Simple Wish
354 S Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Cost: free
4. Bridges Outreach Birthday Party
Saturday, February 10, 2018 | 6:30PM to 9:00PM
Party like it’s your birthday with Bridges Outreach, an organization that has brought the housed and homeless together in the community for 30 years! Hors d’oeuvres will be served, cocktails available for adults, and live music for all.
Beacon Hill Club
250 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07960
Cost: $150 for a guest ticket, any $ donation accepted
5. Lunar New Year and Spring Celebration
Saturday, February 10, 2018 | 12:00PM to 3:30PM
Gung hay fat choy! Celebrate the Lunar New Year by following the colorful lion through the woods of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. Supporting both the Chinese Association of Millburn-Short Hills and the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, fun and educational activities are will help ring in the Chinese New Year! Games, crafts, trivia, and more will bring fresh, colorful excitement to a frigid February.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
324 Forest Drive S, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Cost: $8 per person
6. Love 4 Lunch Break
Sunday, February 11, 2018 | 11:00AM to 3:00PM
What kid’s favorite school period ISN’T lunch or recess? Channel this lunch buzz over to the weekend, where kids (ages five and up) and adults can join KidsGive Youth Advisory Council and Board to help donate, sort, and create Valentine’s care packages. The thoughtful packages will be collected for Lunch Break, a Red Bank-based non-profit which delivers over 3,600 bags of groceries each month to families in need in Monmouth County!
Shore Regional High School Cafeteria
132 Rt 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
7. Nature Storytime & Sugar Maple Time
Thursday, February 15, 2018 | 10:00AM to 11:30AM
Does your sprout have a sweet tooth and love for short stories and songs? Head to Duke Farms, a wildlife sanctuary and supporter of environmental stewardship, for a morning of nature-driven adventure. Children ages 3-6 will get to see how maple syrup is made and conduct a taste test.
Duke Farms
1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Cost: $5
8. Hearts for the Arts Pancake Fundraiser
Saturday, February 17, 2018 | 10:00AM to 12:30PM
Flapjacks, hotcakes, short stacks, whatever you call ’em, this breakfast buffet brings the family together for a morning to remember. Musical performances from the Institute of Music for Children will accompany the delish, fluffy pancakes.
The Institute of Music for Children
780 Salem Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Cost: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children under 12
9. Gravy vs. Sauce Competition
Sunday, February 18, 2018 | 3:00PM to 6:00PM
Pull out those passed-down family recipes, take over the kitchen, and get cracking on that secret sauce which tastes just like grandma used to make. The Gravy vs. Sauce competition will put your chef skills to the test in support of the Hammonton Rotary Club, bringing the community closer together. Get the kids involved with the cooking process, and everyone will definitely enjoy the final feast!
Hammonton Independent Volunteer Fire Co. Station 2
51 N. White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Cost: $20 adults, $10 children, $1o gravy/sauce entry
10. LIFT Every Voice
Thursday, February 22, 2018 | 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Celebrate Black History Month by immersing yourself in a night full of live art, dance, jazz, and spoken cultural performances. Proceeds will benefit the 2018 Boot Camp to Success mentoring program.
George Washington Carver Elementary School
333 Clinton Place, Newark, NJ 07112
Cost: $5
11. Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 11:00AM
Face the frosty weather and take a dip in the Atlantic. And who said costumes were just for Halloween? Prizes for the best costumes for both teams and individuals will be awarded. Proceeds will benefit the Police Fallen Heroes, MRSA Awareness, and local scholarships.
North Wildwood Beach, NJ
Cost: free, donations accepted
12. FAYLA’s Princess Ball
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Spend the day living your own fairytale and meet the princesses in FAYLA’s party with a purpose! Join Belle, Cinderella, Moana, Ariel and more to support the Family, Adult, and Youth Life Awareness (FAYLA) nonprofit organization. Live entertainment, games, face painting, and countless vendors will provide fun for the whole family.
Long Hill Senior Center
769 Valley Road, Gillette, NJ 07933
Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door
13. Seaside Polar Plunge
Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 1:00PM
Are you brave enough to dive into the icy Atlantic in February? Prove your bravado and support the Special Olympics in New Jersey by participating in the Plunge at Seaside. All funds raised go towards programming and events for more than 25,000 Special Olympic athletes throughout the state.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: $25 to register, further fundraising encouraged
14. North Jersey Paint with a Purpose
Monday, February 26 | 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Channel your inner Michelangelo at the Hearts of Hope “friend”-raiser. Everyone able to hold a paintbrush can help create gifts for hospitals, cancer centers, and military personnel. The featured painting project will be a heart with a caring message.
Calandra’s Italian Village
234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006
Cost: free
15. Nomad Pizza Fundraiser Night
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Looking for an excuse for a mid-week pizza night? Order in or take the family out to Nomad Pizza in Princeton to support the Arts Council of Princeton. The Arts Council supports creative outlets and workshops for all ages and aims to build a closer community.
Princeton Shopping Center
301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Cost: 20% of the check (dine in or take out) will be donated
