Boy Gives His Spare Change To Hoboken Homeless Shelter

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken's homeless shelter got a surprise donation at lunchtime on Saturday — a mom "quietly" came by to drop off her son's Baggie full of dollar bills and spare change.

The shelter staff was very moved by the donation, they told Patch on Monday.

"We are so fortunate to be part of a community where quiet acts of kindness happen every day at the Shelter guided by people who understand and support our mission," said shelter spokeswoman Melinda Vickerman. "When a parent teaches a child to care for others through generosity, no matter the size of the gift, they are helping grow a compassionate heart."

The staff also said the gift came at a crucial time — the end of the month, when residents' benefits might be running out.

"Our hungry Guests were standing toe-to-toe in our lobby because there were no more seats left in the dayroom," the staff noted. "The end of the month is challenging for so many in our community."

The shelter, located on Third and Bloomfield streets, offers 500 warm meals to visitors each day, provides beds for up to 50 each evening, and offers 1,000 showers a week.

But it also works to find the guests permanent homes.

The shelter frequently posts stories of guests who were evicted, abandoned by relatives, or dealing with job loss.

They most recently told the story of Hugo, 79, who was evicted from his apartment. He had limited income, health concerns, and few affordable housing options, so he wound up at the shelter.

Hugo recently moved into a safe home.

The shelter found stable housing for 198 people in 2025 and another 79 so far this year, Vickerman said.

Vickerman told Patch that there are many ways to help the shelter besides donating money.

Many Ways To Help

"Any donation, whether food, adult sized clothing, small housewares to help our newly housed Guests (think plates, cups, pots, utensils), towels, and twin-sized bedding — and even a bag of coins — can be dropped off at the Shelter, 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday. No appointment is necessary."

They also offer an Amazon Wishlist and a link for supporters to donate.

Individual and group volunteers are needed every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts, plus special events. Learn more about that here.

Who's The Boy?

As for the little boy, the shelter staff had a message: "We don’t know who you are, but we want you to know how much your kindness means. Those coins will help feed someone this week, and keep hope bright."

(Are you that mom or little boy? Reach out to Patch and tell us what inspired the gift.)