TOMS RIVER H.S. EAST
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM
There is nothing greater than a Raider... who contributes to their community!
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
The spirit & culture at Toms River High School East spotlights student growth as contributors to the world around them. Therefore, it is encouraged that Raiders participate in helping the greater community, giving them a wider opportunity to engage with people from a variety of life's many different experiences. Students are NOT required to earn a certain amount of community service hours for graduation. Participating in community service is a part of the Raider way.
SPIRIT OF THE RAIDER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Students who receive 40 hours or more of logged hours of community service each high school academic year (June to May) will be invited to attend the Community Service Breakfast. This event honors those civic-minded students where they receive the Spirit of the Raider Award. Seniors who log 160 hours or more of community service receive a cord to wear for graduation.
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering is a tremendous way to help market oneself for colleges, applying for scholarships, or future workplaces. Even more important: the feeling that one gets in helping others is close to indescribable! As one Raider from the Class of 2020 stated, "When I volunteered, I began to find a little bit more of myself."
Raider volunteers discover new skills, make positive impacts, network and meet new peers, and boost activity credentials!
HOW DO I LOG MY COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
Raiders can receive a community service log card up front at the Guidance Office. By asking for your activity advisor's signature you can begin to keep track of your hours by the date, the total hours participated, and the name of the activity you participated in. If you participate in an activity, such as a church-based activity or a virtual volunteering opportunity, you can turn in a letter that details what would have been detailed on the log card. Many virtual volunteering opportunities calculate hours participated and allow you to print your own certificates. Logged hours can be turned into the Community Service box at the front of the Guidance Department.
REMEMBER: It is the student's responsibility, not the advisor's, to log and turn in that student's hours.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE?
Volunteering can look like many different forms of giving free time of one's self without expectation of receiving anything in return. To volunteer is to go above the call-of-duty, giving more of what is asked, and doing so only with the expectation to help the person or organization concerned. Serving those in the community can be showing up to help plant dune grass over one Saturday, it can be raising money to help cure an illness, or it can be spending time at an animal shelter. The ways to help are endless!
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES THAT ARE NOT CONSIDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE?
Our Raiders are among the most involved students in the District. They participate in clubs, sports, and other activities. It is really important to know how to define those things in where they participate. Colleges and future workplaces look highly upon students that are well-rounded. To help clarify among some frequently asked questions, participating in Band is both a class and activity. Competing in traveling sports or serving as a team manager is considered being part of athletics and shows leadership as well as teamwork. A good question to always ask when it comes to community service and if your hours can be applied to volunteering is this: "Were the hours I dedicated to the cause help me or another person?" If a student goes above and beyond the expectation of the sport or activity, those hours could be applied to community service.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR: Mon. May 6th, 2024
2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR: Thur. May 4th, 2023
2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR: Wed. May 4th, 2022
2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR: Tues. May 4th, 2021
If you have questions about the Community Service Program, please contact Ms. Bush at cbush@trschools.com
This resource list can help serve as a guide for students seeking for volunteer opportunities. By providing a list of available contacts, a brief description of local nonprofit organizations and agencies, students can begin to maximize the area around them to helping those most in need!
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Alcoeur Gardens
Alcoeur Gardens, a Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Community, in Toms River is looking for caring and
compassionate individuals who enjoy volunteering
with our residents in our Activities Department.
Alcoeur Gardens is located at 1126 Lakewood Road Toms River, NJ 08753
To inquire about volunteer opportunities, email staffing1@alcoeurgardens.com
You can also call 732-244-1915 for more information.
All Fur One Pet Rescue & Adoptions
AFO's mission is to create a community-focused, pet adoption center run by like-minded individuals who have a passion for rescuing dogs and cats. The facility provides a temporary home for rescued pets with a dedicated team of animal lovers and volunteers. Volunteers care for the well-being of the animals (i.e., walking, feeding, socializing).
For more information, visit All Fur One's website: www.allfurone.org/voluteer and complete the volunteer application form.
Contact: 732-255-3871
American Red Cross
Youth volunteer with their Youth Council in all aspects of the American Red Cross (Disaster Relief, Health and Safety, and Life Line). Training and classes are available.
Contact: Maureen Buehl (732) 493-9100 ext. 1241
Address: 1540 West Park Ave, Ocean, NJ 07712
No special skills needed.
Beachwood Recreation Commission
The Beachwood Recreation Commission offers community service opportunities through various events throughout the year. Some of the events on their schedule include an Easter egg hunt, a movie night, and even assisting on July 4th for their highly regarded fireworks show.
Contact Ms. Heather Archer at heatherarcher70@gmail.com if interested or want to inquire about these opportunities.
