July 2018

Greetings!  Did you know that there is a week in July designated "Be Nice to New Jersey" week?! Of course, you're already nice to New Jersey, helping us to do it all year long! This month alone, thanks to volunteers like you, we will host 241 volunteer opportunities across the state. What better way to be nice than by helping out your neighbors? Check out your options!

Can't volunteer this month? Show some love by making a donation to support our projects!

School Supply Drive 2018 is underway with drives all over the state! We're also excited to be partnering with eleven Raymour and Flanigan stores to host drives in their stores. Interested in helping out? Click here! J ersey Cares' First Night Kit Program collects hygiene and comfort items year-round for individuals spending their first night in a shelter.Want to help? Click here !

D own the Shore! Summer is upon us and you know what that means -- time to hit the beach! While you take time for R&R on the water, why not show a little TLC to communities along the shore? Whether you’re looking to escape from the summer sun or soak it up along the sand, we’ve got you covered! Check it out: Earth Keepers in Island Beach State Park : (Twice a month from 10am-1pm) Help maintain this beautiful beachside park through environmental restoration and stewardship projects. Minimum age with an adult: 8 Donation Clean-Up in Belmar : (Tuesdays from 10am-12pm) Volunteers are needed to clean donations of furniture, lamps, glassware and other household items. Minimum age: 18 Hunger Helpers in Atlantic City : (Sundays from 3:30pm-6pm) Help serve and interact with guests at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Minimum age with an adult: 16

Meet Jersey Cares Fellow Elida Abreu . . . As many of us know, starting a new job or prepping for an interview can be incredibly daunting. The Jersey Cares Fellowship empowers youth through a 10-week professional development internship program. The Fellowship’s mentor program can make all the difference in the world, just as it did for Elida Abreu.  Learn about Elida's journey! Meet Our July  Volunteer Star! Sherri Igartua, o ne of our newest Project Coordinators, hit the ground running as part of our Spring Seasons of Service Cohort and since then has been an active leader, making time for her favorite opportunities while serving at Joint Base MDL - Fort Dix.  Get Inspired by Sherri!

Medidata's Mighty Day of Service

Medidata’s slogan of “Architecture of Hope” was on full display as 115 employees volunteered during their first with Jersey Cares. Volunteers couldn’t wait to get started assembling Hospital Helper and Bravery Award kits filled with entertaining books, fun erasers, silly yo-yo’s, and more. Volunteers also crafted superhero themed capes – sure to brighten the day of every child who received one! The young patients treated at Jersey City Medical Center were excited to show off their newest fashion accessories and get creative, knowing that the Medidata volunteers cared about each and every one of them. Thank you, Medidata, for bringing hope to these brave kiddos! Find out more about the event and how your team can get involved here !

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