New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one organization that helps the youth and any one else that needs assistance for whatever reason. When I worked in social services I referred many people and youth to their offices. NY Cares is a great place to volunteer or work off community service requirements! You can do anything from serving food to tutoring children. I'm highly recommending you contact them when you are in need or if you want to volunteer. read more

While NYCares is known for giving coats to the homeless, there are many ways to volunteer with them. I love being outdoors and I was fortunate enough to assist replanting in Riverside Park. It was hard work planting on a hill but it gave me a new found respect for landscapers and plant life. I have a tendency to complain about being couped up inside all day so why not get outdoors and make my time meaningful. The New York Cares host Jared was very welcoming. He was also informative about their other initiatives and he frequently checked on my planting skills. I have volunteered with a few agencies around the city and new york cares and I rate them high with the awesome works they are providing to different areas of need. Thanks to them I am a horticulture expert. Ok maybe not! But it was a rewarding experience. read more

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I was told about this organization many years ago, but couldn't find the time to volunteer. The moment I realized I had some free time on my hands, I immediately signed up for Orientation held at Barnard College. I have since volunteered for numerous projects, involving children's sports, helping in food pantries and working with team leaders taking children on outings. New York Cares provides an outlet to assist the homeless, the hungry, the elderly, also tutoring scholastics, as well as guidance with resume and job interview help. Plus for the person in need of a warm coat there is an annual Coat Drive and a plethora of projects to provide New Yorkers with the help they may need. Once you've done orientation, all projects can be viewed online. Make your choice from the, oh so many, volunteer opportunities and be on your way to fulfill someone's needs as well as your own, by being able to give back. 5 star gratifying experience all around for the well organized New York Cares. read more

People love talking about themselves and getting the attention they feel they deserve. We all do. We like to feel good about ourselves. I mean, who doesn't? What if I tell you that the secret to feeling good about yourself comes from making others happy and feeling good as well? If that is a revelation you might want to explore further, then New York Cares is the place to be. I began volunteering regularly for New York Cares shortly after 9/11 with hopes to help revitalize the community I grew up in. I have not looked back since. For me, what often gets lost in the glitz and glamour about New York City is how much our enjoyment and experiences are predicated on the service industry. Those who serve us and makes this city awesome and great including policemen, firefighters, waiters, garbage collectors, concierges, teachers, stylists, manicurists, Yelp Community Managers (had to plug that), nurses, doctors, and the list goes on. We are lucky to have all these people around us and do their jobs to serve us everyday. If they did not care, I doubt our New York experiences would be as great as they are. And guess what? Some of those same people are ones that really need help from others. What better way to show one's appreciation than to take some free time to help paint a school, help someone with their taxes, teach a little basic English, or serve a meal? After all, they do it for you so maybe it can be fun to see it from the point of view of those who serve us. I don't know, it is just a thought. If you feel the same way as me, then New York Cares is the best way to go. They have thousands of projects to choose from. Pick one that works for you, and maybe I will catch you at a project at some point. read more

This review is for the 22nd Annual New York Cares COAT DRIVE. Do you ever wonder where that lightly worn coat you dropped in the collection box from NY Cares Coat Drive goes? I do. For years I have dropped items in these boxes at my office lobby. This year I decided to volunteer. On Thursday my company concluded this season New York Cares Coat Drive and we delivered the final loads of coats to New York Cares Coat Sorting Site. At the same time seven of us volunteered to sort coats at the sorting center. As we sign-in for two hours of work we met the young volunteers from the period before us. They were young school kids and they look exhausted but happy. For the next two hours we will be doing the same. The main sorting center for NYC is located in a downtown office building. The space is donated and it covers an entire floor. Tons of coats and clothes are being dropped off in shopping bags, garbage bags, box large and small by people, by car, by truck, and FEDEX & UPS. Labels on the delivers showed that they are from corporations, schools, police precincts, and collection centers from around the city. Once dropped off volunteers open and sort the items into categories like adult man, woman, children, infant, light jackets, small items (gloves, caps, hats, scarves, etc.). Then we had to re-bag the sorted items for distribution. Each bag contents a fixed quantity of the same items; like ten coats per bag. Churches, community centers, and shelters will come and select from the different categories with the quantity of items they require for their needy. After two hours of opening, sorting, and bag made quite a workout; we estimated 100+ bags and boxes were sorted in the 2 hours we were there. Doug and I was on the front line (opening the delivered bags) which was a little dusty because the bags and boxes came from the outside and many were dragged across many floors. As the seven of us finished our 2-hour shift, the next group of volunteers from a banking firm arrived. The question they asked, " Is it fun? Is it hard? Did you like it?' Answer: YES! Some cocktail (useless information) trivia: - So many black leather coats; is it out of fashion. - Manhattan donators have the nicest coats - Long black wool coats are timeless and all look the same; why bother donating it? - Several designer donated new coats from their warehouse with tags still on them; same priced over three digits! - 9 Giants team jackets were donated; some in mint condition. I understand their sadness. -4 Jets team jackets were donated; what, what were they thinking? -2 Green Bay Packer team jackets- the wife did it. -1 Steelers team jackets; pre-mature prediction? -1 Yankee team jackets; must have been a really disappointed fan. -0 Mets team jackets; they were all donated years ago. NY Cares does a wonder job. This year they estimate a SHORTAGE of 10,000+ coats for distribution. read more

