Giving + Gratitude: Volunteer this Thanksgiving Season [NYC]

Thanksgiving break begins in just a few days! While many of us may be envisioning time with family, checking the weather for chances of snow, and stuffing ourselves with pumpkin pie, there are many in our City who are struggling this season. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have a great holiday, and you can help make that happen! Here are some volunteer opportunities in the next two weeks to help make this holiday truly meaningful by giving back.

Reduce Hunger

Food insecurity in New York City is still at a historically high level since the 2008 recession, with one in six residents and one in five children in the city living in homes that can’t afford enough food, according to federal data analyzed by NYC Coalition Against Hunger (NYC Service). Here are a few organizations you can get involved with to help reduce hunger this holiday season!

• Food Bank for NYC
• Bowery Mission
• New York Common Pantry
• City Meals on Wheels
• God’s Love We Deliver

Celebrate Happy Holidays

The following opportunities require a one-hour Orientation with New York Cares:

• Thanksgiving Party at PS 24 K – 11/17
• Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway with Sisters with Purpose – 11/21
• Holiday Decorations and Preparations with Actors Theatre Workshop – 12/2
• Holiday Arts and Crafts at Woodstock Senior Center – 12/5
• All New York Cares Holiday opportunities

Donate

At this time of year, clothing, food, and toys are more in demand than ever. Many organizations accept donations of both goods and funding, and both are greatly appreciated!

• New York Common Pantry accepts food donations year round
• New York Cares is hosting its annual coat drive beginning November 14th
• Bowery Mission is raising money to provide Thanksgiving meals to hungry New Yorkers