If you’ve been thinking about ways to give back, why not join a charity event this April where the whole family can get involved? Help clean the beaches along the Jersey Shore coastline at COA’s 41st Annual Beach Sweeps, celebrate spring and all things green at Collingswood’s 17th Annual Green Festival, or bring your appetites and head to a food truck festival featuring food, beer, live music, and lots of fun for the whole family at the United For Impact Food Truck Festival in Freehold. Want to know more about NJ charities to give back to? Find one near you with our charity guide. (featured photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
COA’s 41st Annual Beach Sweeps
April 11 at 9 AM
Round up your crew to help clean the beaches along the Jersey Shore. Volunteers are needed between the Raritan and Delaware Bays and along the ocean to clean beaches, waterways, and underwater sites. Participants collect and record valuable data about debris, which is presented in annual reports and used to advance federal, state, and local programs to reduce litter.
Cost: Free
Participating NJ Beaches
5th Annual Memorial Walk Marketa’s Journey
April 18 at 10 AM
Join this walk on the trails to celebrate and honor the life of Marketa McCabe, a young woman and Girl Scout who died too soon, and her passion for protecting the environment. The walk has a staggered start, any time between 10 AM and 12 PM. Trails vary from 0.5 to 5 miles long. When you’re done, visit supporters, grab some refreshments, go fishing in the lake, or have fun with the Girl Scout activities. Walking on the trail is optional, and there’s indoor seating available. All proceeds will be donated to the Marketa’s Journey Scholarship Fund.
Cost: $20, kids 10 and under, $10.
YMCA of the Pines (Camp Ockanickon) 1303 Stokes Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
17th Annual Collingswood Green Festival
April 18 at 9 AM
Pay it forward by taking care of our Earth. Celebrate spring and all things green at Collingswood’s 17th Annual Green Festival. Enjoy local sustainable food, organic gardening, water conservation, renewable energy, environmentally-friendly construction, and more. Your family can learn about smart green living from local activists and experts.
Cost: Free
Irvin Ave., Collingswood, NJ
Gloucester County Hero Scholarship Coffee Run
April 19
Join us for a 5k run, a 1-mile fun walk, or a 10 K run at RiverWinds Community Complex in West Deptford, NJ. Money raised will go to the Gloucester County Hero Fund. In addition, a kids’ obstacle course will be available for your littles.
Cost: $15 – $40 for adults. Kids are free
Riverwinds Community Complex, West Deptford, NJ
Mosaic Annual 5K Run, Walk & Family Fun Run
April 19 at 8 AM
Give back and get your heart rate going at the annual Mosaic (formerly Seashore Gardens Foundation) 5K Run Walk and Family Fun Run. Net proceeds from this event will benefit Alzheimer’s and Dementia outreach and programs.
Cost: Registration cost varies
9th Street, Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08223
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo
April 19 at 8 AM
Lace up your running shoes and say good morning to all of the animals at the zoo. You can choose between a 5k run, a 1-mile walk, or a free kids’ race, and you will have fun running through the zoo. The proceeds from this event will be split between the Cape May County Zoological Society and the Step Back Foundation.
Cost: Registration cost varies
707 Route US 9 N, Cape May Court House, NJ
2026 Monmouth County SPCA Dog Walk + Pet Fair
April 25 at 11 AM
Families, friends, and animal lovers can attend this event and enjoy a tour of the park, shop with local vendors, learn about the MCSPCA, make crafts, and more. All proceeds from this event will feed and care for the many animals that come to the Monmouth County SPCA.
Cost: $35 per person
Leon Smock 80 Acre Park, Wall St, Eatontown, NJ 07724
United For Impact Food Truck Festival
April 26 at 12 PM
Bring your appetites and head to this food truck festival hosted by the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. There will be food, beer, live music, and lots of fun for the whole family. This event is being held to support and raise awareness of the mission of the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Cost: Free to attend
West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
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