Volunteer, advocate, or donate to make a lasting impact in Waterfront South. Together, we can create a vibrant, thriving community.
At Heart of Camden, volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. Whether you're helping plant flowers through Bloomin’ the Block, organizing donations for our Holiday Gift Drive, or supporting events at the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse, your time and energy directly uplift our South Camden community.
We welcome individuals, families, schools, corporate teams, and community groups to join us in creating a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant neighborhood. No experience needed, just a willing heart and a pair of helping hands.
What do our Volunteers do?
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Volunteers play a crucial role in the Heart of Camden's efforts to rehabilitate houses in the Waterfront South neighborhood. They contribute time and skills to repair and renovate homes, ensuring they are safe and livable for families in need. By painting, landscaping, and performing general maintenance, volunteers help revitalize the community, fostering a sense of pride and stability among residents. Their dedication not only improves housing conditions but also strengthens the community's overall well-being and spirit.
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Volunteers with Heart of Camden organize and participate in community events in the Waterfront South neighborhood, bringing residents together to celebrate and connect. These events include festivals, workshops, and cultural activities that foster community spirit and encourage social interaction. By helping to plan, set up, and run these events, volunteers create opportunities for residents to engage with one another, building a stronger, more cohesive community.
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Volunteers with Heart of Camden actively engage in cleaning and fixing the Waterfront South neighborhood, enhancing the area's overall appearance and safety. They participate in activities such as trash clean-up, graffiti removal, and minor infrastructure repairs. Through their efforts, volunteers help to create a cleaner, more welcoming environment for all residents, instilling pride and encouraging community members to take an active role in maintaining their neighborhood.
How You Can Do Your Bit:
Looking for a way to give back? Our organization is a hub for community care, where your contributions of food, clothing, household items, and more can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.
We accept new and gently used items, and every donation helps support families, individuals, and neighbors in our local area.
What We Accept:
Non-perishable food items
Seasonal and everyday clothing
Personal hygiene products
Toys, books, and school supplies
Blankets, coats, and household goods
How to Donate Items:
You can drop off any time Monday-Friday between 10 am and 4 pm at 1840 S. Broadway Ave Camden NJ 08104.
Why It Matters:
Your generosity helps us build a stronger, more compassionate community. Every can of food, every warm coat, and every thoughtful donation brings us closer to a world where no one is left behind.
Thank you for supporting our mission.
For more information or questions, please feel free to email Linda Jones at ljones@heartofcamden.org or Adrienne Walls at awalls@heartofcamden.org
You can also donate or sign up to volunteer here if you are unable to donate the items above.
How the Heart of Camden Does Their Bit:
Our organization’s main work is the building of four foundations that lead to life success. We help children and families to thrive through our projects and programs of affordable housing, community development, direct family services, and the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse.
An important component of the Heart of Camden’s work is to the build bridges between the community that we serve and those who seek to serve others. Our organization works extensively with volunteers from near and far to offer direct services to residents in need and many other activities that help to break down barriers and form lasting bonds.
Heart of Camden Programs:
Quality Affordable Housing
Community & Economic Development
Family Services
Youth Programs & Mentorship through the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse Gym
Take a look at how people have done their bit with the HOC:
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Women's Outreach
For her Senior Capstone Project, Holly collected personal hygiene products to share with our Women Neighbors. It was also so sweet that some of our young students were able to "gift" their Mom's as well.
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Bloomin' the Block
Bloomin’ the Block is a grassroots community beautification project led by the Heart of Camden. It aims to foster neighborhood pride, outdoor engagement, and cohesion in South Camden through simple yet powerful actions—like planting flowers, maintaining raised beds, and involving residents directly in revitalization efforts.
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Annual Gift Drive
Heart of Camden’s annual gift drives bring cheer directly to families in need. In past drives, volunteers took on meaningful tasks like assembling totes filled with cozy essentials such as pajamas, blankets, and bedtime stories—through a program known as Project Night Night. One year, organizers successfully filled 1,800 totes, offering warmth and comfort to children and families during the colder months.
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Home Rehabs
Volunteers from The Domenica Foundation rehabbed an empty house into a home for a family. Their dedication is what makes our community stronger. Thank you for being a part of something bigger than ourselves. WE BUILD PLACES TO CALL HOME ❤️

It’s Time To Do Your Bit!
Donations to Heart of Camden directly support the revitalization efforts in the Waterfront South neighborhood. Funds are allocated to various projects, including the rehabilitation of homes, organization of community events, and maintenance of public spaces. Donations help purchase building materials, tools, and supplies needed for repairs and renovations. Additionally, they support community programs that foster education, arts, and cultural activities, ensuring a vibrant and thriving community for all residents. Your contribution empowers Heart of Camden to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of families and individuals in Waterfront South.
