Volunteering

Volunteer Opportunities

American Cancer Society

(800) 227-2345 - The American Cancer Society (ACS) helps people and their families cope with cancer as well as raise awareness and funds for cancerresearch. Volunteers will assist the ACS in helping families in need and raising money and awareness for cancer.

American Lung Association

(413) 505-5061 - The American Lung Association is the leading organization in the Northeast working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Volunteer will help the organization achieve this goal, meet new people, learn new skills for school and career development, plan and implement events, and much more.

American Museum of Natural History

(212) 769-5100 - The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition. Every year, more than a thousand volunteers help the American Museum of Natural History meets its mission and goals by donating in excess of 130,000 hours per year to the Museum. Volunteers work individually or in group, performing a variety of duties throughout the Museum. TheMuseum is open to the public seven days a week, and volunteers are utilized at all times. There are two types of volunteers, those who work with the Public and those who workbehind-the-scene.

American Red Cross

(877) 733-2767 - The American Red Cross provides medical assistances to those in need in the five boroughs. They have helped 13 million people so far.Volunteer work varies from standard office work to helping patients in hospitals.

Baby Buggy

(212) 736-1777 - Baby Buggy works with a network of over 50 community based organizations (CBOs) to distribute new and gently used essentials: from cribs and strollers to clothing and bottles, all of which are vetted for safety. Baby Buggy distributes product through 50+ carefully selected CBOs, each of which apply annually to become a recipient. Each month, the organizations submit the items they need for the families they serve. Based on available inventory, Baby Buggy does our best to fill these requests, providing approximately 60,000 items each month. Volunteers help distribute and sort out the inventory along with supporting families in need. Volunteers must be 16 and older.

Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center

(718) 636-5966 ext.15 - The Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center has been serving the Bedford-Stuyvesant community for thirty years. It is a private, non-profit, state and federally funded community health center. Currently, the Center annually delivers care to more than 16,500 individuals who account for than54,000 patient visits yearly. Volunteer help the center take care of this patients and the work varies from front desk organization to help the patient in the doctor’s room.

Brookdale Hospital Medical Center

(718) 240-5277 - Potential volunteers must be at least 15 years of age and be able to contribute a minimum of four hours one day per weekfor a minimum of 150 hours of service. Volunteers must also be available for an interview before being accepted. Volunteer work includes: book cart duties, light clerical work, recordkeeping, recreational activities, and much more.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

(718) 623-7226 - Brooklyn Botanic Garden Volunteers contribute many hours in almost every department throughout the Garden. New volunteers are interviewed and placed according to the Garden’s needs. As these needs change, other opportunities for volunteering can became available.

Brooklyn Hospital Center

(718) 250-8393 - Found in 1839, the Brooklyn Hospital Center has helped people in the Brooklyn Community by provide access to healthcare. It ranges from primary care to advanced specialized services. Volunteers will help the center through clerical work, organizing files, and help patients.

Brooklyn Museum

(718) 638-5000 - If you'd like to get involved in the day-to-day life of the Museum while providing essential support for what we do, consider joining us as a volunteer. We're looking for engaged, thoughtful, and energetic people who want the opportunity to learn about subjects they're passionate about while gaining rare access to the inner workings of a world-class cultural institution. There are a range of volunteer opportunities across multiple departments, and we'll make every effort to place you in an assignment that matches your experience and interests. Most assignments are project-based and take place in these departments: Finance, Libraries & Archives, Conservation, Government Relations, Curatorial, Education, Development, Membership, Human Resources, Merchandising, Visitor Services, and the Director's Office.

Brooklyn Public Library

(718) 230-2100 - Volunteers can work at any Brooklyn Public Library and the tasks include organizing shelves, tutoring people, fixing computers,working front desk, etc. Some activities may be restricted by age.

Bronx Zoo

(718) 220-5100 - The Bronx Zoo offers a variety of volunteer opportunity that allows individuals to meet new people, learn about nature and animals, and educate others. Jobs include leading tours, assisting zoo educators, chatting with guests, and assisting in animal care.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens

(718) 722-6175 - Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens promotes unity among all persons by seeking to develop caring communities.Our more than 160 programs provide affordable housing, nutritious meals, recreation for seniors, residences for the developmentally disabled, and assistance to neighbors in need.Volunteers will help in one of the programs in aiding the Brooklyn/Queen community.

