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NFSB Volunteering: There’s a Role for Everyone Who Wants to Help
Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) would not be able to provide vital programs and services to the community without the passion, commitment, work ethic, and talent of volunteers. It’s that simple.
The two Thrift Shop locations rely on more than 150 volunteers. The Food Pantry relies on more than 60 volunteers. Given the expansion of hours and services for the Shop and Pantry, it’s easy to see why the NFSB volunteer hours increased by 20% in 2025. We also rely on volunteers for fundraising and community events throughout the year.
Whether you prefer a client-facing role or working behind the scenes, everything you do is valued and has an impact on people’s lives.
“No matter what role you have, you’re making a difference,” said Ryan Greenhouse, Human Resources Coordinator at NFSB. “In the Food Pantry, if you’re handing out food or dating food for distribution, you’re helping us make sure all clients get good food. In the Thrift Shop, if you’re helping clients on the floor or sorting merchandise in the back, you’re helping us raise money for NFSB programs.”
New Food Pantry Program and Thrift Shop Warehouse
Demand for Food Pantry services has never been higher with affordability challenges and a difficult job market. In addition to biweekly food distributions and deliveries to local seniors, the Food Pantry is planning to offer prepared meals to residents of Nutley Manor and Nutley Senior Center. This new program is expected to launch this year in late spring and will be staffed by volunteers.
“Seniors really appreciate the food we provide, but many are unable to cook or would rather just heat up food in the microwave or oven,” Ryan said. “This program will definitely need more hands on deck for food prep and distribution.”
The expansion of the Thrift Shop to a second retail location and new warehouse space will help NFSB raise additional funding for the Food Pantry. The warehouse will allow us to accept more donations and stock more items. Volunteers will be able to sort items inside the warehouse, not outside in the cold of winter or heat of summer.
NFSB Events: Annual Favorites and New Events Need Volunteers
NFSB presents our signature fundraising events every year:
- Harvesting Hope Gala (Wednesday, November 18, 6-10 pm at Nanina’s in the Park)
- The Garden Party (Saturday, September 26, 3-6 pm at Mountsier-Hardie Garden)
- Rock Hunger (Saturday, June 6, 2-7 pm at Old Canal Inn)
We introduced our first winter concert fundraiser, “Winter Harmonies: A Holiday Concert for Hope, in 2025. On March 27, the NFSB Thrift Shop volunteers present the “Thrift the Runway” fashion show at Nutley High School to benefit NFSB. The show starts at 7 pm with doors opening at 6 pm for a pop-up shop.
We also partner with local Scouts the Scouting for Food Drive, which brings in tens of thousands of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items for the Food Pantry every year. Scouting for Food will take place on Saturday, April 25.
Throughout the year, NFSB hosts free community events and educational workshops to bring together neighbors and friends and raise awareness of various issues facing local residents. From free summer concerts to supporting people living with disabilities through the Inclusive Healthy Communities program, our event calendar is always full.
To say we rely on volunteers to make every event special would be an understatement. And it’s the NFSB volunteer family who makes positive change possible.
“You can see the impact on people’s faces,” Ryan said. “When I hear clients talk about how much our programs mean to them, the difference is huge. It’s like giving them life and hope. They’re so thankful for the support we provide and the individual volunteers who help them.”
Apply to Be an NFSB Volunteer!
To learn more about volunteering opportunities and fill out an application:
Visit the Volunteers page on the NFSB website and submit your application online.
Stop by NFSB at 169 Chestnut Street in Nutley and ask for a volunteer application.
Fill out your application in person or bring it home and email a copy to volunteer@nutleyfamily.org.Remember, no contribution is too small, and everything you do is valued and appreciated!
