As an active volunteer in and around my Bronx community I meet many people that want to volunteer but don’t want to be bored to death or feel like they are back at the office when they do. Are you one of these people? Do you want to help support and strengthen your community but not sure how or where to begin? First start by figuring out what interests you most. For example, if your hobby involves arts and crafts then maybe you would like Project Happy where arts and crafts volunteers assist youngsters with disabilities with their art projects. Which include painting, beading, murals, and various craft projects. Volunteers assist the children and create the projects. Requirements are that you complete the one day of required volunteer training and that you have verifiable references.
If you are the outdoorsy type like myself, and not only would you like to help out in your community, but you would like to also revel in the very best that nature has to offer. Then you should check out Friends of Brook Park, where you can have loads of fun immersing yourself in different cultures, exploring the arts and nature, and getting healthy and active. All the while learning, and supporting New York City’s green spaces. Join Friends of Brook Park lead by my friend Harry Bubbins in restoring and preserving the environment in the South Bronx . The Best part is that the whole family will enjoy being Friends of Brook Park too.
Or you can always go with the classic feed the homeless and hungry with P.O.T.S. (Part Of The Solution) whose dining room, feels more like a neighborhood café than a soup kitchen, and is run much like a restaurant. So as a volunteer at P.O.T.S., you will help with meal preparation, plating food, serving plates and drinks to guests’ tables, wiping tables or washing dishes. P.O.T.S. is open seven days a week and they are very flexible to your schedule. Requirements are that volunteers are at least 14 years of age, since their community dining room is a fast-paced environment. Closed toe shoes and comfortable, casual clothing are the required dress code.
If none of the above interest you, you can explore NYC Service a great search engine for seeking volunteer opportunities around the city no matter what borough you live in; as well as, Volunteer Match. Volunteer Match has also innovated a new kind of Volunteering called “Virtual Volunteering” which allows you to volunteer from the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world. You can now support your community in between texting with your friends.
If any of these opportunities do interest you……
Project Happy
Contact Persons: Penny Shaw, Project Director (212) 772-4613 [email protected]
Friends of Brook Park is located between 140th and 141st Streets at the corner of Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South, South Bronx. If you are nearby, walk on over neighbor!
Contact: Harrry Bubbins Phone: 646-648-4362 email: [email protected]
Part of the Solution (POTS)
Contact Persons: Kimberly Roginski, Volunteer & In-Kind Resources Coordinator
718-220-4892 ext 12 email: [email protected]