The holiday season can be especially tough for those in need, but you can help. Find out how and where now!
Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community, and even with your family and friends. Plus, helping others can also help you, as people who volunteer tend to lead healthier lives. Studies have shown that the benefits that volunteers receive include positive feelings (referred to as “helper’s high”), increased trust in others, and increased social interaction.
From helping the homeless to starting your own unique project for those in need, there are plenty of ways to volunteer in New York City this holiday season.
New York City is home to more than eight million people, and 500,000 were in need last year. New York Cares strives to fix this issue by making volunteering accessible to all communities. To learn more, visit the New York Cares website, where you can search by specific issues, location, and time.
Find out how you can donate gifts for the holidays or keep someone warm this winter by joining the coat drive.
The Food Bank for New York City makes helping out during the holidays easy. They have a Meal Preparation Marathon in Harlem, a Meals on Wheels event on the Upper West Side, and more. Simple join in three easy steps on their website above.
You can also check out Masbia, a nonprofit soup kitchen network and food pantry that helps give out nutritious meals to those in need.
Volunteer Match has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, and plenty for the holidays! One example is to get involved with holiday parties for homeless children, which is a great one to get excited about helping others.
Toys for Tots gives out toys throughout the community, helping less-fortunate children experience the holidays. Find a place to drop off toys at one of their many locations.
Volunteer New York offers an endless list of holiday volunteer options. Gift wrappers are needed to help bring in the holiday cheer for children in need, for example.
Check out all of the holiday opportunities at Volunteer New York here!
The holidays are a popular time to volunteer in New York City, so many programs fill up fast. Be sure to get a spot as soon as possible, and don’t forget—most of these programs can use volunteers all year round as well.
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Sources
“Helping people, changing lives: The 6 health benefits of volunteering,” Mayo Clinic Health System. Accessed Dec. 9, 2016.
https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering
