What better way to spend quality time with the family than giving back? This month, lace up your bowling shoes and play some games for a good cause at the Spare Some Love Bowling Fundraising in Maple Shade, watch the brave take a freezing plunge in the ocean to support Special Olympics at the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights or make V-Day cards for the Menlo Park Veterans Home at the Valentines for Veterans in Cranford. Want to know more about NJ charities that will put you in the giving spirit? Find one near you with our charity guide. (Featured photo credit:Istock/AscentXmedia)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Valentines for Veterans
February 2 at 11 AM
What better way to get a head start on Valentine’s Day than by bringing the kids to make Valentine’s Day cards for veterans at the Menlo Park Veterans Home? Supplies will be provided, and it’s a great way to teach kids about giving back.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
951 Lincoln Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Cabin Fever Festival
February 7 at 8 PM
Who said helping out can’t be fun? Bring the whole fam to this lively fundraiser sponsored by the NJ Elks MC. There will be live music and delicious food, and the proceeds will go towards the annual Elks Bikers Rally for Brain Injured Children.
Cranford Elks Lodge, 951 Lincoln Ave E, Cranford, NJ 07016
Cost: $20 per person
Sandy Hook Beach Cleanup
February 8 at 9:30 AM
Spend the day helping the Save Coastal Wildlife Nonprofit members clean up and restore the tip of Sandy Hook.
Cost: Free
Parking Lot M, N Bragg Road, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732
19th Annual Valentine Plunge
February 11 at 12 PM
Jump in and feel the love at this annual event, which is sure to make a splash. Plungers collect donations for ALS patients in exchange for taking a dip in the icy Atlantic Ocean.
Cost: Plungers need to raise a minimum of $100 to participate
Leggetts Sandbar 217 First Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
February 22 at 9 AM
Get freezin‘ for a reason—the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state to come out in the cold and support the Special Olympics of New Jersey. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses—to help raise money for programming and events for more than 26,000 athletes statewide. Even if you don’t plan on jumping in, consider coming to watch and donate to your favorite team. Participants must register in advance.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Spare Some Love Bowling Fundraiser
February 22
Lace up your bowling shoes and play some games for a good cause. This 8th annual event will help fund the stays for families at the Ronald McDonald House Southern New Jersey and help them continue their mission.
Cost: $20 per person
Laurel Lanes, Rt. 73, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
13th Annual Chili Cook-Off
February 23 at 3 PM
Bring your appetite and enjoy this delicious chili cook-off, including performances by bagpipe bands and Irish dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Highlands, NJ.
Cost: $40 per person
Saltwater Social, 128 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732
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