New York City is a place that always needs an extra pair of helping hands and although we can be gruff, New Yorkers help each other when it’s needed most. There are plenty of ways to volunteer in the city. So as the holiday season approaches, consider signing up for one of the many opportunities delivering meals, wrapping toys or helping at an animal shelter.
Below is a short list of organizations that provide important services for those in need. But remember there are many more that can use our help throughout the year.
Gobble Gobble Give 2022
The NYC chapter of GGG started with a few people handing out meals in 2009 and has grown to 850 volunteers and thousands of care packages delivered in 2019. This year a team of volunteers will accept donations at the Apollo Theater, in Harlem, on Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving Day, from 8am to 12:30pm.
They are accepting new or gently used toys or children’s books; canned & packaged foods; toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc.; baby Items: baby food, diapers, baby wipes, etc.; new & gently used clothing & shoes and new & gently used blankets.
Masbia
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Masbia Soup Kitchen Network has mobilized to respond to the emergency food needs in their community. Masbia is continuing to respond to a 500% increase in demand. Each day, 500 families visit Masbia at one of their three locations. That means about 1,500 families a day and 7,500 every week get food relief from Masbia. Its locations in Flatbush and Rego Park can use help to prepare and serve meals for various holidays, such as Thanksgiving and the Jewish High Holidays. To sign up, email volunteers at one of Masbia’s centers.
God’s Love We Deliver
God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD) is now cooking, packaging, and home-delivering 30% more meals this fall than last year. Nearly 13,000 medically tailored meals are going out the door each weekday. On Thanksgiving, they have a goal of serving over 6,500 meals. Without the help of amazing volunteers – 17,000 every year – GLWD simply would not be able to cook and deliver over thousands of meals each weekday. Volunteers work in the kitchen, deliver and package meals, work in their office and help out with special events to help them achieve their life-saving mission. To volunteer, go to their volunteer section on their website.
Citymeals-on-Wheels
This organization feeds 18,000 elderly New York City residents annually, serving over 2 million meals. Volunteers sometimes are the only faces their elderly clients see. If you’re interested in volunteering, sign up now for its various programs not only for the holiday season but throughout the year.