Boy Scouts of America
Volunteers help assist Scouting in their areas meet with success of accomplishing goals. According to their website: "Scouting is a youth-led, youth-run program, but the youth must be trained to be leaders. Adult role models in Scouting provide an ideal learning experience for all youth."
Contact: Jersey Shore Council # 341 at (732) 349-1037
Address: 1518 Ridgeway Road, Toms River, NJ 08755
Call for specific details or visit: https://www.scouting.org/about/volunteer/
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey
Join one of the most exciting opportunities to assist people in need along the Jersey Shore! If you have 5 minutes a week or 5 hours a month: you can volunteer with Caregiver Volunteers. Here are just some of the amazing ways you could help: Respite Care, Medical Transportation, Grocery Shopping, Friendly Visits, Alzheimer’s Respite Care, and Connect Through Music (where you make musical playlists for someone in need).
Contact: Gabriella Grinwald-Alves at gabriella@caregivervolunteers.org
Information sessions are hosted via Zoom every Tuesday at 6 pm and every Thursday at 10 am.
There is an application process and a background check for some opportunities.
Website: https://caregivervolunteers.org/volunteer/become-a-caregiver-volunteer/
Children's Specialized Hospital/Robert Wood Johnson
Volunteers must be 15 years or older and are based in a non-clinical capacity to support outpatient care centers in Toms River.
Children's Specialized is now accepting new volunteers for a variety of programs.
Check their website for updates: https://www.rwjbh.org/childrens-specialized-hospital/giving/ways-to-give/volunteer/available-opportunities/
Please make note of the age-range necessary to volunteer for specific programs prior to applying.
Clean Ocean Action
Clean Ocean Action offers several volunteer opportunities to help further their important mission. Active throughout all of NJ's seasons there is an opportunity for all to get involved.
If you are interested, please complete the volunteer form by visiting their website.
Community Medical Center
Volunteers lend their support in several ways, from delivering flowers and mail to filling or answering phones. Volunteers at Community Medical Center can be found in the hospital and Second Time Around Consignment Shop, as well as other locations.
Contact: Cherrell Smalls (732) 557-8129 or email Cherrell.Smalls@rwjbh.org
High School students 14 years of age and up are welcome.
Visit to complete the Junior Application: https://www.rwjbh.org/community-medical-center/volunteer/
Dermer Dreams
Students can register to become a Team Captain or volunteer individually. Team Captains must deliver with an adult over the age of 18. However, there is no age requirement to volunteer to collect for the food drive.
Contact Alyse Dermer at alyse@dermerdreams.org with any questions.
To learn more and to sign up visit: https://www.dermerdreams.org/
Volunteer Outreach Flyer side by side (2).pdfGirl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore can help you hone your leadership skills all while helping to empower other girls in your area.
See the flier & access the QR-code.
To learn more and to sign up visit: Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore sign-ups
Habitat For Humanity (Northern Office)
Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. The Northern Office of Habitat for Humanity offers many opportunities for community service and internships.
Email Ms. Laura Wagner Paolillo at resourcedevelopment@nohfh.com
Learn More to Volunteer: https://northernoceanhabitat.org/volunteer/
HOPE Sheds Light
HOPE Sheds Light's mission is to bring awareness to the community about the impacts of addiction and educating the community through supportive outreach. Volunteers help in raising awareness and providing assistance to support families affected while connecting to the community to make positive connections for lasting change.
Email Nancy at Nancy@hopeshedlight.org
Register to Volunteer: https://hopeshedslight.org/become-a-volunteer/
Website details a monthly calendar of events.
Jersey Shore Animal Shelter
The Jersey Shore Animal Shelter rescues, cares, and will rehome unwanted, abused, abandoned or sick animals. Their amazing goal is to provide all animals their forever homes. Volunteers can help with dog walking, socializing with cats, fundraising, off-site events, working the thrift store and giving tours to the public.
All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
Must be able to commit to volunteering to at least 1 day per week.
Be able to volunteer on a regular schedule and basis.
Complete orientation.
To apply, visit: https://jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org/volunteering/
Ocean County Library
The Ocean County Library offers a virtual option for teens looking to volunteer and help younger learners. The S.A.I.L. Program means Service Achievement in the Library is a Summer volunteer program. There are other opportunities throughout the school year.
To learn more visit: https://theoceancountylibrary.org/teens/volunteers
Ocean's Harbor House
The Harbor House provides a safe haven in a caring environment for youth. There are opportunities to volunteer to help such as gathering wish list items, assisting with clean up, holiday decorating, seasonal events, and helping to promote the organization's events.
