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Community service Picture
The spirit and culture at Toms River High School South spotlights student growth as contributors to the community around them. Therefore, it is encouraged that South Indians 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. However, participating in community service has become a part of High School South tradition.

Why Do We Volunteer?

Volunteering is a tremendous way to give back to the community. South Indian volunteers discover new skills, make positive impacts in the community, and are able to network while meeting new people with similar interests and abilities. Volunteering is also a great way to boost activity credentials while directly helping others!  

Indianific Community Ambassador Award

Students who log 40 hours or more of community service each academic year (June to April) will be invited to attend the Community Service Ceremony. This event honors those civic-minded students who will receive the Indianific Community Ambassador Award! 

If you have any questions about the Community Service Program, please contact your Guidance Counselor.

FAQ 

To record hours, South Indians can use a pink community service log card found in the Guidance Office. By obtaining your activity advisor's signature you can keep track of your hours by date, total hours of participation, and the specific activity you participated in.

If you participate in an activity, such as a church-based activity or virtual volunteering, you can turn in a signed letter on the organization's letterhead that details all the pertinent information found on the pink log card. Many virtual volunteering opportunities calculate the hours participated and allow you to print your own certificates.

Completed hours can be logged onto Community Service Form. The signed letter, pink card or certificate, should be uploaded for every new event. Without signed proof for all events, you risk the hours not counting.

REMEMBER: It is the student's responsibility, not the advisor's, to log and turn in that student's hours

Volunteering can be many different forms of giving free time of one's self without the expectation of receiving anything in return.

To volunteer is to go above and beyond the call-of-duty, giving more of what is asked, and doing so only with the expectation to help a person or organization.

Serving those in the community can be helping to plant dune grass 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! 

Our South Indians 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 employers look highly upon students that are well-rounded.

To help clarify 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 beneficial for 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.

HSS Business Academy Senior Center

HSS Business Academy Senior Center

HSS Business Academy Senior Center

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

This resource list can help serve as a guide for students seeking 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 help those most in need!

School Based Activities and Clubs

Hispanic Heritage Club

T.E.A.M.

Interact Ambassadors

Peer Leadership

Spirit Club.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

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. 

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. 

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 

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. 

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."

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/

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: RWJBH.org
  • Please make note of the age-range necessary to volunteer for specific programs prior to applying. 

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. Clean Ocean Action 

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
  • 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/

Complete Care at Shorrock Gardens, located in Brick, New Jersey, is currently seeking volunteers to assist with resident programming. As summer approaches, this is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty members, or anyone with free time to get involved and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Volunteers will help run a variety of activities designed to engage and enrich the lives of our residents. Whether you’re looking to fulfill service hours, gain experience working with seniors, or simply give back, we welcome your time and energy.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please refer to the attached letter for more information. Volunteer Letter

Questions and inquiries can be directed to Kelsey O’Gorman, Activity Director:

Phone: (732) 451-1000 ext. 104

Email: KOGorman@ccshorrockgardens.com

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/

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. Opportunities for Restore begin as early as 14 years of age and onwards.

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.

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/

Lasagna Love is a global nonprofit and grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. We also seek to eliminate stigmas associated with asking for help when it is needed most.

Our mission is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. Watch the video on their official website.

  • Fill out their form to register to become a volunteer.
  • (Make sure to check email/spam folder too, for confirmation email).
  • Next, sign up to cook and deliver lasagna.

Websitehttps://lasagnalove.org/

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 for students 13 years of age and onwards.

To learn more visit: https://theoceancountylibrary.org/teens/volunteers

Volunteering in the Service and Achievement In the Library (S.A.I.L.) is offered to teens who have completed at least 7th grade and are entering 8th grade in the fall of 2025. For our Spirited Raiders, we will accept hours logged during the summer of their rising 9th grade after completing Intermediate School.

More Information: S.A.I.L

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

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/

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

Schoolhouse is a resource for students seeking free online tutoring services from volunteer peers. This is a great opportunity to help learners especially if commuting to and from service sites is limited.

For more information & to learn more on how to become an online tutor, visit: https://schoolhouse.world/become-a-tutor

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:

  • Their Program meets Saturday mornings 10am-12pm,
  • 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'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, 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 
  • Phone: (732) 350-1143
  • Email: twalby@thepinesatwhiting.org

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.

The Toms River Basketball Association (TRBA) holds a basketball winter "clinic" for 1st and 2nd graders. The clinic focuses on learning basketball skills through drills and instruction. The TRBA is a volunteer-driven organization. The clinic is held on Sundays mornings at either West Dover or Washington St. Elementary. Interested volunteers are invited to volunteer as much or as little as they'd like.

  • Clinic meets on Sunday from the first week of December to late February.

Send an email to:

  • Mr. Brian Thompson at thompsonb218@verizon.net 
  • Mr. Derek Richardson at derektrba@gmail.com .  

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
  • 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 (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

  • Phone: (732) 270-4119

Ms. Donna King

  • Phone:(732) 914-1304
  • Cell: (732) 232-5814
  • Email: bkdkzkak@yahoo.com 

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