Civic engagement is the process by which an individual becomes involved within their community. There are many ways to be active and involved: community service, volunteer work, public events, and community programs and groups. More information about our site and civic engagement can be found on the "About" page. Below, you will find a list of current events in the Princeton area, as well as a separate list of opportunities for service.

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Events, Announcements and Opportunities

List of Events To submit an event to this list, click here.
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Saturday, May 28, 2022
10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Memorial Day Parade; Day of Remembrance ceremony

The first in-person Memorial Day parade to be held in Princeton since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade begins at 10:00 at the intersection of Nassau Street and Princeton Avenue.
This will be followed by a Day of Remembrance ceremony at 1:00 PM, at the Princeton Battlefield State Park.
Saturdays, May 28, June 11, 25, 2022
9:00 AM – noon, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Clean up the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve
Volunteer event, register below

Friends of Princeton Outdoor Spaces is offering a series of volunteer clean-up sessions, for work managing an 18-acre forest restoration project site at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Our work will help to protect the nearly 8,000 native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers recently planted in the site. Click here to sign up.
Sunday, May 29, 2022
8:30 AM
Princeton AAPI 5K Run and Walk
See below to register and pay

As a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, multiple organizations have partnered to host a 5K run and walk event in Princeton. This race will start and end at Carnegie Center.
Register here. Online registration is $30; on the day of the race is $40. Children 10 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteer opportunities at the race are available; sign up here.
Click here for more information and course map.
June 1-15, 2022
YWCA Princeton: “ETS Firecracker 5K”

Between Wednesday, June 1, and Wednesday, June 15, participants will complete a 5K at their own pace in their own chosen location. A $50 registration fee will be charged as part of fundraising for the Princeton YWCA.
Click here for information and to register.
Monday, June 6, 2022
7:00 – 8:30 PM
“Continuing Conversations on Race:” PHS Racial Literacy presentation
Virtual event via Zoom; register below

As this month’s session of “Continuing Conversations on Race,” Princeton High School’s racial literacy students will give their annual presentation.
Click here to register.
Sunday, June 12, 2022
3:00-5:00 PM
Immigration Fair
Located at Princeton Public Library

Get one-on-one help with a variety of issues related to immigration.
Admission is free. This event will be bilingual in Spanish and English. Light refreshments will be available.
Looking for expert help? Here is your opportunity to connect with organizations that are doing work in our community on issues like “know your rights” (tenant/landlord and encounters with ICE), immigration status improvement, wage theft, affordable housing, NJ special drivers’ licenses, vaccines and Covid treatment, and adult education.

¿Buscas ayuda de expertos? Esta es su oportunidad de conectarse con organizaciones que están trabajando en nuestra comunidad en temas como derechos de inquilino o propietario, encuentros con ICE, servicios de immigración, robo de salarios, vivienda accesible, licencias de conducir del estado de NJ, vacunas y tratamiento de covid.
Obtenga ayuda personalizada sobre una variedad de temas relacionados con la inmigración.
Este evento será gratuito, bilingüe en español e inglés y habrá comida y bebidas gratuitas.

Click this link for more information (español e inglés).
Announcements To submit an announcement to this list, click here.
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Princeton Kindness Food Project distributing food trays
The Princeton Kindness Food Project distributes free meal trays every Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, while supplies last.
Food is prepared by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and distributed at the Princeton Family YMCA, located at 59 Paul Robeson Street, Princeton, 08540.
Volunteers or donors may contact ashaguru@hotmail.com.
Also visit the project website.
Princeton Area Community Foundation issues call for grant proposals
The Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF) is now allowing nonprofit organizations to seek grants. This opportunity is available through June 20. Visit their website for more information.
Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults to resume in-person lunches
The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides daily lunches Monday through Friday. After two years without in-person dining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is now reopening for congregate dining.
Meals are available to the following:
– Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age)
– Disabled Mercer County residents whose primary caregiver participates in the program
– Volunteers for the program
See all locations here.
Reservations are required for meals; call 609-989-6650 to reserve. More information is available by calling the same number.
Mercer County Community ID available at Princeton Public Library
The Princeton Public Library and Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund offer ID cards for Mercer County residents. Available at the Princeton Public Library every Tuesday. Payment and appointment are required; please see below.
From this webpage:
Cards are issued by appointment only. Please make appointments directly with the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund:
The best way to make an appointment is to fill out the registration form.

This privately issued card, sponsored by the One Community Coalition, may be used at social service agencies, schools, clinics, parks, post offices, and to access basic municipal or health services. Cards may also be used as a form of identification by check cashing companies, banks, retail stores or other establishments. The Latin American Legal Defense & Education Fund, a nonprofit advocacy group, issues the card.
There is a $15 cost ($10 for youth under 21 and seniors over 65) per card to cover expenses.
Documentation required: Proof of identity with a photo: Any state/county/country ID or driver’s license; passport or consulate authentication; green card or work permit; welfare card with original birth certificate AND proof of address in your name; lease, utility bill, financial account statement, money transfer order, hospital bill, etc.  For additional info, seelaldef.org.
Presented in partnership with the Latin American Legal Defense & Education Fund.
Current Opportunities To submit an organization to this list, click here.
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Arm in Arm (formerly the Crisis Ministry)
Arm in Arm serves some 1,400 families and individuals each month from two accessible locations. The organization’s core program areas are: Homelessness Prevention, Hunger Prevention, and Workforce Development.
– Make home food deliveries
– Coordinate a Food Drive, Personal Care Products Drive, or Household Products Drive
– Help unload the Crisis Ministry delivery truck
– Help stock shelves after a donation drive
– Assist in the food bank
Contact Becca Jensen Compton at (609) 396-9355 x35 or beccaj@arminarm.org

