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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Opportunities are listed in Alphabetical Order.
At Metuchen High School, we strongly encourage all our students to participate in community service as a part of their educational journey. We believe that these activities foster the development of character, self-esteem and leadership qualities. Contributing to a cause or event, or providing a needed service to others, allows students an opportunity to meet and work with new people, explore interests, learn new skills and experience personal growth. Involvement in community service also reflects a depth of character that can enhance a student’s resume for colleges and scholarships, but we expect our students to become involved because of the personal benefits, not just because it looks good on paper.
Below is a list of local opportunities available in and around Metuchen. For additional information on any listing, please contact the organization directly. Students are encouraged to participate in at least five (5) hours of community service each year. The personal benefits are worth every minute!
Contact info may have changed since this list was developed. If you representent an entity wishing MHS to list your volunteer opportunities or an entity whose information below has changed, please contact school counseling at 732-321-8700 x 5020.
Organization | The ARC of Middlesex County |
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Location | 22119 Black Horse Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 |
Description | The organization is dedicated to promoting equal life opportunities for people who have developmental disabilities. Volunteers will assist in the office or with fundraising. Call and discuss other possible contributions that suit your interests and skills. Monday – Friday; days & some evenings. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | Phone: (732) 821-1199 |
Website |
Organization | American Red Cross |
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Location | Westfield, Somerset or Princeton areas (depending on service) |
Description | Help out at blood drives, provide service to armed forces such as visiting the Lion’s Veteran’s Hospital, work at various community events, run fire safety trailer, etc. Some programs require training for volunteers. Consider joining Red Cross Youth Council to connect with ongoing involvement. |
Requirements | Some age restrictions, depending on the service |
Contact Info | Volunteer Coordinators: Joelle Piercy at 609-951-2123 or Suzanne Anderson at 908-232-7090 Ext. 2019 |
Website |
Organization | Amanda’s Crossing |
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Location | 60 Clif Prescod Lane, Edison, NJ 08817 |
Description | Amandla’s Crossing is a 29 unit transitional housing program for homeless single families on public assistance. It is a unique program that addresses the social, emotional, and academic needs of the families. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | Philip Webb, Executive Director at 732-729-7770 ext. 103 or email him at pwebb@miphnj.org |
Website |
Organization | Animal Rescue Force |
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Location | East Brunswick, NJ 08816 |
Description | Volunteer opportunity available for one student per day on Saturday and Sunday. |
Requirements | Must be 15+ years of age |
Contact Info | 732-257-7559 |
Website |
Organization | Borough Improvement League |
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Location | P.O. Box 174, Metuchen |
Description | Junior Volunteer; Volunteer activities include art curating, yard work and gardening, helping at historic house tours and serving events, and helping at the annual Metuchen Zombie Walk in late October. |
Requirements | Grades 6-12 |
Contact Info | Ms. Tyreen Reuter: ayersallenhouse@msn.com |
Website |
Organization | Breaking the Chain through Education |
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Location | MHS – Room 202 (after school) |
Description | Raise money to rescue child slaves and build schools in Ghana, Africa. |
Requirements | Open to all high school students |
Contact Info |
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Website |
Organization | Buddy Ball |
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Location | Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ |
Description | Buddy Ball is a youth sports and social organization for children of special needs. Volunteers will assist kids with special needs in playing ball. Fall and Spring; Sundays 4:45 to 6pm. |
Requirements | 6th grade and older |
Contact Info | Bob Donohue: redonohue@aol.com |
Website |
Organization | Catholic Charities |
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Location | 288 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ |
Description | The organization will work with students to find volunteer placement at services such as Ozanam’s Family Shelter, Naomi’s Way transitional housing or at Early Learning Centers, assisting staff and conduct activities for children. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | 732-738-1323 or 732-257-6100 |
Website |
Organization | Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park |
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Location | 37 Christie Street, Edison , NJ |
Description | Greet visitors to the museum. Help with the gift shop and help students with hands-on demonstrations. This organization asks that their volunteers commit to spend a minimum of 30 hours of volunteering. |
Requirements | Must be 15 years of age or older |
Contact Info | Kathleen Carlucci (732) 549-3299 |
Website |
Organization | Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen |
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Location | 18 Neilson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
Description | Help feed the hungry. Help prepare food and/or clean up. |
Requirements | Age requirements vary for different duties, but the minimum age is 14. |
Contact Info | Visit the site to register for an event http://elijahspromise.volunteerhub.com/Events/Browse.aspx |
Website |
Organization | JFK Health System |
