Nonprofits all over South Jersey are always looking for people to lend a hand. Here are some places where you can give back to our community.
The Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor
609-368-1211
You can do your part to help save the ocean with one of three volunteer programs at The Wetlands Institute. For a hands-on experience helping the local wildlife, check out the research and conservation project aide position. Institute volunteers provide support for the site’s goal of promoting the care and appreciation of the wetlands (they even have a one-day option for anyone who wants to try it out). All positions are open to anyone age 14 and up, although different ages require different applications. For sign-up information, click here.
Food Bank of South Jersey
1501 John Tipton Boulevard, Pennsauken
856-662-4884
The Food Bank of South Jersey needs your help to feed children and families in the region. Volunteers are needed to assist at the distribution center, partner sites and with special events in the office. Applications are accepted for individuals, families or large groups. The Food Bank is currently looking for volunteers to fill shifts from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to noon and 12:30 to 4 pm. Click here to fill out an application.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
4 Sawmill Road, Medford
856-983-3329
Volunteers at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge handle all kinds of tasks, from caring for wildlife and greeting visitors to helping with educational programs and building animal enclosures. Anyone age 16 and older can sign up and must attend a volunteer information session, which are typically held in January, February and March. A special fall session will be held on October 21 for anyone interested in the outreach volunteer position. For more information, click here.
Battleship New Jersey
62 Battleship Place, Camden
856-966-1652
Dive into a bit of history as a volunteer aboard the Battleship New Jersey. These volunteers have the chance to participate in memorial events, give tours, conduct research and work with veterans and youth groups. You also gain access to the ship’s private library. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and tour guides must complete an onboard training program. For volunteer opportunities, email volunteers@battleshipnewjersey.org or click here.
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Route 9, Cape May
609-898-2300
When you become a member at Historic Cold Spring Village, you also earn the opportunity to help out in a wide variety of volunteer positions. Whether it’s assisting at the village, planning fundraising events or working on the organic farm, there are plenty of ways to help keep the site’s history alive. The only requirements are to become a member and fill out the inquiry form, which can be found here.
Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park
625 Woodbury-Glassboro Road, Sewell
Walk with the dinosaurs – kind of – when you become a volunteer at Rowan University’s Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park. Volunteers help to support community and educational events, partake in fossil excavation and assist with preparing fossils in the Paleo Lab. An application and introductory session are required, and children between ages 13 and 18 must complete a guardian consent form as well. Click here for sign up information.
WheatonArts and Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Road, Millville
856-825-6800
Spend some time surrounded by the arts when you support WheatonArrts and Cultural Center in one of their volunteer positions. The center accepts volunteers for everything from museum greeters to arts and crafts instructors. Interested volunteers will meet with a coordinator to find the perfect position and attend a volunteer orientation. For more information, click here.