Cornerstone Community Kitchen
Cornerstone Community Kitchen, located at 7 Vandeventer Ave., offers a weekly free and nutritious meal in a friendly atmosphere. 
– Serve meals
Contact 609-924-2613 or office@princetonumc.org

D & R Greenway Land Trust
D&R Greenway Land Trust works to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic in central New Jersey.
Volunteers are needed to assist projects like Capital City Farm, Citizen Scientists, New Jersey Trails. Native Plant Nursery and Willing Hands.
To learn more about these projects, visit drgreenway.com/volunteer. 
Contact Karen Freundlich at 609-924-4646 or info@drgreenway.org

Friends of Princeton Open Space
Friends of Princeton Open Space has established parkland and created a network of trails since 1969. FOPOS is headquartered in the house at Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. 
Volunteers meet most weekends to create and maintain hiking trails.
Schedule a Community Service day for your group. 
Contact 609-921-2772 or info@fopos.org

Historical Society of Princeton
This Historical Society of Princeton is dedicated to the preservation of Princeton’s history. HSP develops programs that build connections to the past. It is headquartered at Updike Farmstead.
Unity Garden: Volunteers tend the organic garden at Updike Farms, including watering and picking produce. Produce is donated to the Cornerstone Community Kitchen at Princeton United Methodist Church.
Unity Garden: Contact Kristen Lombardo at 609-921-6748 x106 or kristen@princetonhistory.org

HomeFront
HomeFront is dedicated to ending homelessness in Central New Jersey. The organization’s FreeStore is a store where clients can go to shop for clothing, professional attire, household items, toys and more at no cost to them.
Volunteer groups assist with sorting incoming donations and organizing the store (maximum: 10 volunteers).
– Assist with Food Pantry: Prepare food bags, sort donations, check expiration dates
– SewingSpace: Cut fabric, organize sewing materials, and help clients prep their projects
Contact 609-989-9417 or getinvolved@homefrontnj.org

Mercer Street Friends
Mercer Street Friends is a multi-faceted human service agency that assists Mercer County residents who face the challenges and impacts of poverty.  Their programs target food insecurity, family wellness, youth enrichment and community building.  Mercer Street friends also operate a preschool and food bank.
Preschool—1201 West State St., Trenton
Volunteers’ groups are welcome to spend a morning at the center assisting with classroom and outdoor activities. (maximum of 10; unless supervised in a group, volunteers must be 18 years of age.)
Food Bank—824 Silvia St, Ewing  
Assemble, sort, and pack
Preschool: contact Lisa Banks at 609-656-5220 or
lbanks@mercerstreetfriends.org 
Food Bank: contact Brian Peterson at 609-406-0503 or
bpeterson@mercerstreetfriends.org
 
Morven Museum & Garden
A National Historic Landmark, Morven is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. This former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs and special events.
Volunteers needed for gardening, leading tours, helping with administrative tasks, and assisting with educational programs and special events. Training provided. 
Contact 609-924-8144 or info@morven.org

One Simple Wish
One Simple Wish was founded by a foster/adoptive parent who wanted to empower more people to support children who’ve been victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment in very simple yet meaningful ways. The organization’s website hosts a list of hundreds of wishes posted on behalf of foster children and at-risk youth all over the United States. All wishes are under $500 with most ranging from $10-$100.
One Simple Wish needs volunteers to write thank you notes, organize Wish Parties and participate in Wish-A-Thons.
609-883-8484 or info@onesimplewish.org

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry
Princeton Mobile Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 organization that provides food and other support to the under-resourced members of the Princeton community. Their focus is supporting families in the Princeton Public Schools, and PMFP currently serves over 180 families and over 900 individuals. Volunteers pack and deliver grocery bags to PMFP families and organize drives to supplement the pantry with food, hygiene supplies, back to school items, and clothing.
To volunteer, fill out this form.
Visit PMFPantry.org for more information.

Princeton Nursery School
Princeton Nursery School is a small, nonprofit childcare and preschool center providing low to moderate income working parents with affordable tuition rates for needed childcare services. The school’s staff works to assure that each child regardless of race or first language has a quality preschool education.
Volunteers serve as classroom or office assistants.
Contact Rosonda Wong at
609-921-8606
or pnskids@gmail.com

Princeton Young Achievers
A program of the Princeton Family YMCA, the Princeton Young Achievers is the town’s only afterschool program that provides homework help to children from lower income neighborhoods. 
There are many different types of opportunities including childcare, coaching and mentoring.
Contact Leigh Zink at
609-497-9622 x201 or lzink@princetonymca.org
 
Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey is a non-profit organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  SONJ hosts free sporting events at its sports complex located in Lawrenceville. 
Special Olympics New Jersey needs volunteers at athletic competitions throughout the year. Check the website for upcoming competitions. Sign-ups can be done through their website.
Visit www.sonj.org

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
TASK provides more than 3,000 free meals per week to people in need in the Trenton area. The organization directs their activities toward helping patrons achieve healthier lifestyles, increased self-esteem, and self-sufficiency.
Help serve a meal for the South Trenton Soup Kitchen (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). Volunteer Hours are 4:30-6:30pm.
Contact charlieo@trentonsoupkitchen.org

YWCA Princeton
YWCA Princeton’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.
The YWCA needs the following:
– High School Equivalency Test Preparation Instructors for language arts and reading
– High School Equivalency Test Preparation Instructors for mathematics
– High School Equivalency Test Tutors
– ESL Tutors/Conversation Partners/Workshop Facilitators
Contact Heledona Katro at
609-497-2100 x322 or hkatro@ywcaprinceton.org