Why not spread the love this February and support a local charity? Whether it’s checking out the cold-loving plungers at the 14 Annual Valentine’s Plunge for ALS in Manasquan, pitching in at the Winding River Park Cleanup in Barnegat Bay or having a ball while supporting special needs kids at Shop and Play for a Cause in Princeton, there are plenty of ways to show some love to others and give back this month.
Psst! How are you paying it forward this February? Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
7 Must-Know Charity Events This February:
Volunteer Fair for Local Non-Profits
Saturday, February 1, 11AM – 1PM
Want to teach your kids about giving back but don’t know where to start? Bring the whole fam to this fair that will introduce you to tons of local non-profits, like Van Kleck House and Gardens, The Montclair Public Library and the Montclair Art Museum. Each booth will offer info on ways that you and your fam can volunteer, whether it’s hands-on or fundraising, making it super easy to sign up and get involved stat.
Montclair Film/Cinema 505
505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair NJ
Cost: Free
14th Annual Valentine Plunge
Saturday, February 1, 12PM
Sure it’s cold…isn’t that the point? Whether you’re doing it, donating to it or just spectating, head to Manasquan Beach to cheer on the brave swimmers who are plunging in to raise money to help people diagnosed with ALS. The funds they raise go towards providing a better quality of life for ALS patients and their families. After, head to nearby Leggits Sand Bar and Restaurant for a celebratory buffet lunch that honors all who dove into the Atlantic.
Beachfront Manasquan, NJ
Let’s Raise Some Dough
Friday, February 14, 11AM – 10PM
Before you get dressed up for a V-Day date night, head to Fusaro Pizza and Pasta to pick up a pie for the kids. They’ll get fed, and you’ll feel good about it since each pie sold raises money towards David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. They’ll be donating $2 per pie sold to this non-profit that helps New Jersey families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Fusaro Pizza and Pasta
31 N Main St, Manahawkin, NJ
Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
Saturday, February 22, 9AM – 1PM
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 Special Olympics of New Jersey. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, teams, organizations and businesses—to help raise money towards 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
Cabin Fever Festival
Sunday, February 23, 10AM – 2PM
Who said helping out can’t be fun? Bring the whole fam to this lively fundraiser sponsored by the Hoboken Family Alliance for the HFA Philanthropy Fund that awards money to local charities (last year, they raised over $10,000). LIttles will love the face painters, balloon artists and dance performances as well as playing games and making crafts like spin art. They’ll be plenty of free pizza to go around and lots of raffles and prizes to keep the festivities going.
Brandt School, 215 9th Street, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $20 per family
Winding River Park Clean Up
Sunday, February 23, 11AM – 2PM
Want to be hands-on? Get outdoors and bring the whole fam to the beach, where you can all pitch in to clean it up before the season starts. Volunteers will pick up trash along the coastline, to help restore the ecosystem and conserve Barnegat Bay. Bags and gloves will be provided.
1211 Whitesville Rd, Toms River, NJ
Shop and Play for a Cause!
Saturday, February 29, 1PM – 3PM
On Leap Day, leap on over with your littles to My Gym in Princeton for playtime, shopping, raffles and games that the whole family will enjoy. Kids can run around during open gym time, while you shop for the latest affordable fashions from Pixie Lane. The money raised goes towards My Gym Foundation, a non-profit benefiting special needs kids.
My Gym Princeton, 625 Nassau Park Blvd, Princeton, NJ
Cost: $5 fee, which will be donated to My Gym Foundation
