SOMA Kindness: Laptop Upcycle is a volunteer run initiative that wipes donated laptops for reuse by local students. They seek adult volunteers of varying skills to help manage lab activities in Montclair and support youth who learn tech through volunteering. Learn more: https://www.laptopupcycle.org/
In Person
SOMA Kindness: Friends, the fairies need your help! The Fairy Trail Festival is on May 2, and there aren’t enough houses for all the fairies!! Creative builders are needed to build new homes! Learn more here about how to solve this housing crisis (and win prizes too): https://www.somocon.org/fairy-trail/
SOMA Kindness: It’s almost baby bird season, and that means the The Raptor trust in Millington (about 25 min from SOMA) needs lots of volunteers. You must be 18+ and commit to 4 hours per week for 10 weeks, and the opportunities are wide ranging! If you love the animal side, volunteers care for songbirds, waterfowl, gulls, and pigeons (not raptors); help is also needed in the gift shop and reception, as well as with essential tasks like laundry and maintenance. https://www.theraptortrust.org/volunteer
SOMA Kindness: Family friendly opportunity alert! Buddy Ball is an inclusive program at South Mountain YMCA that teaches basketball to neurodivergent children of all abilities. They’re seeking SOMA kids age 13+ to be paired as a buddy to guide, teach and partner with participants. Volunteers must be patient, kind, have basic basketball knowledge/skill, and genuinely care about helping others. The spring session begins next week, for more info on volunteering (or participating!) email Nicole njosey@metroymcas.org
SOMA Kindness: Due to the massive accumulation of snow, Newark’s AHS shelter is struggling to safely walk dogs! They urgently need volunteers with snow removal equipment to help clear walkways and access areas!
If you can help provide some much-needed relief, please contact them 973-824-7080
SOMA Kindness: Moms Helping Moms got loads of new donations and could use help at their Wayne warehouse sorting baby clothes and diapers. It’s near the Stirling Hotel & Grill and the Stirling Fountain vintage ice cream shop if you want to make a day of it! https://portal.goldenvolunteer.com/opportunities/YBRGXVlG6S
SOMA Kindness: Family friendly opportunity alert tomorrow (Tuesday 12/23)! As in past years, guests will be admitted to Turtle Back Zoo’s holiday lights by donation of food, toys, and coats. Volunteers will assist in the Donation Tent by greeting guests, collecting and sorting donations, and creating a festive environment. Kids with adults welcome, and we’ve heard there’s hot chocolate too! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FAAAE2BA57-60655925-turtle#/
SOMA Kindness: Family friendly opportunity with Moms Helping Moms! Volunteers age 14 and older are welcome to visit their warehouse in Warren to help sort and repackage baby clothes and diapers. For more info and offsite volunteer opportunities for younger children, visit: momshelpingmoms.org/volunteer/
SOMA Kindness: The South Orange Walk Bike Ride advisory committee is seeking new volunteers who want to help strengthen the ‘Walk’ part of the mission. If you care about supporting a more walkable South Orange, the advisory committee meets once a month in the evenings with a hybrid option. You can learn more here https://www.walkbikeride.org and sign up here https://www.southorange.org/374/Volunteering
SOMA Kindness: The Montclair Township Animal Shelter is looking for volunteer front desk help! They’re seeking kind, welcoming folks who love animals and can help greet visitors, answer phones, direct people, and assist with light office tasks and the food pantry. Sign up for one 3-hour shift per week: Mon, Tues, Fri, or Sun from 1-4 PM. Retirees and seniors are especially encouraged to get involved. No experience needed – just kindness, reliability, and a love for furry faces. Please email emorgan@montclairnjusa.org for more information.