Be the Hands. Give the Hope.
There are many ways to make a difference at Hands of Hope for the Community. Whether you make a financial contribution, donate food and essential items, volunteer your time, or organize a drive, your support helps us provide food and resources to individuals and families throughout Middlesex County. Hands of Hope is powered entirely by volunteers, which means community support is at the heart of everything we do.
Ways To Get Involved
Food donations are an important part of keeping our pantry stocked and ready to serve our community. Hands of Hope accepts a variety of shelf-stable foods, canned and dry goods, fresh produce, bakery products, and other approved items. We also welcome essential non-food donations such as diapers, wipes, personal hygiene products, and pet food.
Your financial support helps Hands of Hope provide food, essential resources, and community programs to neighbors facing food insecurity. Whether you give once or monthly, every donation helps put food on the table and hope in the hands of our community.
Volunteer
Hands of Hope was founded by volunteers, and volunteers remain the driving force behind our organization today. From preparing food for distribution to organizing donations and assisting our neighbors, volunteers make it possible for us to serve hundreds of individuals and families throughout Middlesex County.
DONATE FOOD
Hands Of Hope For The Community accepts donated food, including shelf-stable items such as canned and dry goods as well as fresh produce, and bakery items. We adhere to strict food safety guidelines for the food that we accept. Our volunteers are trained to pay attention to date codes, especially with perishable items. Most of the dates printed on the container are not expiration dates – they are “best by” or “sell by” dates. This means the product is still safe to eat. In addition to food items, we also gladly accept non-food items like diapers/wipes, personal hygine products, and other essentials that our clients need.
Unacceptable Items​
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Books
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Clothes
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Eyeglasses
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Homemade Items
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Medications
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Partially Used/Open Items
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Perishable Items
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(W/O Prior Approval)
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Prescription Pet Food​
​Acceptable Items​​​
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Bottled Water/Drinks/Coffee/Tea
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Canned Beans
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Canned Fruit/Fruit Cups
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Canned Meals (chili, stew, etc.)
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Canned Meat/Fish
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Canned Soup
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Canned Vegetables
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Cereal/Oatmeal
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Condiments/Spices/Oil
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Macaroni & Cheese
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Pasta and Pasta Sauce
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Peanut Butter and Jelly
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Side Dishes (potato, rice, pasta)
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Snacks (crackers, granola bars)
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Dry and Wet Dog and Cat Food
Food drives are an excellent way for businesses, church groups, service clubs, and individuals to support Hands of Hope and our nonprofit agency partners. Organizing a food drive helps us gather essential items to provide nutritious meals to those in need. It’s a meaningful way to engage your community and make a significant impact. If you are interested in hosting a food drive, we would love to hear from you. Simply click the button below to fill out a brief form, and a member of our team will reach out to you with more details and support. Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of many. Thank you for considering this impactful way to contribute to our mission.
If you want to make a significant impact and support Hands of Hope for the Community with our direct service programs, making a financial donation is one of the most effective ways to contribute. It's a common misconception that food banks only need food donations. While we often receive food at no cost, transporting and distributing it requires substantial financial resources. Your monetary contribution helps ensure that we can continue to deliver essential food assistance to those in need.
You are welcome to mail a check (please, no cash) to the following address:​
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Hands of Hope For The Community
Attn: Donations
PO Box 1057
Edison, NJ 08818
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We appreciate your support and want to ensure that your contribution is acknowledged appropriately. If your donation is in honor or memory of someone special, please include their name and provide the address where we can send a notification letter. This gesture allows us to inform them or their family of your thoughtful gift and the impact it will have on our efforts to combat hunger in the community.
In-Person
You can always drop off a check or cash at the pantry during our operating hours on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
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Hands of Hope For The Community
2136 Woodbridge Ave
Edison, NJ 08818
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If you are unable to drop off your donation during these times, please give us a call to arrange a more convenient time.
Online
Giving online is simple, secure, and the fastest way to make your gift count for neighbors struggling with hunger now and in the future. By choosing to donate through our Square form, you ensure that your contribution is processed quickly and efficiently, allowing us to immediately allocate resources where they are needed most. Your generosity enables us to continue providing essential food assistance and support to those in need. To make an online donation, simply use any of the buttons listed on this page and help us make a lasting impact in our community.
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ONLINE OPTIONS
Donating online is quick, secure, and flexible. Choose Square, GiveLively, or PayPal—whichever works best for you. Every dollar helps us fight hunger and bring hope to our community.