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Location | 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820 |
Description | Junior Independent Volunteers: Independent projects that can earn volunteer hours: Collect gently used magazines and bundle in packs of 10 (no older than 3 months; cut off mailing label); collect gently used toys (no material or stuffing); collect gently used hardcover books for children under 10 years old.Junior Volunteers:Volunteers need no special training to get involved. Filling out an application begins the process. Special talents and personal schedules are matched to the hospital's needs. Most volunteers donate one time slot of four hours per week; however, additional hours are always welcome. Junior volunteers within our catchment area, who are in at least the 10th grade, can volunteer three hours per week during the school year.Surgical Waiting Room Volunteers act as liaison between the families and doctors regarding a patient’s status. Nursing Unit Volunteers socialize with patients/ families, answer call lights, refill water pitchers, make beds, feed patients, stock linens, run errands and help with clerical work. Kit Kart Volunteers create arts and crafts items to give to the patients. The Information Desk Volunteers answer visitor calls and questions and provide directions. Clerical assignments help with filing, copying, collating, answering phones and making charts. |
Requirements | Junior Independent Volunteers - open to any student ages 13 and older; Junior Volunteers - High School grades 10-12 |
Contact Info | Director of Volunteer Services, Marie Anderson - (732) 321-7083; For Junior Volunteers – application required; For Jr. Independent Volunteers: Bring items to the Volunteer Dept. on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month between 5:30pm – 6:30pm; must bring copy of last report card. |
Website |
Organization | March of Dimes - Team Youth Program |
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Location | 2400 Main Street Ext., Suite 1, Sayreville, NJ 08872 |
Description | The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Team Youth ensures volunteers have access to: age- appropriate and mission-relevant health education information; community, state and national leadership opportunities, and fundraising activities that are fun and rewarding. Help raise awareness, organize fundraisers, and serve on chapter or division boards. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info |
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Website |
Organization | Metuchen-Edison Historical Society |
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Location | 480 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen |
Description | Volunteer opportunities include photographing buildings along assigned streets and special sites, conducting documenting interviews with long-time residents (oral history) and preserving and maintaining the Colonial Cemetery. |
Requirements | High school students |
Contact Info | Ms. Tyreen Reuter at ayersallenhouse@msn.com |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen Municipal Youth Alliance |
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Location | Borough Hall, Metuchen |
Description | Youth Alliance gives youth a voice to speak to issues that concern their family, friends and selves. Members attend bi-monthly meetings on Saturday mornings at Borough Hall to plan the promotion of programs and initiatives for a drug-free community among their peers. In addition, members are encouraged to attend adult Municipal Alliance meetings to share their teen perspective in the discussion. Volunteers help at sponsored events like Natural Night Out and the town’s Halloween Parade, and they help put up a Safe/Sober Prom/Graduation signs throughout the town in May. |
Requirements | High school students who care to affect change; 15-hour a year minimum commitment |
Contact Info | Michael Scheller – mas9357@yahoo.com |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen Public Library Book Friends |
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Location | 480 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen |
Description | Volunteers meet weekly in July with a 1st or 2nd grader in a supervised program with varied reading and word fun activities and crafts. There is a mandatory training session in June. |
Requirements | Students in grades 8-12; Application required; available online in June |
Contact Info | YA Librarian, Kathy Liss; kliss@lmxac.org ; 732-632-8526 |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen Public Library TAB – Teen Advisory Board |
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Location | 480 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen |
Description | TAB members attend monthly decision-making meetings to plan and promote Young Adult programming and initiatives like author visits, book groups, the Garden State Book Awards, and the annual YA Library Scavenger Hunt. TAB members also assist at the other events. The TAB meets September – May. |
Requirements | Grades 6-12 |
Contact Info | YA Librarian, Kathy Liss; kliss@lmxac.org ; 732-632-8526 |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen First Aid Squad |
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Location | The Metuchen First Aid Squad provides free ambulance service to the residents of Metuchen and surrounding communities. |
Description | Cadet Program: |
Requirements | High school students; ages 16-18 |
Contact Info | For more information: MetuchenEMS1948@gmail.com |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen Senior Citizen Center |
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Location | 15 Center Street, Metuchen |
Description | Assist with various small jobs and tasks, such as raking leaves, removing snow, etc. |
Requirements | High school age |
Contact Info | Cathy Ostermueller or Mr. Gazda: 732-632-8524; costermueller@metuchen.com |
Website |
Organization | Metuchen Volunteer Fire Department |
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Location | 500 Main Street, Metuchen |