Central Park Conservancy Corps

(212) 360-2751 - The Conservancy's success depends on a dedicated corps of volunteers who fill a number of critical roles, from maintaining landscapes to leading visitors on tours. With 843 acres there's a lot of ground to cover, and many ways to lend a hand. Join our team and find an excuse to spend more time in the Park!

Central Park Zoo

(212) 439-6500 - Are you a “people person” who loves to educate others on topics related to wildlife and conservation? Become a volunteer docent at one of then nation's greatest institutions! You'll assist the Education Department at the Central Park Zoo in delivering wildlife and environmental conservation information to zoo visitors, leading tours, supporting zoo school and camp programs, participating in a variety of events, and offering administrative support.

Children’s Museum o f Manhattan

(212) 721-1223 - High school students from all over New York City work together alongside museum staff to explore community, technology and education at CMOM. Through experiences that increase their confidence and independence, Junior Staff Volunteers grow into valued members of the CMOM team. Volunteers begin with broad interests in technology, the arts or working with children. Each volunteer develops their interests into real work experience and skill sets that prepare them for college and careers.

Chinatown Community Children’s Center

(212) 431-3845 - This daycare is located in downtown Manhattan and was established since 1974. The center provides services to parents and need volunteers to help take care of the children. People interested should call their number.

Chinatown Youth Initiative

info@cyinyc.org - Chinatown Youth Initiatives would not be possible without the help of our staff and volunteers. Our volunteers take on a host of challenges, from providing guidance to our youth, advising to our programming, and teaching ESL classes, to supporting CYI in its long-term development, and keeping in touch with our alumni, each and every one of our volunteers is a valued member of our community. If you would like to get involved with CYI, please e-mail us.

Coney Island Hospital

(718) 616-3161 - Each year more than 8,000 volunteers contribute over one million hours of service to HHC facilities. The ways in which volunteers give their time and talents are innumerable, and some even create special programs that utilize their own special skills and interests. CIH (Coney Island Hospital) depends upon dedicated and compassionate volunteers to support the Coney Island community and ensure the best possible care for our patients and families. We need your special skills and talents. Join usat CIH and make a difference.

Ellis Island Museum

(212) 363-3200 - The National Park Service has a long tradition of volunteerism. From “grass roots” groups advocating for the protection of a site to local residents supplementing a park’s staff – ordinary people, from all walks of life, have the chance to get involved with their national parks in many meaningful ways. Some folks help out with a single big event, while others volunteer on a daily or weekly basis. So come out and help at the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Museum/Monument.

 Gay Men’s Health Crisis

(212) 367-1000 - Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GHMC) is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, we understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all. Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. Volunteers will help us treat patients as well as provide support to them and their families.

 God’s Love We Deliver

(212) 294-8158 - The mission of God's Love We Deliver is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. We prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. We also provide illness-specific nutrition education and counseling to our clients, families, care providers and other service organizations. All of our services are provided free of charge without regard to income. Volunteer help us prepare food, deliver food, and provide support to families and individuals.

Henry Street Settlement

(212) 766-9200 - Founded in 1893 by social work and public health pioneer Lillian Wald and based on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Henry StreetSettlement delivers a wide range of social service, arts and health care programs to more than 50,000 New Yorkers each year. Distinguished by a profound connection to its neighbors,a willingness to address new problems with swift and innovative solutions, and a strong record of accomplishment, Henry Street challenges the effects of urban poverty by helping families achieve better lives for themselves and their children. Volunteers play an important role at Henry Street Settlement, helping us to provide enhanced services and maintain our facilities. Each year more than 1,200  individuals participate in volunteer activities at Henry Street's 17 program sites. Volunteers come from all over the city and sometimes beyond. They are community members, corporate employees, young professionals, college students and parents. Individual volunteers who make a long-term commitment to HenryStreet use their skills and expertise to support the Settlement’s mission. They may have the opportunity to learn new skills, fulfill community service requirements and earn college credit.

