We’ve found inspiring acts of kindness for you and your family to participate in this January around New Jersey. Join in on these events and festivities that encourage your children to pay it forward!

Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.

Here are 10 must-know NJ charity events this January:

2019 Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge
January 1, 8AM
The 2019 Sons of Ireland Plunge will benefit the following two organizations: Mary’s Place by the Sea (home for women going through cancer treatment) and You Can NOT Be Replaced (educates and raises awareness of teen suicide). This event is free to spectate, bring the family out and see who’s freezin’ for a reason this year.
Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
Cost: $25 to plunge

Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
January 1, 10AM
The Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge has grown into a major fundraising effort benefiting Fisher House, a charity that provides housing and transportation to wounded military members and their families. Your family will enjoy costume contests and live music. Participation in the plunge is free, but donations are strongly suggested.
Laguna Rum Bar, 1400 Ocean Ave, Brigantine, NJ
Cost: free, You can donate here

Snowflake Shuffle
January 5, 10AM – 12PM
The Snowflake Shuffle is a fun 3k community run designed for the whole family. The race will take place on a closed course within the Stockton University campus as part of Special Olympics New Jersey’s annual Winter Games. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey to support over 25,000 athletes across the state.
Stockton University Sports Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ
Cost: $20+, Free to Spectate

GODSPELL, The Musical
January 11, 12, 13
The Ashley Lauren Foundation Theatre Ensemble, the theatrical arm of The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing hope and help to children throughout New Jersey who suffer from cancer through financial, material and emotional support, present GODSPELL, The Musical. This show gives local, talented actors the chance to perform and all proceeds go toward this foundation, making a difference in the lives of NJ children suffering from cancer.
Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S. Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ
Cost: $15 – $20

Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood
January 12, 1PM
The Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood is so much more than an icy dip into the Atlantic Ocean. Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to more than 25,000 athletes. As always, it is free to spectate this annual event.
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: $25+, free to spectate

Benefit Concert for MESH – Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless
January 12, 7PM – 9:30PM
Enjoy jazz music, refreshments, and a chance to learn about how MESH (Montclair Emergency Services to the Homeless) helps in our community. Help by purchasing items for MESH to give to their clients, such as food and hygiene products. All products and proceeds from this event will benefit MESH.
Redeemer Church of Montclair, 19 North Willow Street, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $0 – $15

Another Rocking Fundraiser
January 13, 12PM – 6PM
All proceeds from Another Rocking Fundraiser will help save lives and educate the public about the Overdose Prevention Act. You’ll enjoy live music by a variety of popular performers including Ernie White, Joe Vadala, and The Copians. Delorenzo’s the Burg will feature their famous pizza, make your own sausage and meatball sandwiches, salads, beverages, and desserts.
Nottingham Ballroom (Nottingham Fire Company) 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ
Cost: $40, $20 Kids 5-12, Free Under 5

Women’s March on New Jersey
January 19, 11AM – 1PM
The Vision/Mission of the WMONJ2019 is to bring together kindred spirits of women grounded in diversity and celebrate the unique beauty of our strengths and differences. Join in on this annual walk who’s mission is to “accept, embrace, uplift and galvanize women of every hue, from every space, at any hour.” Bring your littles to an all-inclusive event celebrating the power of girls and women.
131-137 West State Street, Trenton, NJ
Cost: free

Second Annual Pitman Volunteer Festival
January 26, 10AM – 12PM
Representatives of municipal organizations, local non-profits, and members of the public are invited to attend the second annual Pitman Volunteer Fair. The purpose of the Volunteer Fair is to allow local volunteer organizations to network and pool their resources, while also offering a one-stop volunteer venue for members of the public seeking information regarding volunteer opportunities.
VFW POST 6469, 142 Oakcrest Ave, Pitman, NJ
Cost: free

Harlem Wizards Basketball Show
January 27, 3PM – 6PM
Your kids will scream, cheer and have a great time watching the Wizards play their favorite teachers in a basketball game. This show benefits the East Brunswick Education Foundation, a charitable organization that raises money to fund programs in East Brunswick’s public schools. Over the last 25-years, they’ve granted over $2,000,000 to fund amazing programs that touch every student in the district.
760 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: free

Photo via Sons of Ireland.

Psst! How are you paying it forward this January? Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.