paying it forward with volunteerism

Whether you have a lot of time on your hands or not so much, Westchester abounds in opportunities to pay it forward and give back to the community. Here are some organizations that could use your help:

AFYA Foundation
Inventory, sort and pack medical and humanitarian supplies, to be shipped to partners around the world, from this Yonkers warehouse. (afyafoundation.org)

Dorot Westchester
Help older adults as a friendly visitor or by delivering holiday packages. Cook for the homeless, join other volunteers to knit and crochet afghans… and so many more ways to help. (dorotusa.org)

Food Bank for Westchester
Volunteer on your own or bring a group to help in their warehouse or at events, and you can be part of providing the equivalent of six million meals annually. (foodbankforwestchester.org)

Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Volunteer for any one of a number of programs: from home litter care and early training and socialization to puppy raising and kennel assistance. (guidingeyes.org)

Mount Vernon Star Scholars (photo above)
Mentor volunteers advocate for select students, helping with the admissions process and accompanying them on college visits. (mountvernonscholars.org)

Neighbors Link
The organization supports the integration of immigrants into our community, from ESL tutoring to parent-child development classes. (neighborslink.org)

NYS Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Volunteers advocate for and resolve problems for residents living in nursing homes and adult care communities. (914-682-3926)

Score Westchester
Do you have the skills – in marketing, IT, finance, etc. – to help small business owners succeed? Provide leadership and make new friends. (scorewestchester.com)

Tarrytown Music Hall
Volunteers scan tickets, usher patrons to their seats, and may help with the concession tables. They might also assist with painting and building maintenance. (tarrytownmusichall.org)

Transportation Volunteerism
RideConnect (rideconnectwestchester.org) and Westfair Rides’ (westfairrides.org) volunteers drive people to medical appointments and other activities. You must have a suitable car and clean driving record.

Volunteer New York!
This organization is a hub for hundreds of volunteer opportunities in Westchester and the surrounding counties, whether your passion is to help youth, the homeless, caring for animals or the environment, and more. ( volunteernewyork.org)

Yonkers Partners in Education
Become a volunteer tutor with YPIE and help students with homework, prep for the Regents, and improve their grades. (Ypie.org)

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