Spreading holiday cheer: Ways New Yorkers can volunteer with local charities this season

The holiday season is in full swing and many New Yorkers may find themselves looking for meaningful ways to volunteer in their communities. From volunteering and donations to advocacy and supporting local organizations, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference this time of year.

One good way to help out this season is to partner with United Way of NYC, an organization with over 87 years of dedicated service. The nonprofit focuses on creating sustainable growth by addressing critical issues such as health, education and food security. Volunteers can help out by donating supplies like hygiene kits, school supplies, making financial donations or donating their time at one of the group’s many toy drives.

According to Melissa Brown, chief development officer for UWNYC, collective action and community involvement helps the org meet even the most basic needs for less fortunate New Yorkers.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to come up with long-lasting, sustainable ways for folks to survive and thrive in New York City,” Brown said. “We know that more than half of working-age New Yorkers cannot meet their basic needs.”*

During the holidays, the organization ramps up efforts with campaigns like “Don’t Take Our Hope,” cold-weather kit distributions, and toy drives for families and children.

Toy drives are a great way to give back to the community during the holidays.Photo via Getty Images

“If you can — no gift is too big or small,” she said. “When you come together, you’re doing your small part, and multiple small parts impact lives. It’s only with the support of other New Yorkers that we’re able to do more work and serve more people.”

Locals can also partner with City Harvest, a group that attacks food insecurity year-round.

According to Alex Guyton, senior manager of volunteer programs at City Harvest, volunteers can help out by signing up to serve at one of City Harvest’s pop-up food markets, donating money to the org or by dropping off canned donations at police and fire stations or any Apple Bank locations throughout the city.

“We have thousands of volunteers who make our work possible every month, especially around the holidays. I encourage people to get involved, whether by volunteering, making donations, or supporting our food drives,” she said. The work we do is really driven by the amazing generosity of the community.”

Guyton encouraged volunteers to stay connected to the org even through the holidays as there are always ways to help address food insecurity in the city.

“Even in January and February, when the excitement of the holidays has died down, the need is still very much there, and we rely on the continued support of the community,” she said.

City Harvest helps keep New York City fed.File photo

New Yorkers can also lend a helping hand at Citymeals on Wheels, which brings vital nutrition and companionship to homebound seniors throughout the year.

Vivienne O’Neill, senior director of volunteer programs, said creating social connections with older residents is just as important as providing them with warm meals.

“During the holiday season, volunteers not only deliver meals but also help combat social isolation among our homebound elderly by making friendly calls and providing connection,” she said.

She explains that volunteering can be simple and is a great option for those who may not be able to donate monetarily.

“Making a phone call takes about 25 minutes and can be done virtually from anywhere,” she said. “Think about your neighbors and the impact you can have by giving just 10, 15, or 20 minutes of your time.”

The group invites people to volunteer through their website all year round, because “the need for community support doesn’t end after the holidays.”

Other ways to give back this holiday season include donating gifts to local orgs like:

– The Salvation Army, which invites people to adopt an “angel” from their angel tree to buy gifts for children or donate goods to their thrift stores.

– The New York Foundling, which hosts gift drives for children, adults, and families

– Church of St. Paul the Apostle

– Catholic Charities New York

– New York Junior League

– Met Council

– USPS Operation Santa

“There is hope in coming together and doing what you can,” Brown said, emphasizing the importance of community during this time of year. “The more people that come together, the greater the impact.”