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In case you didn't know, New York Cares actually has free Volunteer recruitment training for non-profit organizations. That's right! Do you work in a non-profit? Having trouble recruiting or retaining volunteers? New York Cares has a training seminar for you! I RSVPed via Eventbrite for an all-day training and I actually came out with a lot of useful tips and advice. Some of the stuff I would like to share is: - ROSES (Recruit, Orientation, Support, Evaluation, Salute) - Detailed and specific position descriptions help get the people you want. - Rewards and recognition is great for retention Since the training was grant funded, We had free breakfast and lunch! I love free bagels. read more

This is definitely one of things which I really like doing it. I got introduced to NY Cares 2 years back as my employer has a tie up with them. Several times a year they organize different kinds of events where one can volunteer. I have had chance to visit schools in Bronx ,Brooklyn and was able to paint walls, do gardening. Also participated in events to clean up the city. NY cares gives a very good opportunity to give back to society we live in. They are very organized when it comes to these volunteer events. Keep on doing the good work! read more

If you're like me: you want to volunteer but you can't always commit to an every-week, every-month thing. And you don't necessarily want to volunteer at the same place every time.....NY Cares is perfect for you (and me!!) I have walked dogs, corralled kids, sawed trees, prepped meals, painted walls, chatted with seniors, and directed runners at races with this organization. There is literally something for everyone to do. After your orientation, you are up an rolling and the site is EXTREMELY easy to navigate. You can search by date, borough, type of project, time of day, pretty much everything!!!! Sometimes I sign up the day before for things if I feel like it. It is such a cool thing to do with friends (or your s.o.) because you're usually not spending any money, you're doing something interesting, AND you feel awesome after b/c you have helped someone. Even if you don't have any time to volunteer in the near future, go to an orientation and get into their system. Its worth it to have the option to volunteer later. read more

New York Cares - Meals on Wheels Volunteering...... don't want any hair in the Seniors' meals - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - New York, New York

What an organization. They really do have charity and safety in their hearts and it resonates through their orientations, projects, team leaders and even the prompt emails (to my, sometimes ridiculous, questions). I haven't participate too too often, (only about 2 projects in?) but I love it! They are extremely understanding, in regards to cancellations ("Life gets in the way! Don't worry about it, please sign up again.") and requests to participate in a full project also. They have a great cause and REALLY work to make things happen. read more

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I went here for my orientation on Wednesday morning at 8am. The snow had turned to rain, it was cold and windy, and it was early -- and the place was packed with people wanting to volunteer! Wow, what a town! Some of my Peace Corps friends do DC Cares, but I was never convenient enough to downtown DC to consider joining. But now that I live in New York, I can join up and with the original organization no less. It will be fun to start volunteering again. The orientation was run by the executive director, and he was very nice and professional. He made everyone feel good about the organization they are joining. I am really looking forward to helping out. read more

New York Cares - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - New York, New York

I've been part of this organization for over a year. I absolutely love it! It's a great place to volunteer if you're passionate about a lot of different causes. From planting trees in a park, helping out at a food kitchen, or early morning reading at a public school I think they have an activity for anyone! read more

One of the best organizations to be involved with in NYC. Had a fantastic time creating artwork with seniors at a home on the UWS and again another time in the village. When you're busy as can be and you want to be able to help out -- when you have time there is always something that you can volunteer for. Kids projects seem to fill up faster than any other causes, and the orientation is brief. Date Rating: 10 Pick up Scale: N/A (people don't volunteer to get dates... and Yelp is not a dating site...) Strong Suggestion: volunteer. read more

