Erin McCullochTouched by certain stories or just feel like giving back to the community? Whether you feel inspired by helping animals, the environment, children with special needs, immigrants or the homeless, we have volunteer options around the city for you!
If you are an animal person:
Why not volunteer with the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC)?
Animal Programs, vía New York Cares
BARC is a non-profit, no-kill, privately-run animal shelter located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Since 1987, BARC´s misión has been to provide a safe haven for abandoned animals and eventually find permanent, loving homes for them. You can help as a dog-walking volunteer on Saturday and Tuesday mornings from 9:30am – 12:30pm or Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Contact information:
Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition
253 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn
(718) 486-7489
See more information here
If you love working with kids:
Why not volunteer with The Children´s Village?
The Children´s Village, founded by the Board of Trustees in 1851, works to help society´s most vulnerable children so that they can become educationally proficient, economically productive and socially responsible members of the community. It serves approximately 10,000 children and their families in the New York metropolitan area every year. You can volunteer with tbeir community-based programs or on campus as a Mentor, Tutor or Role Model. As a student, you can volunteer and work one-on-one with students- preparing them for tests or helping them with homework. The commitment is 1 day per week for an hour and a half.
Contact information:
The Children´s Village
2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, 1st Floor, Manhattan
(212) 932-9009
See more information here
If you want to advocate for the homeless:
Why not volunteer with the New York City Rescue Mission (NYCRM)?
Rescue Mission, vía NY Daily News
The NYCRM provides meals, shelter and services to the homeless and hungry. You can help by volunteering in their various programs and services. For example, you can work in the Soup Kitchen and help serve food as well as interact with the families there. There are additionally many other programs and special events you can take part in.
Contact information:
The New York City Rescue Mission
90 Lafayette Street, Manhattan
(212) 226-6214
Volunteer application
See more information here
If you want to save the environment:
Why not volunteer with Fort Tyron Park Trust Friends Committee?
The Fort Tyron Park Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care, maintenance and enrichment of Fort Tyron Park. Its Friends Committee is comprised of a team of local individuals with work to beautify and improve the park´s appearance and overall condition. Volunteer activities include some or all of the following: painting, planting preparations, planting, weeding, and more.
Contact information:
Fort Tyron Park Trust
(212) 795-1388
See more information here
If you want to build houses for those in need:
Why not volunteer with Habitat for Humanity NYC?
Habitat NYC, vía Habitat.org
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity NYC believes in safe, decent and affordable housing for all. They build homes for those in need across New York´s five boroughs as well as advocate for affordable housing. You can get involved on a regular basis and become a crew leader or sign up to help whenever you can. Volunteer opportunities include building homes, repairing homes, painting, advocating, landscaping, participating in committees and helping in the Habitat NYC office.
Contact information:
Habitat for Humanity New York City
111 John Street, 23rd Floor, Manhattan
(212) 991-4000
Sign up to volunteer here
See more information here
If you´re a musician:
Why not volunteer at Mount Sinai Roosevelt?
The Hospital Volunteer Program at Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital needs volunteer musicians to bring their talents to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. They will be accompanied by volunteer guides who are familiar with the facilities and serve as liaisons between the musicians and patients.
Contact information:
Roosevelt Hospital
1000 Tenth Avenue, Manhattan
(212) 523-7155
MUSICIANS ON CALL: (212) 741-2709
See more information here
If you want to help the elderly:
Why not volunteer with The Carter Burden Center for the Aging (CBCA)?
Fall Benefit 2010, vía CBCA
Each year, the CBCA works with thousands of volunteers who are dedicated to supporting the elderly. You can work as a Friendly Visitor, for example. The Friendly Visiting program matches volunteers with seniors who share common interests and hobbies. Volunteers participate in visits at least twice a month (1-2 hours) in a home-bound senior’s home and may chat, play games, read books, take walks (if the senior is able), etc. Seniors live on the Upper East Side and East Harlem. You can also assist two or more times a month by buying groceries for seniors at the supermarket. You can also deliver groceries to those living in the Upper East Side and East Harlem neighborhoods. Or another option is meals-on-wheels. The Carter Burden Center oversees hot lunch delivery services to hundreds of home-bound senior citizens, providing them with a daily lunch and allowing you to interact with them face-to-face.
Contact information:
Holly Hedemark, Director of Volunteer Services
(212) 423-9665 x423
hedemarkh@carterburdencenter.org
See more information here
If one of these is not the volunteer option for you, visit the NYC Service Search page to find your perfect volunteer position.