Description | The Junior Firefighter Program is aimed at developing future members of the fire service. Junior Firefighters take part in drills to learn the basics of firefighting in preparation for the New Jersey Firefighter I certification. Aside from training and drills, Junior Firefighters ages 16 to 18 are eligible for the "ride-along" program which allows them to respond to alarms and observe actual firefighting operations. |
Requirements | Ages 14-18; teenagers seeking a hands-on view of the fire service |
Contact Info | Jacob Kay; 732-632-0500 |
Website |
Organization | NAACP |
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Location | Work from your own home |
Description | Assist with communication & outreach efforts; newsletters, etc. |
Requirements | Skill-based (strong written & communication skills) |
Contact Info | Reggie Johnson: 732-841-9023 |
Website |
Organization | Power of Friendship |
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Location | MHS – Room 202 |
Description | High school students (in groups of 2 or 3) will visit with students with special needs at their homes, once a week for one hour |
Requirements | Open to high school students |
Contact Info | 732-247-3727 |
Website | Not applicable |
Organization | Raritan Bay Medical Center |
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Location | 530 New Brunswick Ave., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 |
Description | Various Programs: Junior Volunteers and Junior Auxiliary |
Requirements | Junior Auxiliary ages 13-18Junior Volunteer ages 16-18 |
Contact Info | 732-324-5006, Susan Pasternack, email spasternack@RBMC.org |
Website |
Organization | Reeves-Reed Arboretum |
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Location | 165 Hobart Ave., Summit, NJ 07901 |
Description | Various ProgramsHelp with the different seasonal festivals such as the Maple Sugar Festival. They also look for volunteers to help with planting bulbs and cleaning up the gardens. |
Requirements | 12 years and up |
Contact Info | Lisa Martin, 908-273-8787, ext. 222 |
Website |
Organization | Reeves-Reed Arboretum |
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Location | 165 Hobart Ave., Summit, NJ 07901 |
Description | Various ProgramsHelp with the different seasonal festivals such as the Maple Sugar Festival. They also look for volunteers to help with planting bulbs and cleaning up the gardens. |
Requirements | 12 years and up |
Contact Info | Lisa Martin, 908-273-8787, ext. 222 |
Website |
Organization | Robert Wood Johnson Hospital |
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Location | One Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 |
Description | Check the website listed below and click on volunteering to see what opportunities are available. |
Requirements | Must be 15 years of age or older; high school grades 10-12 |
Contact Info | 732-937-8507 |
Website |
Organization | Ronald McDonald House of New Brunswick |
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Location | Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
Description | A group of 8-10 volunteers, with an adult for supervision, may use their kitchen and cook dinner for the families that are staying there. The program is called the Caring Cooks program. They also look for volunteers to run a can tab drive. They collect tabs for cans and then turn them into a local recycling facility which pays them for the tabs. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | 732-249-1222 / Jill Kaufman |
Website |
Organization | Saint Peter’s Health Care System |
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Location | 254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
Description | Volunteers serve in non-patient and patient care areas, performing various clerical duties such as answering phones, collating mailings, running errands throughout the hospital campus, assisting in the gift shop, delivering flowers and mail, escorting patients to and from testing, greeting patients as care companions, feeding patients who need assistance, or helping visitors at the reception desk find their way. |
Requirements | High school age |
Contact Info | Volunteer Services at 732-745-8573 |
Website |
Organization | VITAS Innovative Hospice Care |
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Location | One Meridian Road, Suite 5, Eatontown, NJ 07724 |
Description | Hospice volunteers give their time to terminally ill patients and their caregivers during a critical time. Training classes provided. Talk, read to or just listen to patients; play an instrument or sing to them; bring a pet as a Paw Pals volunteer in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; work as administrative office volunteer. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | 732-389-0066 or email Samia.Duarte@Vitas.com |
Website |
Organization | YMCA of Metuchen |
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Location | 483 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840 |
Description | Volunteers are needed for swimming lessons, the pre-school program and summer camp. One day opportunities exist to help others in the community and with events like Tot Trot and an annual 5K event. |
Requirements | Not specified or unknown |
Contact Info | Pat Colandra: 732-516-9200; pat.colandra@ymcaofmewsa.org; application required |
Website |
Organization | Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University |
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Location | 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick |
Description | ZAMbassadors Program; Volunteers help the museum fulfill its mission to serve both university and community audiences. Volunteer activities range from those demanding dedicated commitment and pre-training, to others requiring only enthusiasm and a desire to help the Zimmerli provide enjoyable and meaningful experiences for its audiences. Volunteer activities include guiding tours as trained docents, planning membership events, and providing administrative support. |
Requirements | High school students; grades 10-12 |
Contact Info | Send an email to: education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu or call 848-932-7237 |
Website | http://www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu/about/opportunities#.UGHH3MmF9tI |