Thinking of joining? Not to sound like a jerk but you need to stop being a selfish jerk and go do it now you jerk. There isn't much of an excuse not to. NY Cares is very flexible. Want to volunteer once a day, once a week, once a month, or bi-annually? All fine. Three times one day then two months off? Fine. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and weekdays? Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine. Who do you wanna work with? Old people? Cool, go ahead and play BINGO with them or dance with them or play Wii or help feed them. Old people too ... old? Hang out with some youngins. Play games with 5-year-olds, go on trips with 12-year-olds, tutor 16-year-olds. You don't like young punks or the decaying elderly? Help feed the homeless or give some time to the sick. You'd like to avoid as much human contact as you can? NY cares has animals for you to care for. They have parks that need cleaning. Murals that need painting. Libraries that need organization. Gardens of vegetables and plants that need gardening. And more projects, and events, and things to do. You just need to attend one information session which is, well, boring but brief and informative. And then they'll run a simple background check to make sure you don't have Michael Jackson's proclivity for young boys or any other heinous history. Then you're all ready to join NY Cares and maybe be a better person. read more

I did A LOT of volunteering in college and as soon as I moved to NYC, I was looking for ways to become involved in my community. Since I wasn't sure how my schedule would look like yet, I opted for NYCares since they were one of the organizations that allowed flexibility. Most of my free time is Saturday or Sunday and after reading through the website and going through the possibilities, NYCares would be the best organization for where I can play with cats and dogs, tutor children, work in a soup kitchen, or talk with some senior citizens. I have done all of these things since I have moved to NYC and each experience has been very rewarding. In addition to contributing to my community, I've definitely met some cool people as well to spend my time with! read more

I joined this organization just recently because I felt I should do something more useful in my spare time. I have volunteered on a few projects since signing up and it's been a good experience. Joining the organization is easy. Create an account on the website and sign up for orientation. Once you attend the orientation, you can start searching for projects and sign up for them. They have a wide variety of projects ranging from helping with kids, senior citizens, animals, sprucing up gardens, volunteering at schools/fairs etc. You can pick and choose the projects that you're interested in. What I like about this organization is the flexibility. There are certain projects which require multi-session commitments, but most of the projects don't require such commitment. You can choose to volunteer when you can fit in a project in your schedule, be it once a month or every 2 months or whatever works for you. read more

Wonderful way to spend your time on the weekends. I love that they have plenty of one-off events, you don't have to commit to something for months on end. I can never tell when I'm going to get off work during the week, so it's great that I can just do one event Saturday morning. There are TONS of options- think of the things you love to do- and then volunteer for it! Painting, photography, tutoring, pet walking, arts and crafts... if you can't find something you like, I don't know where you will. I taught a kid how to use scissors! I feel bad for his parents now, but it's so nice knowing I taught him something! It was so much fun working with creative kids on valentines day crafts. Each event varies, some are super organized and others are more do whatever you want. You can choose the events based on location, so if you want to stay in Manhattan, you can. I've met so many people through NYCares as well. It's so nice meeting people who care about the same things that you care about and they can't be half bad if they're volunteering! read more

Be a good person and volunteer for this organization. After a short orientation you can choose from hundreds of different projects ranging from tutoring people in English language skills, working with school children on writing a play, painting a public school, playing bingo with the elderly, feeding the homeless in a soup kitchen, walking dogs at BARC...the list goes on and on. There is something for everyone. And NY Cares will work with any type of schedule issues you may have. I've met some wonderful people working for NY Cares, been able to see life from a different perspective and best of all, felt great about how I was able to positively impact someones life. read more

Oh my goodness! Who knew volunteering was so fun?! Tons of people, right? Well, I only found out about this because a friend of mine got a group of us together to participate in the "Hands on New York Day" and it was super amazingly fun. Not only did I get to meet a whole SLEW of really awesome people, I beautified a city garden.. and it has inspired me to clean up my own garden. If you wanna do good things and meet good people.. this is the group to join. I am going to full on join now! read more

New York cares has made it easy for all New Yorkers to work together to strengthen the city. I love the variety of activities available to volunteer and how the organization translates volunteers' work into context. The online platform shows you what you've accomplished and makes it easy to book a spot where you'd like to volunteer. Just think, if everyone in NYC gave a few hours of their weeks to volunteer, how much of an impact it would have on our city! read more