Lenox Hill Hospital

(212) 434-2600 - Lenox Hill Hospital, a 652-bed, acute care hospital located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, has earned a national reputation for outstanding patient care and innovative medical and surgical treatments. The hospital is particularly well known for excellence in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, orthopedics, sportsmedicine, otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, and maternal/child health. The Hospital is also a recognized leader is public health education and community outreach. Volunteers will help the center through clerical work, organizing files, and help patients.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

(212) 535-7710 - The Volunteer Organization of The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1967 by twelve Members of the Museum who assisted at the Information Desk in the Great Hall. Responding to the needs of the Museum over the years, the Volunteer Organization has grown to more than 1,250 men and women working throughout the Museum. There are two volunteer categories: Museum Department Volunteers and Guided Tour Programs Volunteers.

Mount Sinai Medical Center

(212) 420-3570 - Volunteers at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Brooklyn contribute their time, effort, and energy to help create a compassionate healing environment for our patients and their families. When you become a volunteer, you become part of our experienced, caring team of health care providers.

Museum of Modern Art

(212) 708-9400 - Museum of Modern Art volunteers have the opportunity to gain exposure to the workings of a major art museum and contribute valuablevisitor services to a nonprofit institution. Although there are currently limited volunteer opportunities, applications are accepted at all times. We keep all applications on our waiting list, and will contact applicants with the required skills, interests, and availability for interviews as volunteer positions become available. Qualified candidates should possess a love and appreciation of art, a flexible attitude for dealing effectively with the public, basic computer skills—including familiarity with the Internet—and an understanding that reliability is critical. To volunteer at MoMA, candidates must make a one-year commitment and be available for at least two shifts each month, unless otherwise stated in the volunteer requirements.

Museum of Moving Image

(718) 777-6888 - The Museum offers opportunities for volunteers to gain exposure to Museum operations, and to contribute services to various departments. Most volunteer responsibilities are assigned over weekend days. Volunteers should be able to commit to a minimum of eight hours per month for a six-month period.Each shift is a minimum of four hours. Candidates should have an interest in the Museum and its programs, a flexible attitude, and an understanding that reliability is crucial.Volunteers receive a complimentary year-long membership to the Museum, discounts at the Moving Image Store and café, and invitations to special volunteer-only events.

Museum of the City of New York

(212) 534-1672 - Volunteering for the City Museum provides an opportunity to contribute valuable services to a non-profit institution, while promoting the Museum’s mission to educate the public about New York City, its heritage and continual transformation. Qualified candidates should possess a passion for what the city has to offer and an appreciation of its distinctive character and diversity. A flexible attitude, reliability, computer, and internet skills are critical. Volunteering at the City Museum requires a one-year commitment and a minimum availability of four hours each month or 40 hours annually.

New York Aquarium

(718) 265-3474 - The New York Aquarium offers three volunteer programs. Our docent program is designed for those interested in volunteering with ourEducation Department. Volunteers with our Animal Exhibits Department help behind-the-scenes with animal care. Finally, our Volunteer Dive program is made up of certified SCUBA divers who help maintain our tanks—and don’t mind getting wet!

New York Blood Center

(800) 933-blood - New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the largest community-based, non-profit blood collection and distribution organizations in theUnited States. Volunteers will help attend to clients, organize files, and much more.

New York Botanical Garden

(718) 817-8765 - No matter what your interests, skills, or schedule, you can help the Garden in its valuable work. Volunteering at the Garden is a greatway to expand your knowledge of plants, give back to your community, meet new people, and share your love of the Garden with others.

New York Cares

(212) 228-5000 - More than 59,000 people volunteer with us year after year because they know they make a real difference. Together, we help 400,000disadvantaged New Yorkers through our programs. Our programs include citywide days of services, corporate volunteering, disaster preparedness and response, youth service opportunities, holiday coat/gift drive, and much more.

New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

(212) 979-4462 - Lasers, microscopes and state-of-the-art technology enable our Medical Staff to restore vision, hearing and speech, but the personal involvement of so many people enables the hospital to achieve its modern miracles with a human touch. Some very important people are our volunteers. They may range in age from high school students to retired professionals, from all walks of life and many different cultures, but all are a special kind of person who freely gives of his or her time and energy. Through the years, our volunteers work diligently to add those extra measures to comfort the sick, or people who need to be guided, or families who need assistance. In their highly visible positions, volunteers make things happen…whether it is directing visitors and patients at the Information Desk, helping stock vital areas  such as the OperatingRooms, or reading to a patient recovering from eye surgery.

