Needs From: sjvolunteers

Each year, the Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for thousands of children and seniors in need across the country. The generosity of anonymous (Individuals, families or corporate teams) donors who adopt “angels” from the Angel Trees helps make the season more rewarding for the gift giver and gives a sense of normalcy to the recipients.

Last year we served over 700 children and 350 families with toys, clothing and food boxes for Christmas. Help us continue bringing hope during the holidays!

Help us distribute a turkey and a food box containing all the Thanksgiving meal fixings to families in our community. Distribution will take place drive-thru style in the parking lot of our building. Volunteers will help load turkey and food boxes into the trunk of vehicles. Other volunteers can also help collect general information about the family.

Last year we had over of 1,200 children that will be able to celebrate Christmas with toys under the tree. Therefore, we need SANTA's Elves to help our toy shop and pack toys for each child in their assigned bags as well as prepare food baskets/boxes for about 500 families.

As noted above, this year we have an estimated amount of 1,200 children that will be able to celebrate Christmas with toys under the tree. Therefore, we need SANTA and his elves to help give the toys to families. Distribution will take place drive-thru style in the parking lot of our building. Volunteers will help load toy bags and food boxes into the trunk of vehicles.

Math, Advanced Math, Creative and Academic Writing, Public Speaking

Architecture, Hands-on-Science , Nature and Natural Journaling, Physiology and Anatomy (or related topics), Reverse Engineering, Zoology (One or more the the following areas: Animal Cognition; Ornithology, Herpetology; Entomology; Domestic Animals)

Ancient World History, Anthropology, Linguistic, Philosophy and Classical Western Philosophy, Psychology and Psychiachry

Korean, Italian, Norweigian/Swedish, Advanced Japanese, Russian, Advanced German

Digital Art, CAD (especially Blender), Photography (with smartphone)

Computer Science (beginner and advanced)

Theater, Fabric Art (sewing, knitting, costume making)

The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) at Progressive Center for Independent Living is looking for volunteers age 20 and up to serve as positive role models for Mercer County at-risk high school youth

Each youth will meet regularly with a mentor to develop and implement an Individualized Mentoring Plan (IMP). Our chosen Mentors are caring adults recruited from the community, schools, employers, and partner organizations.  Youths’ families, teachers, and support network are engaged in career fairs, college visits, and extended learning activities

Mentors provide high-tech, career-focused mentoring to youth, including those with disabilities, who are at-risk of court-involvement, through a combination of one-on-one, group and peer mentoring, with the goals of reducing court involvement and or recidivism; increasing career preparation; and developing work readiness skills

The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County is a group of diverse individuals from the community dedicated to the prevention and treatment of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse problems.
We are always looking for additional community members to join us!

Please contact Barbara Sprechman at bsprechman@mercercouncil.org for more information to join!

Volunteer to help youth and adults find the right bike for them at our Bike Exchange. Limited bike knowledge is needed, as we will train volunteers.  Just need to have an out going personality and desire to help others.

Most volunteers sign up for (1) three hour shift per month.

Volunteer to  help repair used bikes at our Bike Exchange.  Join other volunteers in a social setting to help get donated bikes ready for low cost sales to customers.  All proceeds from the Bike Exchange support youth schoolarships to the Boys & Girls Club after school program.

Most bike mechanics volunt 1-2 times per month in (3) hour shifts.

Intermediate bike repair skills required. Additional training is available.

All tools and equipment provided.

We welcome enthusiastic, dedicated and positive volunteers who are committed to empowering girls with valuable life lessons. Coaches are parents, teachers, school administrators, college students and other community members who are committed to developing and celebrating our girls.

Our coaches work hand in hand with our girls at sites across Mercer County. Each season runs for 10 weeks in the Spring & the Fall. Sessions run for 1.25 hours/2x a week. 

Mentors Needed for At-Risk Youth in Mercer County- LifeTies, Inc. is looking for volunteers to mentor youth in Mercer County who are involved with the juvenile justice system or who are chronically absent from school.