To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.oceansharborhouse.org/how-you-can-help
Ocean County Historical Society
A local treasure to our area, the Ocean County Historical Society has been collecting, interpreting and preserving stories, artifacts and archival resources of Ocean County's heritage for over 70 years. Volunteers can work at the museum or research center.
For detailed information and to apply online, visit: https://www.oceancountyhistory.org/support/volunteers/
Pure Yoga
Pure Yoga offers a range of yoga styles and has been serving the community since 2016. With over 20+ classes weekly, private on-site and off-site classes and events they pride themselves on not only in teaching quality yoga classes but cultivating wellness, connections, and relationships within the community.
Pure Yoga offers a community service program called "Pure Toms River Yoga Karma Desk". By volunteering at their front desk, doing light clerical work, students can earn community service hours and possible earn free yoga hours.
S.A.V.E. (Shore Animal Volunteer Enterprise)
SAVE takes unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals and provides them with medical care and a safe and nurturing environment until they find their forever homes.
SAVE has its very own pet center with adoptions centers the Brick PetSmart as well as a Thrift Shop located in Toms River.
To find out about volunteer opportunities (for some opportunities students need to be 18+):
visit: Volunteer Opportunities
call: (732) 831-4291
Saint Bernard's Project (SBP)
SBP was created in an effort to help after the destruction following Hurricane Katrina. SBP had helped more locally after Superstorm Sandy impacted NJ and surrounding areas. Volunteers go where the areas of need are most impacted following each storm season. There are still efforts in fundraising and support that students can still provide to give back to this nonprofit organization.
For more information to help, visit: https://sbpusa.org/get-involved
St. Justin's Holy Innocence Program
St Justin’s Holy Innocence Program is a CCD for children with special needs. They often are looking for class aides for their Saturday morning program. Participating volunteers can earn community service hours. If you any students would like to volunteer, their program meets Saturday mornings 10am-12pm, with class occurring from 10am-11am. Volunteers help with music, art or games. Volunteers can help with an hour or for the entire 2 hours. If interested, please email Ms. Francine Campbell at fcampbell@trschools.com
The Arc, Ocean County Chapter
The Arc's mission is to advocate while providing opportunities for all individuals with with intellectual and and developmental disabilities. Volunteers must be 18+ and attend a training orientation. Those who volunteer may supervise clients with developmental disabilities, initiation and coordinate activities, and act as a positive role model and companion.
Visit https://www.arcocean.org/get-involved/volunteer.html for more information and to sign up.
The Pines at Whiting
The Pines at Whiting, a Senior Living Home, is in need of Volunteers in many areas of our community. They are looking for volunteers with musical talent, who can help garden, help hand out mail, offer Skypes with family members, play games or just visiting our residents. These are great ways to share your talent and make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Contact: Terry Walby, Volunteer Coordinator at (732) 350-1143 or email: twalby@thepinesatwhiting.org
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Ocean County serves the communities of Bayville, Beachwood, Island Heights, Lavalette, Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Pelican Island, Pine Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, and Toms River. Fo
Games begin in April.
Send an email to TRELLCHALL@COMCAST.NET
Toms River East Little League - Challenger Division
The Toms River East Little League (TRELL) Challenger provides special needs children an opportunity to play little league baseball. Some players require a "buddy" to assist them with on the field activities (i.e., fielding, throwing, and running the bases). A Challenger Buddy helps keep them safe while guiding them throughout the game. No experience is necessary.
Games begin in April.
Send an email to TRELLCHALL@COMCAST.NET
Toms River Youth Center
Responsibilities: Assist with activities for children ages 6-12 years old.
Contact: Adam (732)341-1000 ext 8436
Address: Toms River Youth Center, Bay Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753
TOP Soccer
About: TOP Soccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a program designed to promote awareness in Youth Soccer. It was developed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, age 3-11, and 12+, with developmental and/or physical disability. Volunteers from within the community and the Toms River Futbol Club have designed a program to introduce soccer and establish ongoing seasonal programs. Their goal is to allow children to participate in team and individual play while learning the game of soccer.
For information, an application or if you wish or volunteer, please contact: Mr. Vincent Guardino (732) 270-4119 or Ms. Donna King (732) 914-1304 or (732) 232-5814 (cell) bkdkzkak@yahoo.com
VolunteerMatch.org
VolunteerMatch.org provides service-seekers and non-profits a way of connecting. To find community service opportunities, enter your zip code and search here: Volunteer Match Search
*School-based clubs/activities*
There are many opportunities to volunteer as part of many of our clubs and activities. Here is a brief list of clubs and activities that do fundraising and participate in volunteerism for the community: Hispanic Heritage Club, T.E.A.M., Interact, Ambassadors, Peer Leadership, and Spirit Club.