It’s the start of a new year, and what better way to begin the next 365 days than by attending one of these charity events with the whole family? Take a dip in the freezing ocean for a good cause at one of the Polar Bear Plunges across the state, spend the day organizing necessities for those in need at the West Windsor Arts Council’s MLK Jr. Day of Service, or take part in volunteer opportunities for the community including a winter hat and glove collection, a food collection, and creating health kits at the Scotch Plains Fanwood MLK Day of Service. 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/Bastiaan Slabbers )
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
2025 Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood
January 18 at 10 AM
Support the Special Olympics New Jersey at this fun event. This is more than just a cold dip into the ocean—it’s a way to bond as a family, all for a fantastic cause.
Cost: $25 per person
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
LADACIN Plunge 2025
January 18 at 10:30 AM
Get ready to jump into the freezing ocean—all for a good cause. Bring the entire family and take a dip to support this nonprofit. Then, head to Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurant for the after-party, which includes prizes, food, and drinks for the adults. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Cost: $25 per person
Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurant, 217 First Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
West Windsor Arts Council’s MLK Jr. Day of Service 2025
January 20 at 10 AM
Bring donations and help organize basic necessity kits for babies, moms in need, kids, and homeless shelters.
Cost: Free
West Windsor Arts Center – 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
National Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
January 20 at 9 AM
Families can stop by the Arboretum (on the patio outside the Stackhouse Education Center) to create Valentine cards delivered to the Essential Workers in the community. They will supply paper, ribbon, yarn, and other recycled and saved materials to use for your thoughtful card.
Cost: Free
Reeves-Reed Arboretum – 165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Scotch Plains Fanwood MLK Day of Service
January 20, times vary per activity
Adults and families can join the Scotch Plains/Fanwood community to learn, remember, and volunteer. Volunteering opportunities include collecting winter hats and gloves, collecting food, and creating health kits. There will also be a story time and an art project.
Cost: Free
Locations vary
A Day of Service In Nature
January 20 at 10 AM or 1 PM
Spend the day in the great outdoors in honor of Dr. King at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton. Have the whole family join (a parent must accompany kids under 16) to help restore native habitat for birds and other wildlife and make space for future native plantings.
Cost: Free; complete a waiver form
Mountain Lake House Parking Lot: 57 Mountain Ave, Princeton, NJ 08540. Then, walk as a group to the project site.
Volunteer Center of Burlington County’s 19th Annual MLK Day Challenge
January 20 at 10 AM
Burlington County residents can join hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide in remembering and memorializing Dr. King by participating in activities such as food collection for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry, animal supplies collection for Burlington County Animal Shelter, and more.
Cost: Free
Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, NJ 08036
Stockton University MLK Day of Service
January 20 at 8:30 AM
This event brings together over 500 students and community members. It encompasses 15 projects on and off campus in Galloway, Hammonton, Atlantic City, and Woodbine. Activities include clean-ups, food donations, card making, assembling crafts for nursing homes and hospitals, and more.
Cost: Free
Various locations in Atlantic County
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