 New York Junior League

(212) 288-6220 - The New York Junior League (NYJL) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential ofwomen, and improving communities through the effective action and  leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The New York JuniorLeague reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest and commitment to volunteerism. Since 1901, the NYJL has been a leader inidentifying and responding to unmet community needs. Through direct service, collaborations with other community organizations and advocacy, the NYJL provides a positive forcefor change within the communities it serves. The New York Junior League seeks to strengthen the health and well-being of the children and families of the greater New York area.Each year, more than 2,600 trained volunteers donate more than 250,000 hours of their time to better the lives of women and children in New York City. The NYJL works with morethan 20 community-based organizations and public agencies to deliver services and assistance directly to women and children in need.

 New York Methodist Hospital

(718) 780-3000 - Each year over 1,000 individuals from throughout New York City devote time to adding a dimension of care for, and service to, thepatients at NYM. Volunteering at any of our healthcare facilities provides you with an opportunity to effect and improve other people’s lives.  At the same time your service can bringyou closer to your career goals, support your college and university education, open new doors to fulfill your interests, and allow you the opportunity to use your existing skills andtalents.  Come join our team!

 New York Presbyterian

(877) 697-9355 - New York-Presbyterian Hospital volunteers are warm and caring individuals who give back to their community. Volunteers offer theirtime, talent and dedication throughout the hospital in patient care and clerical settings providing an extra dimension of care to our patients and families. Volunteers are a vital part ofNew York-Presbyterian Hospital with more than 3000 volunteers currently serving across our five locations. Our volunteers come from unique backgrounds but are commonlyinterested in helping others. The care they provide is invaluable to patients and families. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of four hours a week for at least six months. Thereare a variety of volunteer roles to fit individual time schedules, abilities and interests. Volunteers may work directly with patients or choose work behind-the- scenes in clericalpositions throughout the hospital.

New York Public Library

volunteer@nypl.org - Volunteers can volunteer at any New York Public Library (in Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx)   and the tasks includeorganizing shelves, tutoring people, fixing computers, working front desk, etc. Some activities may be restricted by age.

NYC Parks

teens@parks.nyc.gov -Join the thousands of New Yorkers who help us keep our city's parks and playgrounds clean and green. Find a program, upcomingvolunteer event, or learn more about becoming a member of one of our many partner organizations.

NYU Langone Medical Center

(212) 263-6100 - Here at NYU Langone Medical Center Volunteer Services, our volunteers play a very important role in the patient and familyexperience. Volunteer must be 16 years or older, commit 100 hours of service, and come weekly. Volunteer opportunities include: Guest Service Ambassador, Tisch Pediatrics,Emergency Department, and much more.

Police Athletic League

(212) 477-9450 ext.390 - The Police Athletic League’s rich history in our city began when Police Commissioner Arthur Woods and Captain John Sweeneygave birth to the concept of cops helping kids helping communities. It was their pioneering efforts that launched a youth service model that would spread throughout our great cityand country. The notion that members of the law enforcement community would initiate prevention services to later avoid harsher intervention measures is what makes PAL themost logical and unique youth program in the country. Each year, teams of volunteers lend a hand at special events to support us in our mission. As a PAL volunteer, you can make apositive impact in the life of a young person by serving as a volunteer coach in our evening teen center, homework help assistant in our after school program, motivational speaker orparticipate in a beautification project. We are looking for talented-dedicated volunteers to donate their time to help the 50,000 children we serve throughout New York City.

Prospect Park Volunteers 

(718) 287-3400 - Interested in volunteering your time to keep Prospect Park looking beautiful? We’d love to have your help!  If you are looking to get started as a volunteer, check out our ongoing and annual events, and fill out the Volunteer Application tab to submit your application. If you are already a confirmed volunteer, use theEvent Listings to find out what volunteering opportunities are coming up. Or, if you have a group of volunteers you’d like involved with the Park, check out the Community orCorporate Groups options. Volunteers who have already submitted an application can use the Events Listing tab to register for events and check project details.

Prospect Park Zoo

(718) 399-7339 ext.325 - The Prospect Park Zoo offers two ways to volunteer. As a teen Discovery Guide, you'll answer questions about animals, direct visitorsaround the zoo, help out at special events and run children's activities. As an adult Education Docent you'll interpret animal exhibits, lead tours, interact with families in the DiscoveryCenter, assist with educational programs, and have the opportunity to train as a narrator for daily Sea   Lion feedings.

