While I am out pulling weeds, four executives make over 900,000 thousand between them. So as…read moresuckers like me work, they sit in offices collecting huge salaries. how awful. Looks like everyone volunteers except them. Here are the four people that your money goes to while you stuff backpacks for free: Executive Director (Sapreet K. Saluja): $342,683 base salary plus $27,931 in additional benefits.Chief Fund Development Officer: $220,000 base salary (with current open role listings ranging up to $240,000).Chief Finance & Operations Officer: $210,021 base salary plus $44,953 in benefits.Chief Talent Officer: $191,983 base salary. You are nuts if you give these charlatans your time or money!

New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one…read moreorganization 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.

I was devastated when this place closed a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to find out…read morethat they reopened! I went there on a Saturday and it was the same quiet, peaceful place it's always been. You can get so much work (or studying) done there, especially with the free and speedy wifi. They have comfortable chairs, outlets for your electronics, and clean bathrooms. They also have a separate children's room. And the view is nice also, and it's completely free! This is the kind of place I'd give a big donation to if I were in the position to do so, but they do have a donation jar, which I will make sure to add to next time.

I found this spot such a gem! Really great space to study and work - it's quiet and big tables with…read moreplenty of outlets. The natural lighting and proximity to the River is also such a plus. Bathrooms were clean and the staff and other studies were all respectful. There's free and reliable WiFi ... and its free to work here!! After a study session, I'd recommend treating yourself to a lovely walk along the river, explore battery park, or Brookfield mall (there's a food court!)

Habitat for Humanity is an easy five star review. Jimmy Carter understood the need for individuals…read moreand families to have their own home. He was a driving force of bringing attention to Habitat for Humanity. I've been active in supporting in the past and I can say I've known many University of Notre Dame students that collected my donations. The students also deserve acknowledgment for their support volunteering to build the houses. I was amazed that you don't need experience. My daughter learned a lot of her DIY skills from volunteering with Habitat. They have my financial support and I hope you donate time or money. It's a great nonprofit organization!

I love the Restore! When I have to get things, I will pop in to see if they have something that can…read morebe repurposed. I love the idea of buying something and having my money support an amazing cause! Recently I wanted to get some new bedstand/end tables and found some beat up ones at the restore that I felt could be restored! The staff was great and helped me load the car. Turned out amazing! I saved some furniture from a landfill and helped an amazing mission!

I've been a volunteer with One Brick over 6 years now and still love this organization! The…read morevariety of volunteer events, the other nonprofits we work with and the people are amazing. This is a great way to meet people with similar interest and give back to the community. Come join us! The sales pitch: one night stand volunteering (sign up when you can) The fever pitch: one event is not enough (you'll want to volunteer more) The addiction pitch: chapters across the country means you can volunteer anytime, anywhere We would like to say a special THANK YOU to the Yelp community for supporting us during the Country Club event at Randall's Island. www.onebrick.org

One Brick is a really great option for those of us who want to volunteer but don't have…read morecareers/schedules that allow us to commit to organizations on a regular basis. With One Brick, you get your free sign up on their website (no spam ever) and you check the monthly calendar to RSVP to the events you're interested in. They cap off the number of volunteers according to how many are needed for each event. I appreciate this since I hate going to volunteer and standing around not contributing because there are too many cooks in the kitchen. My only qualm is that you can only sign up two weeks ahead of time for their events. I'd prefer to sign up for everything at the beginning of the month. But I assume they do this because it's rare for a NYCer to be able to commit more than two weeks out. Their method surely minimizes cancellations/no-shows. That being said, they're really awesome about understanding your need to cancel, even if it's last minute due to work or the unexpected. They also make it very easy for you to email the person in charge of your event in case you have questions or need to cancel.

