For many, the season of giving may begin later in the year, but in reality, it’s never too early to start. There are many local charities and organizations across Hunterdon County that need our help all year long. From donations to lending a helping hand, no act of service is ever too small. These organizations have service opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a student in need of service hours or simply looking to give back to the community. Check out below for a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities, and be sure to visit these sites to sign up to help.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick- Hunterdon County
2025 Happening List Finalist – Charity
https://fssphunterdon.com/
Friendly Sons Hunterdon County Chapter is a group of over 100 men who promote Irish culture through fundraising events, monthly meetings, and charitable and equity events. The group is founded on three tenets: Culture, Community and Camaraderie. For over a decade, they have been providing relief to communities throughout the county by providing monetary aid to families struggling with medical bills, supporting non-profits that help people in need, and more. Since its inception in 2008, the group has raised and distributed over $500,000.
In addition to donating, you can apply to become a member today. Simply apply through their website and join a passionate community filled with service and fun.
Mane Stream- Adaptive Riding & Therapy Services
2025 Happening List Nominee – Charity
https://www.manestreamnj.org/
Mane Stream’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those with physical, emotional and developmental challenges through a program of equine assisted activities, educational initiatives and therapy services. They offer therapies including physical, occupational, and speech-language, as well as a day camp and school/vocational programs.
There are many ways you can help this organization, and Mane Stream welcomes volunteers ages 14 and up. No prior experience with horses or those with disabilities is necessary, since they will provide training. Check out below for a more detailed description of their many volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed every Monday – Saturday. Tasks include tacking horses prior to lessons, grooming, leading the horse or sidewalking for equine assisted activities programs, office tasks, maintenance and barn chores. Time commitments are 2-6 hours per week for a typical 6-16 week session. All volunteers must complete the online registration before attending a virtual orientation and then one hands-on orientation.
Become a Camp Buddy: Camp Buddies will assist with aspects of camp such as riding lessons, horsemanship skills, and horse-related games and crafts. The camp runs Monday-Friday for 11 consecutive weeks since mid-June. Those who are interested must complete a simple online training presentation.
Photographers: Photographers help with Mane Stream’s marketing efforts by capturing pictures during therapy sessions, summer camp, field trips and more. Simply email the volunteer address on their website to let them know you are interested.
Additional opportunities include Camp Unpaid Internships for College Students and Shoes For Shoes, a partner project with Funds2orgs.com that provides affordable footwear to people in developing nations and raises money for farrier costs for the Mane Stream herd.
Family Promise of Hunterdon County
2025 Happening List Nominee– Charity
https://familypromisehc.org/
Family Promise was established in 1990 and is the only residential support center for children and their families in Hunterdon County. They advocate for those who are experiencing homelessness and help them to achieve self-sufficiency through services, compassionate care and professional support. Their programs include Mental Health, Shelter Services, Homeless Prevention, Sustainable Housing, and the Neighbors in Need Fund. Family Promise has a goal to create a world where all individuals and families in the community have the opportunity and resources to live independently.
There are many ways to help this organization, either through a local church or independently. Simply fill out the application on their website and they will connect you to a host site.
In addition, there are more ways to help out with less urgent needs. See below for a full description of these opportunities.
Culinary Angels from Church of the Holy Spirit: This ministry provides healthy and home-cooked meals for Family Promise clients who have found housing but still need additional support. Those who are interested in helping can contact the church at 908-236-6301.
Donation: Family Promise clients often need help with home goods and furniture once they have found housing. If you would like to donate new or gently-used items, contact the Family Promise Office.
Host a pet: Occasionally, a family may need someone to host their pet until they find permanent housing. If you are interested, contact the Family Promise office.
Hunterdon Helpline
Hunterdon Helpline’s Mission is to provide a live, First Assist 24-hour initial assistance call center as well as services and programs to help the communities they serve. They work to provide resources and solutions to at-risk residents in Hunterdon County and beyond who are dealing with difficult situations. At-risk groups include people with disabilities, seniors, minorities, the under employed and the under educated.
There are many ways you can help this organization meet their goal. Check out below for a more in-depth description of these opportunities, and visit their website to complete the General Volunteer Application.
Helping Seniors: For those who want a smaller commitment, Friendly Visitors and Volunteer Shoppers are great options to help out seniors, each with a once a week commitment. Friendly Visitors visit a senior in their home for social time, and Volunteer Shoppers shop and deliver items for seniors who cannot physically go to the store. One 3-hour shift per week options include Telephone Reassurance and the CIRA Program. For Telephone Reassurance you will make calls to seniors from the office for wellness checks, and for the CIRA program you will focus on COVID education and scheduling for seniors and people with disabilities.
Literacy Education for Adults: This opportunity involves teaching adults English so they can thrive in their community. The time commitment is 2 hours per week, and the program requires a 15-hour course.
The Next Door Program for the Homeless: A 3-hour per week commitment, the Next Door Center provides homeless clients with showers, refreshments, and information to end homelessness.
We Are Supported By:
