World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families,…read moreand their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice (taken from their website). This Bronx warehouse is one of their "Storehouses", a donation distribution center where donated goods are received, sorted, stored, and ultimately given away to the individuals and communities that World Vision serves. I signed up to volunteer with a group on a Saturday. Upon arrival we watched a short video about the mission of World Vision, and then got to work in the warehouse organizing personal hygiene kits that were to be given away to local homeless men. Everything was very organized and the World Vision staff made it very easy for us to get right to work. When we'd depleted one palette of soap or shampoo, another one was right behind it. The task was rather tedious but good conversation, jokes, and a shared feeling that what we were doing was important and meaningful kept us going through the afternoon. It was hot in the warehouse, of course, but there was a big fan and no complaints from the group. We all had a great time and it was worth the sweat. I would recommend World Vision to any small group or an individual looking for a volunteer project. The only real downside (if you can even call it that) is that because you are working in a warehouse of donated goods, there is no direct contact with the people you are ultimately serving. If you appreciate that face-to-face contact, this might not be the volunteer project for you. On the other hand, though, it allowed us all to talk a lot and I walked away with some new friends.

This group is on a mission to help chidden move. Providing crutches to children everywhere, but now…read morethey are a mission to help Frontline Heroes with needed personal protection equipment for those in need.

Some organizations exist simply to fill a gap. And then there are the rare ones, the ones born from…read morea person's very soul, that exist to change lives. The Power of You Teens is unquestionably the latter. I have had the extraordinary privilege of knowing Felicia Gibson-Jaycox, the founder of this incredible organization, for over 25 years. Long before The Power of You Teens had a name, a mission statement, or a single program, I knew who Felicia was at her core: a woman with a heart for service, a gift for lifting others, and a vision for what was possible. I was there at her very first Empowerment Experience, watching something beautiful take root. To see what has grown from that seed is nothing short of miraculous. Felicia has always been a phenomenal human being, stunning inside and out, radiant in spirit, and relentless in her desire to give back. She left the world of television not because she lost her passion, but because she found a bigger one. And the girls who walk through the doors of The Power of You Teens are the living proof of what happens when purpose meets action. Now, more than two decades later, I am no longer just a witness to her mission. I am a grateful mother who enrolled her 11-year-old daughter in it. And I want to be clear: we travel from Long Island to attend these events. Every single time, it is worth every mile. My daughter and I have had the joy of attending multiple events, and each one has left a mark on both of our hearts. At the UNSTOPPABLE Vision Board Experience, hosted by the dynamic Déjà Vu, my daughter was completely in her element. The energy in that room was electric. Girls dreaming out loud, mapping their futures, being surrounded by powerful women who looked like them and who poured into them without reservation. My daughter didn't just make a vision board that day. She began to see herself differently. That is not a small thing. That is everything. At the Love Starts With Me Valentine's Day Self-Love Experience, the atmosphere was equally transformative: warm, joyful, affirming, and alive. Girls laughing. Girls connecting. Girls being seen, celebrated, and reminded of their worth. My daughter came home standing a little taller and speaking a little bolder. And I sat in that space as a mom feeling something I didn't even know I had been searching for: community. Here is something I carry with me as a mother. My daughter doesn't always see girls who look like her where we live. That matters more than people sometimes understand. Walking into a room full of beautiful Black and brown girls, girls who share her experiences, her heritage, her brilliance, watching her face open up with recognition and belonging is a gift I cannot put a price on. The Power of You Teens gives her that, every single time. This organization is doing the sacred, essential work of ensuring that girls of color are seen, supported, and prepared, not just to survive, but to thrive. To be confident, college bound, and career ready. To be the leaders this world is waiting for. If you have a daughter, a niece, a mentee, a neighbor's child, any girl between the ages of 11 and 18, please do not wait. Get her connected to The Power of You Teens. You will not regret it. She will not forget it. Felicia, thank you for saying yes to your calling all those years ago. Thank you for building something that would one day hold my daughter. What you have created is extraordinary, and we are so honored to be part of the Power Girls family. thepowerofyouteens.org @powerofyouteens

We had the pleasure of being introduced to this wonderful organization through a promotion I heard…read moreon WBLS. I took my daughter and her best friend to the Vision Board Experience event. They had a fantastic time building and making new friends. Ms. Felicia (the founder and organizer) and her team were welcoming and created a positive environment for the girls to interact, learn, and enjoy. I was in the hallway and overheard the girls singing, dancing, and engaging with one another. I highly recommend this organization for parents who want their girls to be part of a positive environment--signed, Thankful Dad!

Volunteers and older adults form a warm community, supported by wise and effective staff.read more

I am volunteering for DOROT. They do many good things to make older people feel less lonely. I…read morehighly recommend volunteering for them.

The DOE Fund Ready Willing and Able is one of my favorite…read moreprograms funded by the Doe Fund in NYC. I'm sure I did a review and posted photos of the men cleaning our streets! Doe provides homeless services, job training counseling and so much more for men in need. I've been to this The Doe Fund Headquarters for visits. When I visited they provided me with lunch prepared by the men. I asked the men if they liked the services and their residence. Let me tell you these men know how to cook and bake! They are also grateful for the opportunity. I'm sure there's recidivism as with all human services but I don't have the current data. Recently I was thrilled to see the men at my Harvest Home Farmers Market on Friday. They help raise funds for their organization by selling their baked goods. I'm looking forward to going earlier next week. The Spinach Feta Scones were sold out early!! Prices are very reasonable. Come check them out!! I highly recommend. I recommend The Doe Fund if you want to volunteer or donate to a worthwhile cause!

Truly great organization that is dedicated to helping the homeless and formerly incarcerated!read more

Hillside Food Outreach is an amazing resource in the community. I am able to witness firsthand, on…read morea monthly basis, what a difference HFO makes in the life of those who can't access healthy food options. Without HFO, so many people would be wondering where their next meal will come from. It truly takes a village!!

Where do I begin! This organization has been a life saver to so many families in need. They provide…read morehealthy groceries to families who need food all over Westchester County. We volunteer weekly making these deliveries. Every family is so very grateful to receive groceries, formula , diapers, toiletries. We will continue to be volunteers to Hillside for as long as they need us. Thank YOU HFO for all that you do!

This is an oasis for children in the community that helps them to develop into productive…read morecontributors to our society at large , while in school. This a must have in all neighborhoods in our city. The center is well staffed by educated , well trained professionals. They provide a varied teaching experience for all children.

Children's Aid Society East Harlem needs plenty of donations and there's lots of opportunities to…read morevolunteer my services. This location is walking distance from my apartment. If I'm in the neighborhood when they are open I will stop in to see what's going on. They need donations of all kinds, your time, talent, financial and more. Just contact them if you want to help. Children's Aid Society is a nonprofit in New York City founded in 1853 by Charles Loring Brace. Children's Aid Society has 45 citywide sites and over 1,200 full-time employees. Children's Aid is one of America's oldest and largest children's nonprofits. Children's Aid helps thousands of disadvantaged New York City children succeed annually, by providing services such as adoption and foster care, after-school and weekend programs, arts, camps, early childhood education, events, family support, medical, mental health, and dental, juvenile justice, legal advocacy, special initiatives, sports and recreation, and youth development programs.

i was pleasantly surprised for the same day pickup of my shoe donation to this organization. i…read morereceived a warm greeting, deep appreciation for my contribution, and an afternoon pickup from the gentleman and his courteous assistant. as requested, i received a call upon their arrival and volunteeringly brought the articles down. i've already informed my friends of this charitable organization. i highly suggest that you avail yourselves of their services too! needless to say, that i was quite pleased with allstar kindness incorporated. j.e. higgs