This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

10 Best Ways to Volunteer in Bergen County

Check kindness off of your list of resolutions.

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

But volunteering isn't just about giving our time. When we volunteer we get to meet new people, develop interests, gain new experience, and break out of our daily routines. And heck, if you want to put it on your resume no one's going to stop you.

If helping out more in 2012 is on your list of resolutions, check out some of these volunteering options in the New Year.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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 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.

Only Hope Cat Rescue
Are you a cat lover? Help some less fortunate felines from the NY-NJ area find homes. Or simply be one of those homes.


Help keep our little corner of the world clean and vibrant for the community.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?