Isiah Christie 
There’s always an opportunity to give back to those in need, whether supporting local shelters or humanitarian initiatives. The Jersey Shore has plenty of organizations and locations to make an impact through volunteering, and The Jersey Shore Girl has rounded up a list to follow. Read on for a list of ways to volunteer at the Jersey Shore this fall 2026.
Organizations
Associated Humane Societies + Popcorn Park | 1 Humane Way, Forked River + 2960 Shafto Road Tinton Falls
Volunteers at Associated Humane Societies have opportunities to help via dog-walking, cat socializing, fostering, helping with events, and more. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and can register here.
Cape May County Animal Shelter | 110 Shelter Road, Cape May
Volunteers at Cape May County Animal Shelter help with cage + kennel cleaning, cat socializing + exercising, walking dogs, event planning, and more. The shelter also accepts junior volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17, but they must be accompanied by a parent while volunteering. FYI: Interested volunteers must first attend a mandatory orientation. To learn more, visit here.
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Cape May County Park + Zoo | 707 Route 9 North, Cape May
Both individual and group volunteers are welcome at Cape May County Park + Zoo. To sign up individually, visit here, and for group or organizational volunteering, email [email protected]. Available tasks include greeting guests, assisting with special events and fundraisers, and maintaining the park grounds.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey | 6735 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ)’s volunteer programs include sorting and repacking donated food, making meals, and assembling senior food boxes. Youth volunteering opportunities are also available, with more information found here.
Friends of Island Beach State Park | 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park
Island Beach State Park offers plenty of volunteering opportunities to help with projects around the park grounds, including restoration projects, beach cleanup, working at outreach booths, and event planning.
Fulfill NJ | 3300 Route 66, Neptune
Fulfill, formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth + Ocean Counties, focuses on food distribution, providing education, and shelter to those in need. Volunteers with the organization help plan food drives, pack + sort donations, help with office work, distribute food at mobile pantries, and more.
Habitat for Humanity | 20 Court House–South Dennis Road, Cape May
Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building stable and affordable places to call home for people for those in need. There are opportunities to volunteer at its worksite, with tasks such as digging for piping, installing slabs, carpentry, sheetrock, flooring, and painting.
JBJ Soul Kitchen | 207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank + 1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
This non-profit cafe, founded by New Jersey’s very own Jon Bon Jovi, accepts volunteers for chatting with customers, serving meals, and keeping the cafe clean. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and live within a 15-mile radius of the cafe’s Red Bank or Toms River location.
Lunch Break | 121 Drs. James Parker Boulevard, Red Bank
This Monmouth County-based organization provides food, clothing, housing solutions, and life skills to those in need in the area and beyond. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and assist in various tasks, with more information found here.
Monmouth County SPCA | 260 Wall Street, Eatontown
Monmouth County SPCA’s volunteer program involves the care of the shelter’s animals with tasks such as dog walking, cat socialization, and assisting with outreach events. A volunteer orientation is also required.
New Jersey Audubon | 701 East Lake Drive, Cape May
New Jersey Audubon supports and encourages preserving and understanding nature along the Jersey Shore. The organization has six areas volunteers can participate in: marketing, education + research, property maintenance, fundraising, nature store reception, and financial + general administration.
Save Barnegat Bay | 117 Haines Road, Toms River
This organization is dedicated to supporting Barnegat Bay, which has historically struggled to maintain its ecosystem. Volunteer positions come with training and guidance, and involve assisting on school field trips, helping with fundraiser organization, and maintaining outdoor spaces. Unique skills such as graphic design, photography, writing, and video editing are also appreciated.
The Wetlands Institute | 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor
Volunteers with The Wetlands Institute help with aquarium care, outreach, administrative work, greeting visitors, special events assistance, and more. There are three levels of volunteer work depending on your commitment capabilities, so there are good opportunities for everyone. To learn more, visit here.
Events
Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps | Multiple Locations
Saturday, October 24 | 9AM – 12:30PM
New Jersey’s beach sweeps have been an initiative held since 1985 to clean up beaches across the Garden State. Volunteers of all ages are accepted, and a full list of participating beaches can be found here.
Women Build 2026 | Multiple Locations
Hosted until October
Women Build is a program that gives women the opportunity to volunteer, build, and advocate for affordable housing. Volunteers are given select assignments and contribute at a local housing program site to raise funds. Lunch and equipment are provided.
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