LifeTies is also expanding our mentoring program to serve youth who are questioning or who identify as LGBTQ+ and for this program. Although it is preferable for this program that the mentor identifies as LGBTQ+, we are also accepting allies and family members of those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Mentors engage in building a caring, nurturing relationship with youth to help develop character, social relationship skills, career interests, and educational choices. By introducing youth to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help young people avoid negative behaviors and achieve success. Youth with mentors have increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, increased social and emotional development, and improved self-esteem.

Mentors who are at least 21 and pass all background checks must commit to at least 4 hours a month for 1 year. LifeTies provides mentors with broad training and support throughout their time as a mentor. For more information or to attend a virtual information session contact us!

LifeTies is currently seeking two ESL tutors to work on a one-on-one basis with Spanish speaking youth in each of our Group Homes (Rainbow House and Triad House). Ideally the tutor will work with the youth about one hour a week. Preferred scheduling will be late afternoon / early evening at a mutually convenient day and time.

LifeTies has a 40 year legacy of serving special populations of youth who have experienced complex trauma and have additional layers of challenges. We work with youth who:
- identify as LGBTQ+
- are pregnant and parenting
- are homeless
- are involved in the juvenile justice system
- are chronically absent from school
- have behavioral health and/or mental health challenges
- have experienced abuse or neglect
- are involved with the child welfare system

LifeTies established the first group home in the country, Rainbow House, in 1991 which focused on young mothers and their babies infected with HIV+/AIDS. Rainbow House currently serves pregnant and parenting youth as well as those with chronic health issues such as diabetes, asthma, lupus, etc.

Triad House was the first group home in New Jersey to focus on working with youth from the child welfare system who identify as LGBTQ+. Both of the group homes are located in Mercer County, but receive referrals from counties throughout the state. We provide the youth with intensive individual and group counseling, life skills, educational support, job searching skills, and family engagement services.

HomeWorks is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers who are passionate about educational equity, tutoring, mentoring, and building relationships with HomeWorks scholars. HomeWorks Trenton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a community-based after-school boarding program that includes academic and identity-driven leadership enrichment activities to supplement public schools, equip young women, and build community leaders. HomeWorks fosters a community of young women from Trenton who strive to achieve their full potential and positively impact the world around them.

As a tutor, you will volunteer from 7pm to 8:30pm on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Priority is given to tutors who are available at least two days per week. You must be able to commit to your days throughout the duration of the school year. You must be strong in either math, science, history, or humanities. Our greatest need at the moment is for math tutors; however, tutors in any subject are welcome. 

Tutors should have an interest in and comfort working with 9-12th grade female students. They must be culturally competent and able to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles and behaviors of the individual scholars in our program.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Application Link: https://www.homeworkstrenton.org/volunteer/tutor-volunteer 

The opportunity for hands on learning about growing produce indoors hydroponically - such as, sanitary principals, relocation and transplanting and harvesting of produce, and interaction with tours. 

Having to stay in the hospital can be very stressful and bring a lot of anxiety in patients. All our staff strives hard to make sure that our patients are receiving the best care and comfort at all times. To support our staff, we are looking for volunteers to help patients while they are in the hospital. The objective is to help provide comfort to patients and visitors and support our objectives under the directions of Nursing personnel.

This position is primarily categorized as Patient Care and Nursing staff support and requires you to:

This position involves: 1. Walking and standing for long periods of time. 2. Reaching, bending and moving a cart with supplies at times. 3. Should be able to speak English in a well-modulated voice so that you are understood by others. 3. Should be able to take direction from clinical staff regarding all activities/duties.

You will be stationed on one of the patient floors and don’t worry we will train you! If this roles interests you then please contact Volunteer Services at 609.303.4023 volunteer@capitalhealth.org

We are looking for Wayfinder Volunteers! Wayfinders will help us greet patients and visitors as they enter our hospital at the Welcome Desk directing them to outpatient services and medical appointments. They help with deliveries to patient rooms. Wayfinders can help reduce stress and frustration by supporting our patients, visitors and staff.

