Ride with NYC Ferry to a local volunteer location and make this holiday season merrier!
There is no doubt there’s nothing like the holidays in NYC, but there is always something we can do to bring some extra joy to those around us. No matter how big or small the effort, you can make a difference for someone.
The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society began their efforts of assisting refugees in 1881, and has been doing so ever since. Today, volunteers are needed to join their mission in helping refugees and asylum seekers resettle. Interested volunteers should have a passion for gaining a deeper understanding of these refugees and asylum seekers and their convoluted lives. Volunteers must be 18 years old and committed to assisting for the better cause. For more information on this opportunity, please visit their website.
Grow NYC knows that any effort goes a long way. With their variety of volunteer opportunities, you don’t have to commit weekly; instead you can volunteer on a day-to-day basis based on your schedule. Some of their volunteer work includes helping to distribute food, photograph events, and help with cooking demonstrations. Some locations you can volunteer at are near landings on our East River, South Brooklyn, and Lower East Side routes. These landings include South Williamsburg, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and Stuyvesant Cove. For more information on their open volunteer opportunities, please visit their website.
The New York Public Library is always looking for language tutors, extracurricular tutors, and event volunteers. The commitment would be once a week for at least 6 months. There are New York Public Libraries near our Corlears Hook, Stuyvesant Cove, and E 34th St. landings. Corlears Hook and Stuyvesant Cove are on the NYC Ferry Lower East Side route and E 34th St. is a hub for the Soundview, Astoria, East River, and the Lower East Side routes. For more information on how to volunteer at your local New York Public Library, please visit their website.
Big Brothers Big Sisters are always looking for mentors, otherwise known as “Bigs”. Bigs are expected to meet with their mentees twice a week for one year. As a mentor, volunteers are expected to be a positive influence and serve as a role model to their mentees. Volunteers over 21 years old are matched with children who are between 7 and 17 years old throughout all 5 boroughs. There is a longer waitlist for boys, so the demand for male volunteers is high. Visit their website and learn more about how to be part of New York City’s largest mentoring organization.
Citymeals on Wheels is in need of volunteers to personally deliver meals to the homebound elderly. If you are eager to help but won’t be around for the holidays, there are still ways for you to lend a hand. Citymeals on Wheels is also looking for people to chat with senior citizens weekly, whether in person or on the phone. They also need volunteers to make cards for special occasions and to help in senior centers. Last year, Citymeals on Wheels had 26,212 volunteers who made a difference and lent their support. For more information on how to volunteer with Citymeals on Wheels, please visit their website.
Rescuing Leftover Cuisine makes sure that leftovers don’t end up being wasted by giving them a second chance. Volunteers are needed to pick up the unwanted leftovers and deliver food from donor partners to local homeless shelters and soup kitchens. If you are interested in donating leftovers from an event you are having, simply enroll on their website and an arrangement can be made for the food to be picked up once your guests leave. Food rescues are scheduled weekly and occur in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, everyday of the week. They can also be completed via any mode of transportation. Food can be delivered via public transportation, your own vehicle, bike, or NYC Ferry. For more information on how you can volunteer, please visit their website.
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