Want to help other NJ MOMs and truly make a difference? Even small gestures can make a big impact, and there are lots of ways that you can support, volunteer, and donate to aid others all year round. Whether you are helping moms by dropping off diapers and gently loved toys to families in need, cooking a meal for a family whose child has cancer, or volunteering your time to help distribute food at a food bank, we found charities in NJ that put the spotlight on needs affecting families. Scroll down to explore these different charities and how you can get your family involved in giving back to others. (featured photo credit: SDI Productions)
15 Charities In NJ That Support NJ MOMs And Families
Bridge of Books Foundation
Wondering what to do with all the books your kids have outgrown? This organization in Monmouth County can help get them into the hands of underprivileged kids. They provide books throughout needy communities in New Jersey to support literacy skills and encourage a love of reading. Want to get more involved? Host a book drive and have your kids create flyers to get the word out.
Located in Rumson
Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJBarnabas Health
If you’re looking for hands-on experience connecting with children and their parents, volunteer at one of the Children’s Specialized Hospital locations in NJ. You can sign up to help kids with socialization and homework, provide support during open play in the recreation room, or be a Patient Cuddler, holding and rocking infants who need interaction and play.
Locations in Toms River, East Brunswick, and Mountainside
Community Food Bank of NJ
New Jersey’s largest anti-hunger organization is also a member of Feeding America®. The food bank works to distribute food at food pantries, soup kitchens, and child and senior feeding programs. Volunteer opportunities include food pantry donations, working at the food bank to distribute food, and organizing food items at one of the two locations. Kids ages 12 and up are encouraged to volunteer, so if you have a tween or teen, bring them along, too.
Headquarters in Hillside and a location in Egg Harbor Township
Family Connections
This charity supports children, adults, and families. Its goal is to decrease child abuse, drug abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness while increasing success and family bonding. You can volunteer by becoming a volunteer influencer, helping to spread the word about Family Connections by liking and sharing their social media posts and commenting on them. You can also sign up as a homework helper or organize a fundraising drive in your community.
Located in East Orange
Food Bank of South Jersey
In South Jersey, one in seven children suffers from hunger. The Food Bank of South Jersey provides food to people in need, delivers health and wellness programs, and designs solutions to help people improve their lives. You can donate money, volunteer, food, or even reusable bags to the cause.
Located in Pennsauken
Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer
To continue fulfilling research grants, this family-run charity in Middletown works to help researchers and doctors discover better cancer treatments for children. Each year, the nonprofit selects a different childhood cancer to focus on and sends all its donations to those research teams. Support the cause by starting a fundraising campaign, helping a specific family, volunteering your talents, or making a monetary donation.
Located in Middletown
JBWS
Previously known as Jersey Battered Women’s Service, JBWS is a private nonprofit agency that provides safety, support, and solutions for lives in primarily Morris County to help with partner abuse. You can volunteer directly or indirectly by working with clients or organizing donated items for families to thrive. Both opportunities require an application process and domestic violence training.
Located in Morristown
Madonna House
The Madonna House provides life necessities to infants, children, and women, including clothing, furnishings for juveniles, infant formula, toys, diapers, small household items, and other family needs. You can donate items or volunteer at the Madonna House thrift store, where funds are used to purchase items for needy families.
Located in Neptune
Michael’s Feat
The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund, Inc., is a nonprofit organization in Ocean and Monmouth counties dedicated to comforting and easing the burden of parents caring for seriously ill newborns. Consider volunteering, donating, or organizing a fundraising event.
Located in Wall
Moms Helping Moms
The Moms Helping Moms Foundation provides low-income families in New Jersey with essential mom-and-baby items like diapers to give their children a safe, happy, and healthy start. You can donate money, time, and items or host a period or diaper supply drive. They also donate car seats and books to those in need.
Located in Warren
Mother’s Center of Central NJ
This nonprofit organization is committed to building and fostering a community of support and empowerment for all mothers. If you are a mom looking to connect, the Mother’s Center of Central NJ offers many opportunities for local moms to connect through daytime and evening activities. You can volunteer with them, participate in their fundraising event, or make a tax-deductive charitable donation.
Located in Cranford
Pajama Program
Kids crave routines, especially in places like foster homes and shelters. The Pajama Program helps create comforting bedtimes for kids and boosts literacy through pajama and book donations. You can give monetary donations or host a drive to collect new, unused books and pajamas.
Located in Middletown
Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey Family
The Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey in Camden is a home base for families whose children receive specialized treatment for life-threatening illnesses and diseases at nearby hospitals. They also operate 11 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals in South Jersey. There are several ways to volunteer and donate, but one of the most unique ways is to get a group of mom friends to sign up and cook a meal at the facility for the families staying there.
Located in Camden
Second Chance Toys
If you want to help the environment and brighten a child’s day at the same time, Second Chance Toys aims to do both. By donating plastic toys to Second Chance Toys, you not only keep them out of a landfill but also pass them on to a child in need. You can donate, volunteer, or make a contribution.
Located in Springfield
The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation
This foundation supports single mothers and their children by providing assistance and resources so that they can provide for their children. They help mothers find childcare, education, transportation, job opportunities, and more. Volunteer, collect donations, or assist single moms and make a difference in their lives and their kids’ lives.
Located in Basking Ridge
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