Volunteer

Share your talent and creativity to help us fundraise

Be an Entrepreneur Philanthropist or a Social Media Ambassador!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Bergen Family Center. The COVID-19 crisis has affected our lives in many ways, including our volunteer programs. While all in-person volunteer programs and activities are on hold until further notice, we still have some great ideas about what you can do until we open our doors to volunteers again. The Pandemic has presented new challenges for BFC and our families. We need the help of our volunteers now more than ever. Here are a few suggestions.

Host a Seniors Activity Packets or Arts and Crafts Supplies Drive

While many people are staying home practicing physical distancing, home-bound adults and young children need something to do to make the time go by a little easier. Please consider hosting a fundraiser. We will provide a list of needed items.

Host Physical Distancing Races

Bike, run, walk, or roller skate, whenever you want, wherever you want. You can do it alone, with your family, or with a group of friends. It’s your race, on your terms and on your own schedule. Ask participants to donate $5-15 for entering this fun, virtual race. They can even run on a treadmill at home! You set the goals, complete the race, and share your accomplishments with us on social media. Don’t forget to use the hash tag #BergenFamilyCenter and tag us in your posts on social media. @bergenfamilycenter1898

Host a Virtual Brunch, Coffee or Dinner Party at Home

Please consider hosting a virtual brunch time or a dinner party with your friends or family. Each of the participants can donate the cost of what he or she would usually spend on brunch or dinner out to the Bergen Family Center COVID-19 Relief Fund. Meet on Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, it’s your choice!

Host a Virtual Concert!

If you are a musician, please invite your family and friends to your virtual concerts and ask them to contribute to Bergen Family Center COVID-19 Relief Fund to help support our families.

Exercise with your Pals Challenge!

Set up a workout challenge. Crunches, Squats, Push-ups, Planks, Wall Sits, you name it! Challenge your friends to match and beat your workout. Each person can be asked to donate $5-15 for entering a challenge. Share your videos of the workout with us and we'll post it on social media.

Host a Baking or Cooking Party at Home

Are you a baker? Do you love to cook? Please consider hosting a virtual baking or cooking party with your friends or family. Each participant can donate $5-15 for participating.

Host a Virtual Science Workshop

Are you a science genius? Host a Virtual Science Workshop on your social media! Online learning has become the new norm, however, many students and teachers alike are struggling to adapt to remote learning. Connecting volunteers to our clients for online tutoring is a challenge for us. However, you can still host a virtual workshop for the public using your social media. You can also help us by asking viewers to contribute to Bergen Family Center COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Keeping Our Clients Safe

We all want to keep all of our clients safe. That's why the NJ Department of Children and Families’ requires the following if you'd like to volunteer in-person:

1. Our suggestions listed above are for "virtual volunteering" only. The state of New Jersey requires background checks for all volunteers who enter our building.
2. Volunteers must complete a signed consent form for a Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) background check. Get more info about CARI here.
3. Anyone at least 18 years of age who works or volunteers at BFC is required to complete a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) fingerprint background check. We ask that volunteers pay a $15 volunteer fee to cover the cost of these mandatory background checks.
4. New Jersey State regulations also require that any volunteer less than 16 years of age must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian while they volunteer.