I will be participating in Hands On New York Day Saturday, April 25. I will be Site Captain for a location in Brooklyn, NY. Help us clean up the parks and schools. Give back to the community by volunteering! Address: T & T Vernon Block Association Community Garden 190Ish Vernon Avenue (Between Throop And Tompkins Ave) Brooklyn, NY 11206 Site Captain Training: http://www.meetup.com/teamfoodie/photos/571494/ Register here to be part of my team: https://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=301314&lis=1&kntae301314=901AF9C8C6BB4FBF9A8BA2869EDC5962&supId=0&team=3323106&cj=Y read more

This is the best organization I have ever volunteered for, and it's one that really gives back. Serving the New York Community, New York Cares has found a way to take needy non-for-profits, schools, community centers, urban development programs, etc. and staff them with New Yorkers who want to help out and learn something from the community. Anyone can get involved with New York Cares because the commitment is only as long or as short as you want it to be, and you don't ever need any prior qualifications to volunteer (aside from being at least 18 years of age). This is a hands-on way of learning about your city's needs and addressing them with your free time and willingness to help. There are plenty of projects for those of us who work a 9-5 or 9-6, and you can search projects by proximity to your nearest subway line or neighborhood. So far in my two-month long engagement with New York Cares, I have staffed a Fitness Fun Day for kids at a public school, read and did arts and crafts with kids at an after-school program, and practiced conversational English with new Immigrants to NYC, and I am signed up for four projects in the upcoming month. I am an addict, and you will be as well once you attend a New York Cares Orientation. For those of us trying to beef up that resume, it's also possible to apply to become a Team Leader, which is someone who leads New York Cares projects, usually on an annual basis. read more

Great for people who are looking to volunteer with a fear of commitment. You can sign up for different types of projects: soup kitchens to children to animals to elderly. My schedule is unpredictable and constantly changing so it's perfect for me. I can sign up last minute for projects I might be interested in. I've noticed that there are A LOT more volunteers now because they get filled VERY quickly. It's good for them but bad for me. =P read more

New York Cares is a wonderful organization that all New Yorkers should volunteer for. It's easy to get started - sign up and attend one short training session. Training is no sweat, but definitely essential. There are certain standards and objectives that all volunteers are expected to adhere to for the safety of those NYCares is helping and for the safety of volunteers. As for the events, most are fantastic, but overall the quality really depends on the quality of the group leader. I've had plenty of great experiences and one not-so-great experience. The bonus is that you can always submit a review of your volunteer experience and if one of the volunteer coordinators wasn't so hot, you can mention it and someone from NYCares will follow up with the team leader to give them helpful strategies. NYCares is a great way to get involved and help out the community, not to mention a great way to meet other fantastic New Yorkers! read more

I can't give New York Cares anything less than five stars, even though it's not a perfect organization. Like most others have said, the flexibility when scheduling projects is amazing. There's no commitment for most projects and there are always open spots for something if you want to sign up at the last minute. Of course popular projects fill up quickly, but once you get in once and know the team leader they can usually sign you up even if it's full on the site. As I said, it's not perfect. I've had some problems with projects being canceled extremely last minute (as in, 20 minutes after the project should have started and I'm already in the middle of Queens) and a few projects have had way too many volunteers. It's also not quite the social bounty I had been hoping for. People show up to projects too sporadically for it to really be a way to make new friends. I do love New York Cares and I love that they've made volunteering so accessible for anyone who wants to do it. They have such a huge range of projects that you are guaranteed to find something that suits you. Orientation is free and only takes a couple hours, so there's no excuse not to go and get yourself involved! read more

New York Cares is awesome! It is definitely the best organization to volunteer with in New York. Sign up with them, go to a training session and then you get to volunteer whenever. There are so many projects all the time and I'm sure most people can find something that works with their schedule and a variety of different projects. Just go on their website and check it out. I have been with volunteering with New York Cares for almost two years now and it's been great. I have had so many great experiences with them. I've shelved books, taken photographs on New York Cares day, got to built cool lego robots with elementary students, played board games, sorted clothes, etc... You just earn lots of experience while volunteering. I've learned a lot of things while volunteering, that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. I've also met a lot of cool people all over the city while volunteering. I've heard cool stories, bonded over being from Queens, gotten cool tips to local restaurants wherever I'm volunteering. It's been fun. Also, if you become a team leader & go to the workshops, there is almost always pizza. Yummm. I've learn some cool stuff at the workshops like cpr, info about emergency response, etc... I also got to compliment the staff! Whenever I have a question or a concern, there is always someone to talk to. The staff is friendly and always helpful. It's a great organization. I definitely recommend it. It'll make you feel so good to help someone else and you could meet some cool people along the way. read more