Queens Botanical Garden

(718) 886-3800 - Be part of someplace special by volunteering at Queens Botanical Garden. Led by our knowledgeable staff, volunteers can participatein a variety of activities – from seeding to weeding, or supporting our education and administration departments – while gaining new experience and skills. We welcome individuals,community organizations, corporations, as well as high school and college groups. We offer a pleasant work environment, friendly coworkers, flexible scheduling, and the opportunityto be part of a special 39-arce urban oasis.

Queens Public Library

(718) 990-0728 - Queens Library has many borough-wide volunteer opportunities. We currently enjoy the support of over 1,000 volunteers who generously offer their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for the betterment of their communities. Volunteers assist staff in many areas providing a variety of services; some tutoradults in literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) while others assist library staff with programs, preparing materials for book sales, sending out mass mailings,shelving books, creating databases, and other tasks that facilitate daily branch operations. Volunteers give their time freely because they are committed to the common goal of theLibrary: to enrich the lives of the people of Queens. There is no minimum service hours required for most positions. Volunteers come to us from a variety of backgrounds. We haveretired staff members, students who need to fulfill service credit – both on the high school and college level; retired customers who want to keep busy; and people who, for variousreasons, want to transition back into the workforce. We provide training and support to volunteers from all walks of life.

Queens Zoo

(718) 271-7361 - Become a volunteer with the Education Department of the Queens Zoo, where you’ll teach schoolchildren and other zoo visitors about animals through guided tours, assisting with special programs and events, speaking at narrated feedings, and leading arts and crafts activities.

Red Hook

(718) 306-9149 - Red Hook Volunteers is a group dedicated to the sustainable recovery and reconstruction of the Red Hook community after the devastating floods ofHurricane Sandy.  This group is made up of first responders, educators, and local residents. We offer help to residents and business, owners and renters in the Red Hook area. Manyin Red Hook were struggling even before the storm and we want to make things better than before the storm. Everyone in Red Hook was affected in some way by Hurricane Sandy. Afew people in Red Hook are still without power, heat, and water. Many people have not received         the help needed to rebuild after the storm. Through community empowerment, sensitivity, and education we hope to promote mutual-aid.  Red Hook Volunteers has a mission of recovery within the framework of social justice and equality. Working in partnershipwith the community we intend to; distribute supplies, meet immediate needs and collaborate with existing community spaces that are also doing this work.

Sloan Kettering Center

(212) 639-2000 - Since being established in the 1950s, the Department of Volunteer Resources has coordinated the participation of thousands of men,women, and young people as volunteers at Memorial Sloan Kettering. These individuals provide more than just their attention and energy. In their own unique ways, they bring hope,courage, solace, and joy to our patients, loved ones, and staff. Volunteers do many things, from helping patients navigate the hospital to staffing the gift shop and assisting in our ArtExpressions workshops. People with certified therapy dogs interact with patients through our Caring Canines program. Cancer survivors from our hospital as well as caregivers to former patients give hope and courage to current patients and their caregivers through our Patient-to-Patient and Caregiver Volunteer Support Program. Through contributions such as these, volunteers embody the culture of  caring at our hospital. “Alongside outstanding medical care, volunteers' humanity and spirit are at the core of Memorial Sloan Kettering,”explains Volunteer Director Jane Hedal-Siegel.

Special Olympics

(518) 388-0790 - The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics would not exist today — and could not have been created —without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of people just like you, thousands of individuals who choose to take a little time from busy schedules to make the world a better place.

Whitney Museum

(212) 570-3600 - From presenting emerging artists to reevaluating the iconic narratives in American art, everything you experience at the Whitney is made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Museum has opportunities for volunteers who will distribute audio guides to visitors. Shifts last two to three hours and take place when the Museum is open, including weekends. We require a commitment of one day per week.

YMCA

(212) 630-9699 - The YMCA is a program created to empower youth and individuals through group activities. There are many YMCAs in the five boroughs to volunteer at. Volunteer opportunities include: mentor or tutor a child, coach or referee for youth sports, raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community, assist with maintenance or landscaping, plan or volunteer at a special event, and many more. For students interested in volunteering, please call the main number of the YMCA location you would like to volunteer with, let them know what you would like to do, and if there are opportunities available, they  will direct you to the right person.