10 Ways to Volunteer in Bergen County

Let's face it – we've all got some time to give if we just prioritized differently. And many people, animals and causes could benefit from just a few hours of our time. 

With that in mind, here are some ways to volunteer some (or a lot) of your time close to home this holiday season and beyond:

Bergen County Volunteers
The Holy Grail of finding a Bergen County volunteer opportunity on the web. Have handyman skills? They can hook you up with someone who could benefit from them.  Feel the urge to mentor teens? They've got you covered. Yoga teacher looking to build your resume? Try teaching yoga classes for seniors.

Bergen Family Promise
Help our homeless, hungry, or otherwise needy community members get back on their feet by supporting various aspects of BFP's organization. Take photos, make videos, help families move, provide support to adults in transitional housing, and much, much more.

Want to learn more about Bergen County's history? There's no better way than to help BCHS maintain its historic New Bridge Landing site, lead tours, staff the gift shop, or even just change lightbulbs. You're bound to hear a few stories along the way.

New Jersey Metro Chapter of the MS Society
Wish you could volunteer more but can't leave the house to do it? The NJ chapter of the MS Society has opportunities that you could do from home. And if you see a future for yourself in the nonprofit sector, you can get your feet wet with fundraising and committee meetings with them.

Center for Food Action (CFA) New Jersey
CFA provides Bergen County with emergency supplies of food, counseling, and even occasional rental or utility assistance. They can always use administrative support, warehouse work, and people to initiate food drives.

YWCA of Bergen County
Help out with swimming programs for physically and mentally challenged teens, join special events planning committees, or provide support to the rape crisis center.

Special Olympics New Jersey
We've all heard about it but only a few of us have actually been there. They hold events throughout the year so are in constant need of volunteer coaches, healthcare volunteers, and volunteers at large.

Jewish Family Service Bergen County
From Adopt-a-Bubbe to Kosher Meals on Wheels, Jewish Family Service has an opportunity for those looking for something that helps promote Jewish culture.

Become a New Milford Volunteer Firefighter
The New Milford Fire Department needs dedicated men and women to help protect borough residents. The department is all volunteer with two firehouses --  and -- covering the entire borough.

The NMVAC provides EMS coverage to the boroughs of New Milford and Oradell and needs volunteers and drivers. Dire need is during the daytime hours but volunteers are needed at all times of day. Training to become an EMT is run by the Bergen County EMS Training Center.

These are just some of many. So if you know of other exciting, challenging or interesting volunteer opportunities in the area, or you simply want to recommend an organization in need of volunteers, let us know.