Want to Volunteer in Toms River?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

We took a quick picture while volunteering at Simon's Soup Kitchen in February.

Looking for ways to help out in your community?

There are many places in Toms River, Seaside Heights and Ocean County are in need of volunteers to help continue the great work they are doing. Here are some of the ones that we are involved with and are always looking for more people to help out:

• Ocean County Library Homebound Services delivers books to those unable to get to the library. Click here to learn more about volunteering at the library.
• Friends of the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch hold events such as used book sales, jewelry sales and organize trips to benefit the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.
• Simon’s Soup Kitchen in Seaside Heights provides nutritious meals, free of charge, to anyone who is seeking nourishment or companionship in a safe, warm, and caring environment. Anyone is welcome, regardless of age, sex, race, financial need or religious belief. To learn more about volunteering click here. Due to Covid, they are offering meals to go until it is safe to reopen the cafeteria.
• S.A.V.E. Thrift Store sells donated items where 100% of the proceeds goes to the animals in their care. They take unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals and provide them with medical care and a safe and nurturing environment until they find there forever homes. S.A.V.E. is a no kill shelter. 
• The Hope Center provides support, resources, referrals, food to clients as they work to overcome a current life crisis. 
• Just Believe Inc. benefits the Code Blue Shelter by giving the homeless hope and refuge in Toms River. They are a nonprofit, which manages the Code Blue shelter at the building Riverwood Park, supports those in need as they work to turn their lives around in Ocean County. They also operate a thrift store called Just Believe Boutique located at 734 Route 37. If you wish to volunteer please email Paul at paul@justbelieveinc.org or Amanda at amanda@justbelieveinc.org.
• OceanCares Foundation support Ocean Mental Health Services (https://oceanmhs.org/) help people with mental health needs have access to services and supports, allowing them to live healthier and succeed in their treatment goals. Our very own Kathy is the current board president for the OceanCares Foundation To volunteer click here
• Contact of Ocean and Monmouth Counties provide helplines for our community on a 24-hour basis year after year since 1975 Click here to volunteer or click here to check out their upcoming events. One of their big fundraising events is their gift wrap station they set up at the Ocean County Mall during the Holiday Season.
• The local fire departments and first aid squads are usually in need of volunteers to help with fundraising ideas and helping out at event fundraisers.
• The American Red Cross always need volunteers at their local blood drives.

These are just a few options in and around Toms River where you can volunteer. There is a never ending need for volunteers and many different organizations and charities to choose from.

If you are not comfortable volunteering there are lots of wonderful, local organizations in need of donations:

• Ocean’s Harbor House provides a safe haven and caring environment for vulnerable youth to enable them to unlock their potential and learn skills that will empower them to build healthier lives, relationships and futures. Want to help? Click here to donate.
• Ocean Mental Health Services has a here of items if you prefer to purchase items and drop them off.

Attending fundraising events is another great way to help out local organizations. By attending, you get to enjoy the event and the organization gets to benefit from the extra income. Once Covid is over, get out there and enjoy some fun events to benefit local charities:

• Ocean Mental Health Services has their Third Annual OceanCares Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 8th 10AM-3PM at Traders Cove Marina, Brick rain or shine. Click here for more details.