I have been volunteering with New York Cares for two years now and have had nothing but positive and incredibly fulfilling experiences. The organization makes it so easy for you to sign up for a project (it takes moments online) at your convenience and every single volunteer team leader I have worked with has been wonderful. Once they get to know you and trust you, they also have the ability to sign you up for a project even when it's full. I have volunteered at animal shelters, teaching photography to children, serving meals to the homeless, food pantries, and sorting clothes. There are so many projects that it can be difficult to choose one but there is a good chance that you will eventually find a project that really captures your heart and you end up staying with it. If you can't decide however, you can always sign up for individual projects without committing long-term. Just do it! You will do good, feel happy (not to mention grateful for all that you have!) and meet like-minded people. Five stars for New York Cares! read more

I'm really surprised that there are not more reviews for New York Cares. If you don't already know about the organization, it is a local nonprofit that basically coordinates volunteers for other nonprofits in need of volunteers (either on a regular basis or for a one-time project). Check out their website for how to get started - basically, you sign up for a brief information/training session, fill out some paper work, and then are free to sign up for whatever volunteer projects you're interested in. After you've volunteered with New York Cares a few times, and following some additional training, you are able to lead your own volunteer project through New York Cares. Plain and simple, it is a wonderful organization that makes it easy for New Yorkers to volunteer at THEIR convenience (i.e., as often or as seldom as they like). Searching and signing up for projects couldn't be simpler - it's all done online, where you are able to search for volunteer opportunities by neighborhood and area of interest (i.e., kids, the elderly, animals, parks, etc). Deregistering for something that you've already signed up for is also easily done online - we're all busy people with unpredictable schedules, and sometimes plans change. I like that New York Cares doesn't make its volunteers feel guilty about that. I've been volunteering with New York Cares for a little over a year now, and really can't say enough good things about the organization. Check it out - you won't be disappointed! read more

I recently moved to the Hoboken area and was looking for ways to get involved in the local community and also meet new people. New York Cares is the perfect combination: able to volunteer according to your own schedule and not have to meet a certain quota of hours for the month and also volunteer in a variety of situations, ranging from helping the unemployed, Hurricane Sandy clean up, elderly, youth, libraries, gardening, etc...there really is an opportunity for just about anyone! I took the online virtual orientation and it was great, quick and easy. Basically just explained how to utilize the web site to sign up for projects. I also have emailed with the New York Cares staff and they are always very prompt in their reply and friendly! I have some time off between jobs, so I am taking this time to volunteer when I can. This morning I volunteered to help unemployed folks (most with little-no education past their high school diploma) create resumes, apply for jobs and also explain how the job application process works. It was really a wonderful experience. I was able to utilize my Spanish to help a young gentleman freshen up his resume for a bartending job and also explained a bit how Microsoft Office works. We completed his resume and printed it out for him to distribute to various restaurants and bars in his area. It was very rewarding and I felt that I was able to utilize my job application/resume experience to help someone out. Highly recommend this organization for busy, working professionals that allow you to volunteer according to your schedule, but also be involved in the community. Great concept! read more

I've had such a great experience with NYCares. I recently moved here and have been trying to get out and do/experience things so this has been perfect. I've done a bunch of different projects with animal shelters, meals on wheels, food pantries, cleaning up parks, and food delivery all over the city. Somehow I haven't done any projects with kids yet but I plan to! It's easy to fit volunteering into your schedule. You go to an orientation and then you can immediately start signing up for projects. The site is really easy to navigate and, for example, if you know you will be in a certain part of the city on saturday afternoon you can search for something on saturday morning in that area and there will probably be a couple of options. read more

I love New York Cares! I've been volunteering with New York Cares for several months, and am now a Team Leader as well. I originally joined New York Cares because I missed volunteering and needed something in my life to feel good about since I work during the week for a huge company. I also thought it would be a great way to meet people. It has achieved both of those goals for me, and so much more. I love that I don't have to commit to doing something all the time... if I decide on Thursday night that I want to do something on Saturday morning, I can do it. I also like that there are sooo many options to choose from, so there is really something for everyone! I've done several different types of activities, mostly on the weekends, and mostly involving kids. All the activities have been great. Most are free of charge, but occasionally there is a small cost involved if you are taking a trip or something. You will always know upfront if there is a cost involved so you don't have to worry if you are running low on cash, as most of the projects are free anyways. Get oriented and become a New York Cares volunteer - you will love it! read more