If you are someone that would like to:

Contact Volunteer Services at 609.303.4023 volunteer@capitalhealth.org

Work as part of a staff/volunteer team to lead a chess program for 8 to 18 year olds at the Boys & Girls Club.  Volunteers are asked to commit to 2-4 times per month, per session.  Chess Club meets once per week for 2 hours, for a 10 week program session in the Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter.

Home Friends is a visitor program for older adults or people with limiting health conditions. This program was created in 1987 in response to a growing need for companionship and support for home-based older adults in Princeton and nearby communities.

Volunteers can do a variety of things during weekly home visits such as: walk together, read and sort mail, exchange stories about life experiences, or pursue mutually shared interests. Some volunteers bring library books, share a movie, help with technology, or work in the garden together.

Home Friends was designed to complement and support, rather than replace, the role of family and paid caregivers.

Once matched with an older adult, we ask that you meet at least one hour a week to build a good relationship that the person can rely on. 

Those who are bilingual or multilingual are greatly encouraged to apply. This opportunity is best suited for individuals over 40 years old and those with flexibility during the work week.

Please complete CMAP volunteer registration: https://princetonsenior.wufoo.com/forms/r10xd3po0q996bm/  

The Salvation Army is one of the largest programs in the US. Our Trenton community center holds music and creative classes for over 70 students on a weekly basis. Classes include: piano, guitar, drums, brass as well as dance. We need instructors who can teach the basics about music which includes but not limited to parts of the instrument as well as basic music theory. 

Help us collect non-perishable food items as well as diapers (wipes and baby hygiene items) for our pantry program that runs on a weekly basis. Families register and provide proof of address to ensure that they live within Mercer County. Items can be collected by your team/group and delivered to our location during office hours. We can provide letter/receipt of in-kind donation for proof. 

MEAL DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - WEEKDAYS

Meals on Wheels of Mercer County works to assist individuals to maintain independence, dignity, health and well-being by providing comprehensive nutrition services and helping ease social isolation.  Most of our participants are seniors and homebound.  Our service area is Ewing, Trenton, Lawrenceville, Hamilton, Princeton, East Windsor, West Windsor and Hightstown. 

Our volunteers deliver meals every day, Monday through Friday between 10am-12:00pm.  Volunteers pick up meals at Rider University in Lawrenceville and follow a route that takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete.  Volunteers enjoy getting to know the participants, and the participants appreciate the meal and the daily conversation. 

United Way of Greater Mercer County is seeking volunteers to join the tax prep team. The program provides families and individuals making less than $65,000/year with FREE tax return preparation.

Benefits to the Community
Last year's volunteers prepared over 1,000 free tax returns and provided total refunds of $1.3 million including Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) to working individuals and families as well as those who are 60 years of age and older in our community.

The average adjusted gross income of working individuals and families we serve is $26,000/year. Rising costs of food, housing, and essentials leave families struggling to make ends meet. The savings from tax preparation fees and refunds received are used for basic needs like:

- food
- housing
- healthcare
- childcare
- transportation to their place of employment
- and much more!

To qualify for Federal resources like food assistance (including school lunch and breakfast), health insurance (including Medicaid), college financial aid, and other programs proof of income is required. As a result, tax return filing is crucial to the financial success of many families and individuals. Be a part of this vital resource to increase financial security for struggling families in Mercer County!

Benefits of Volunteering
- Impact your community
- Gain practical experience
 - No prior tax experience is required
- Various roles are available
      - Tax Preparer: train to prepare and review tax returns
      - Greeter: confirm if individuals have all of the documents needed for filing and assist individuals in              filling out an initial intake form (will not be preparing tax returns)
      - Site Coordinator: review tax returns and manage tax site
      - Translator: translate for Spanish-speaking clients
- Become IRS Certified
- Flexible volunteer hours (3-4 hour blocks)
- College students can earn course credits and build up their resumes
- Tax professionals can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
- Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer (Rising High School Junior/Seniors)

Interested in becoming a tax volunteer?
Volunteers are needed from February 1-April 15, 2025. Free IRS training begins in the Fall of 2024 and test certification is required by January 15, 2025. Tax sites are located throughout Mercer County (exact locations TBD).

Fill out form: https://uwgmc.org/taxvolunteer