With 7 regular courts and 1 court, the Open Squash FiDi location allows Open Squash to exemplify…read morethe word "open" further, and host more activities such as tournaments, camps, and special events. Cost: Open Squash FiDi has a special program for newcomers. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash FiDi has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Amr: Amr is known for his precision; he can direct the ball to any spot on the court he desires. His remarkable skills extend beyond the game, as he can shape any person into the squash player they aspire to be. He focuses on teaching you how to utilize your strengths while simultaneously transforming your weaknesses into strengths. As the former Egyptian National Coach from 2017 to 2023, Amr introduced Egyptian training methods to Open Squash. I have witnessed significant improvements in our juniors' squash skills under his guidance. More importantly, Amr also plays a vital role in helping juniors build their character. I recall an instance when a younger player, around 13 or 14 years old, was practicing with two older juniors, aged around 17 or 18. She appeared a bit frustrated during the drill. As soon as she stepped off the court, Amr praised her swing and noted some positive changes she had made. That encouragement brought a big smile to her face. She is not only learning how to play squash from Amr but also how to care for others, thanks to his example.  Amr is more than just a fantastic coach; he is an exceptional person, living up to his nickname, "Baby Legend." Adel: Adel is like "a good friend you can always count on," especially when it comes to women playing squash. She has a deep understanding of women's bodies and the changes they go through over time, such as during their menstrual cycle, childbirth, and aging. Adel is dedicated to helping women excel at squash by offering modified training and routines that strengthen their skills. Her coaching abilities extend beyond just women; I often see her interacting with junior players, adjusting their form, and creating an environment where they can genuinely enjoy the game. I also observe her training male players to help them achieve their goals in her clinics. Adel believes that everyone has their unique path, and she is committed to helping each individual become the best squash player they can be. Ciara: Ciara is the women's community manager who is dedicated to increasing access for women in squash. She often gathers ideas from members and designs various programs such as "Queen of the Courts" and "Women Only Camp." Her efforts make many women feel comfortable participating in Open Squash. Ciara is an energetic, fun, and compassionate coach, exceptionally skilled at working with young children. I often see kids gathering around her, hugging her, and treating her like a big Barbie doll. Despite the affection they show, the kids also respect her authority. On one occasion, I witnessed her discipline a child, calmly explaining the correct behavior. Her firm yet kind approach makes her the perfect coach for all young kids. Habiba: Habiba is known as the "Torture Queen." She pushes us to our limits during training sessions, leaving our bodies exhausted, yet we can't help but want to return for more. As our 3.0 team coach, she is dedicated to improving the squash skills of all team members. She frequently discusses the adjustments she plans to make and the areas she wants us to focus on, ensuring that we maximize our learning experience. One time, I received a text message from her at 10 PM asking for input on the proper training content for us. Yes, at 10 PM, she was still thinking about how to help her students. Talk about dedication! A former World Junior Champion, Habiba has brought her training methods from Egypt to our program. She trains multiple junior players and is especially recognized for teaching deceptive plays and advanced squash techniques. She closely monitors all her juniors and once told me that if they do not practice and follow the assignments, she will drop them from her program. She exemplifies "tough love." Despite the intensity of her training, both adults and juniors find her incredibly popular. I often see her joking with adult members while juniors eagerly gather around her. Everyone can feel her sincerity and genuine care for our improvement. We all appreciate her "torture" and "tough love". Open Squash FiDi has invited top college coaches and players, including Nouran Gohar, Gina Kennedy, Victor Crouin, and Hannah Craig, to host summer camps. In addition to the kids' camps, Open Squash FiDi also offers adult camps with top pros as well as an all-women's camp. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash FiDi is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash FiDi can be your new home.

I wanted to learn how to play Squash and had a great experience with my first class at Open Squash…read morein Fidi. The facilities were high quality and staff were very welcoming. I live closer to the Bryant Park location, but given the small class size, the classes book up fast. You can book your first class for free (usually $25) and they have a lot of clinics and classes available. I did an introductory clinic and there were only two other participants! Our instructor Habiba Mohamed was awesome - former professional and collegiate Squash player just casually teaching amateurs like us. She taught us the rules, how to hit forehand and backhand, did some drills, and provided feedback. I had such a fun experience, it was exciting and fast paced! I can't wait to play again!

As far as recycling centers go, I would say that Sure we can is very reliable. I've never waited…read morevery long to have my recyclables collected and receive my deposit back. As recycling centers are necessary essential bussiness, and it's not like they are trying to gain customers, the staff is very friendly and efficient. If you need to recycle your recyclables to get your 5 cents per can back, this is a quick and painless place to go.

From the owner: Sure We Can is the only nonprofit, community-based bottle and can redemption center in New York…read moreCity and a thriving community space for canners.

I have volunteered at this location of GLWD over many years with my dear colleagues and friends…read more We worked in the kitchen packing meals for those in need who are afflicted with severe and chronic illnesses. The staff are a wonderful group. Always very helpful and generous. GLWD goes above and beyond since they started during the AIDS epidemic in 1985. I remember when Joan Rivers was the biggest sponsor and spokesperson of GLWD. Wishing you and yours a blessed healthy Holiday season. Please remember to volunteer and donate to those less fortunate. PEACE ON EARTH

I volunteered here today with a few of my coworkers and we really enjoyed ourselves. The staff…read morethoroughly explained everything in detail which included a brief orientation that was super informative and helpful. This is a truly beautiful organization that helps people in need and I am happy to have been a small part of it today. God bless you all!

Went to the Brooklyn Cat Cafe on a recent Sunday as we were looking to see some kitties and other…read morecreatures. We ordered the kitty party, which was a separate area from the Cafe and played with the kitties that they had there. They were little bundles of joy. The Cafe itself also has bunnies and rats. The staff who were volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable. Anyway, I would recommend checking out Brooklyn Cat Cafe as it for a good cause as it is not for profit.

I've been to this cat cafe a few times and it's always fun! The cats are super social and will run…read moreup to you from anywhere. It's really affordable at $12/adult and even when you add on treats during your visit and donations, it's still pretty cheap. I always leave wanting to bring a little fur friend home, but this visit one cat particularly caught my heart. I didn't catch his name since he didn't have a collar. He was super skittish at first and I could tell he had been through some ROUGH times by the coloring around his mouth and nose. We still got to spend some time together and I got a bunch of snuggles. Always appreciative to BCC and all they do to help these little ones! The walk to the cafe is easy and an be followed up with a stroll down the promenade.