As a lifelong NYC resident, this is as great an organization this city has produced. As a teacher, I thought what better way to spend my summer vacation than giving back to the city that forged my identity. I helped out with some summer camps. One was a sports explorers camp for 4th and 5th graders. Another was teaching photography to rising 5th graders. My team leaders for both projects couldn't have been more helpful or enthusiastic. The people I worked with, whether in multiple weeks or just one time, were all great people willing to help out. It just goes to show that there are people out there in this rough-and-tumble place who really do care about the community. I hope to stay involved during the school year. The best part about NY Cares is its flexibility and the online registration for the projects. A few clicks of the button and your all set. They have a multitude of projects: from one-off commitments to multi-sessions, any day, any night. They range from the children's activities to adult education to soup kitchens to resume/interview prep for those who need guidance. Highly recommended. read more

This is probably the #1 community service organization in New York City - I've done projects through NY Cares ranging from chaperoning students at a field day event, to leading student groups at the Museum of Natural History, to delivering food packages to elderly tenants. The staff are super helpful in guiding the volunteers through the projects and educating them on other volunteer opportunities with them. It's super easy to sign up too! If you are new to the city and looking for cool and varied ways to help give back to the community, definitely reach out to NY Cares! read more

New York Cares is another organization that you can assist at helping by either personal monetary donations, or by taking initiative at your place of work. Here is how you can help, by contacting New York Cares to set up a donation box at your place of business/work building. I set up donation boxes at multiple schools throughout my many years in the education field. I encouraged my students to bring in coats that were gently used. I asked them to speak to their parents. Many folks have coats in wonderful condition just gathering dust or perhaps they are thinking of throwing them away. Why not donate them to those in need? If you can purchase a new coat and donate it that is equally as wonderful. Think of setting up a donation box at your place of work or business today. read more

New York Cares makes volunteering so very easy. Once you go through the easy registeration, you can sign up for volunteer gigs on a one-time or ongoing basis. You show up, you participate in some great program and events, meet some great people. It's a very simple process--accessible to everyone. The programs I have been a part of have been enormously fulfilling. It's a great opportunity to support and connect with your community. I have met some great people through volunteering, and I have had great experience as a NY Cares volunteer. read more

I love New York Cares...I walked dogs, played with kids, chatted with old people while making craft stuff, and planted many many many plants. Lots n lots of fun and a good way to meet people. Getting up on a Saturday and leaving the house was the hardest part but so rewarding once I was there. read more

Came here for orientation and the woman giving the presentation was the greatest and personable speaker. Got all the deets I want and you really feel good about volunteering because there are so many opportunities out there - just check out their website. read more

Wonderful organization. The orientation prior to volunteering is super easy. Only took about 30 minutes max. There's tons of different projects that are looking for volunteers. Again, super easy because it gives you the time and place that volunteers are needed. Makes searching for projects of interest or close to home a snap. I'm excited that I'm part of such an amazing and giving organization. read more

IMHO the best volunteering organization in the city. Hundreds of projects to choose from every month; the great majority of them very well organized both on the NY Cares end thru the team lead as well as the overall project end by the organization being helped. Mostly known for the winter coats donation program, volunteers through the New York Cares organization assist all over the city with helped make and distribute food to homeless and/or disadvantaged people to beautification of schools to revitalization of parks. I've worked on projects for years here in NY and for even longer with a sister group in the Bay Area, Hands On Bay Area. Sign up on the NYCares website for the one-hour orientation meeting and then start helping out throughout your community as well as the rest of the city. read more

Gotta go with the raves. There are so many ways to volunteer your time...and let's face it, we all have an hour or three that we can throw someone elses' way a month, huh? Hard-core bingo with the old fogies who will show you who's their biotch, reading bedtime stories for kids whose parents cannot for one reason or another, teaching science to 2nd graders...it's a ton of fun for you and them, if you have the time. Most importantly, there is no carrot or stick; be good for goodness' sake, no strings attached if you don't want them to be. Just do it. read more

I did alot of activities with NY Cares from 2000 - 2003. I loved the idea of a la carte community service where (once you go thru their orientation program) you can participate as much or little as you wish. You can choose to work with kids, the elderly, outdoors, in soup kitchens, at churches, you name it. A great, great organization! Plus each year they have a HUGE coat drive that helps provide warm coats for many homeless in NYC. LOVE THIS GROUP. read more