VOLUNTEER
Cultivate caring with these easy, rewarding service projects for all ages.
Please email us if you have any questions or suggestions.
FROM HOME
Make Care Kits
Prepare care kits, small bags with basic needs items that you can offer to unsheltered neighbors. The website of Open Hearts Initiative, an NYC-based organization with lots of ways to help to homeless, has lots of info on making seasonal care kits and planning events with friends to put together care kits.
Cards for Seniors
Make cheerful cards for isolated seniors. Use big print (not cursive) so the card is easy to read. Provide stickers and stencils to help the younger kids. Adults can make cards too. A great use for all the artwork kids bring home.
Join the NYC-based Caring By Card Nursing Home Project, donate through DOROT and Meals on Wheels NYC or check with local nursing homes.
Cook for Soup Kitchens
Contact your local soup kitchen to ask if they accept donations of home cooked meals or desserts. Find easy recipes that include stirring, scooping, and other kid-friendly steps. Here are tips for cooking for crowds (you may need to borrow extra pots etc. from friends); we’ve found baked ziti, roasted baby carrots and brownies all scale well.
We’ve cooked for Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon and Xavier Mission in Chelsea. Homemade cookies and treats are also appreciated at most fire stations.
Also organize food drives in your lobby/school/community of pantry items. Ask the organization what they need most.
Support Museums
In a win/win for all, refresh your library/playroom at expertly curated online shops of local museums. Find great toys, books, crafts and games for at-home entertainment and consider becoming a member of your faves – so many perks all year round (including store discounts and the ability to unlimited visits whenever). Some favorite shops:
Pajama Program
Help kids in need have a loving bedtime and restful good night by collecting new pajamas and/or books to donate. Here’s info on starting a drive.
A great solution for birthday or holiday presents for the kid who already has too much. Party guests still get to shop and have something fun to bring to the party, and the receiver cam enjoy looking at the cute nightwear and fun books before donating.
Giving Factory Direct
Easily donate high-quality, gently used clothing with Giving Factory Direct’s digital clothing donation program. Donors are matched to a child in need and can ship new or gently-used clothing directly to that child using a provided pre-paid shipping label.
Packs include two complete outfits, a pair of pajamas, and a sweater/sweatshirt, all in the same size (0–3 months to youth 18/20) to meet a child’s immediate needs. New clothing also accepted.
Use group code KT0522 when submitting the online code.
IN-PERSON
The Community of Hope at Manhattan Church of Christ
Help serve a hot meal to homeless individuals and those in need in a welcoming atmosphere. Volunteers, regardless of age, can help serve the meals and engage with the guests.
Contact Carl Garrison at Carl@manhattanchurch.org to sign up.
Grassroots Grocery Saturdays
Join neighbors on Saturday mornings to sort, pack, and deliver fresh produce to New Yorkers in need. Help distribute thousands of pounds of bountiful produce and uproot hunger. Music plays and the vibe is festive.
Help pack and sort groceries from 9–10:30 am, followed by a delivery to a destination no more than 20 minutes from the meeting point for those with cars. You can pack, deliver, or do both.
Grassroots Grocery rescues excess, unsold produce from the biggest produce market in the United States, ensuring that fresh and healthy produce makes its way to neighbors in need that other food assistance programs don’t reach.
Volunteers under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sing at Nursing Homes
Uplift the lives of nursing home residents by singing through the hallways, bringing joy and healing through music. You don’t need to be talented or trained, just enthusiastic.
If you are in or near NYC, email Nursing Home Card Project to learn about all year opportunities to sing in NYC, or start your own singing group at a local nursing home.
Volunteer New York
Learn about in-person service opportunities open to youth ages 3 to 18 if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Help sort toys for shelters, clean up parks, distribute food and more throughout NYC, Long island and Westchester.
Introduce kids to the spirit of service and the importance of giving back in a fun, safe and meaningful environment. Independent opportunities available for ages 13 +. Find opportunities for specific dates/times or ongoing with a range of non-profits including city parks and senior centers.