HomeFront runs on volunteerism
HomeFront began as a group of volunteers and caring volunteers continue to make our work and programs possible. Dedicated individuals and families, schools, houses of worship, community organizations and fellowships, government agencies and the business community provide generous donations of time, resources and expertise to help HomeFront families. When we lift each other up, we become stronger together.
Individuals
(16 and older)
A wide variety of opportunities throughout HomeFront’s programs are offered on different days and times for those looking to get involved on a regular basis.
To ensure the safety of our volunteers and our clients’ needs, on-site volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
The first step in volunteering at HomeFront is completing the individual volunteer application form below.
Are you 16 or over and not able to volunteer on-site? Check out our opportunities for families and youth below.
Families and Youth
(15 and under)
Volunteering as a family can be a fun and rewarding experience. If you are under 16, there are still many ways to help HomeFront families.
Among the opportunities for families and youth, two of our most popular are given below:
Groups or Organizations
Opportunities for your company, congregation, clubs, school and other groups to help HomeFront families can be organized at one of our locations or on-site at yours.
We ask that you please reach out to us a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of when you’d like your group to volunteer so we can plan for an impactful visit. Please note that depending on the time of year, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
HomeFront Drives
Everyone can participate in a donation drive. Individuals and groups make an impact all year round by organizing their own or participating in a HomeFront seasonal drive.
Opportunities Available
Featured Volunteer Opportunity
As we move into the holiday season, we’ll need individual and group volunteers to prepare Thanksgiving baskets and holiday gifts for families. Stay tuned for a sign-up link or email getinvolved@homefrontnj.org
FAQs
Thanks for your interest in volunteering with HomeFront! We look forward to working together to help HomeFront families.
Individual Volunteer FAQs
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! The process starts with filling out a volunteer application here: Volunteer Application
Reach out to Jill Duffy, our Volunteer Coordinator, at JillD@HomeFrontNJ.org or (609) 213-6682, extension 163. She’s happy to help!
All volunteers who will be working with children are required to undergo a background check, free fingerprinting at a local facility, and an online CARI (Child Abuse Record Information) check.
Yes, background checks and fingerprinting from other agencies or employers are acceptable so long as they are less than a year old.
Our families and our programs truly rely on our volunteers! If you cannot make your commitment, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing Jill Duffy at JillD@HomeFrontNJ.org so we have time to make other arrangements.
We love kids, but please do not bring children under 16 when you volunteer. We do this to ensure the safety of volunteers (we have a working warehouse) and best serve our families.
Dress comfortably with closed-toed shoes. Please avoid clothing with political messages, references to drugs or alcohol, or profanity.
It may be possible to fulfill court-ordered community service at HomeFront, but there are limitations and all court-ordered hours must be pre-approved. Contact Jill Duffy at JillD@HomeFrontNJ.org to discuss your situation.
Yes! Either our Volunteer Coordinator or the manager of the area where you’re volunteering can sign off on hours you’ve logged and completed. If you don’t have a log form you’re required to use, you can make your own or use ours here.
Yes—and thank you for your generosity! Please refer to our donation list (link to “Donate Items” page) for accepted items. If your volunteer shift is not at our Lawrenceville Campus where our Donation Center is located, please email details about the donation to Jill Duffy at JillD@HomeFrontNJ.org so we can make arrangements.
- Lawrenceville Campus, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ.: Use the parking lot in front or our overflow lot at Fresenius Kidney Care Center on food distribution days. See map for details.
- Family Campus, 101 Celia Way, Ewing, NJ: Park behind the brick building, which is the front entrance.
- FreeStore, 100 Division Street, Trenton, NJ: Street parking is available nearby. Please pay attention to street signs.
- Treasure Trove, 31 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ: Street parking is plentiful. Please park across the street or down the road, avoiding spots directly in front of shops.
Youth & Family
Volunteer FAQs
Yes! Either our Volunteer Coordinator or the manager of the area where you’re volunteering can sign off on hours you’ve logged and completed. If you don’t have a log form you’re required to use, you can make your own or use ours here.
Group Volunteer FAQs
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Please read these FAQs, check out our group activities in the Opportunity Directory above, and then get in touch with Jill Duffy, HomeFront’s Volunteer Coordinator, at 609-989-9417, extension 163, or JillD@homefrontnj.org
We can accommodate up to 15 volunteers per group. For larger groups, we can work with you to schedule simultaneous activities at different sites or scheduled groups on separate days.
We plan our group volunteer visits in three-hour blocks, starting off with a tour of the facility and overview of HomeFront, followed by instructions for the volunteer activity.
We are eager to have you visit, and ask that you please contact us at least two (2) weeks ahead of your anticipated date so that we can best plan for a meaningful visit. Availability for our different group activities may vary, especially during busy periods.
While it does not cost anything to volunteer at HomeFront, the most successful group activities happen when a group purchases or organizes a drive for the materials needed for the activity (diapers, art supplies or other products), then comes together in the activity that uses those items.
We don’t have food available on site, but if your group is volunteering during lunch, we can recommend local eateries with delivery options. Depending upon availability, we may be able to arrange for a space at our site for your group to eat. Please notify us in advance if you’re interested in eating lunch on site, and we’ll let you know if we are able to reserve the space for your visit.
Yes! We can come to you to support your community engagement goals. We would be happy to assist you ahead of time to organize a team-building exercise that supports HomeFront’s families, including any drive needed to gather supplies, then visit your site to provide information about HomeFront and facilitate your volunteering event.
- Lawrenceville Campus, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ.: Use the parking lot in front or our overflow lot at Fresenius Kidney Care Center on food distribution days. See map for details.
- Family Campus, 101 Celia Way, Ewing, NJ: Park behind the brick building, which is the front entrance.
- FreeStore, 100 Division Street, Trenton, NJ: Street parking is available nearby. Please pay attention to street signs.
- Treasure Trove, 31 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ: Street parking is plentiful. Please park across the street or down the road, avoiding spots directly in front of shops.