At Webster Apartments, we make it a strong focus to stay in tune with all things going on in NYC; be it entertainment, dining, events and more ways to stay active and involved in the city you’re currently calling home. If you’re looking for a way to give back to NYC’s community, National Volunteer Week, April 12th – 18th, is your chance.
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 as a way to inspire and encourage people to engage in their community and come together as a whole to make a difference. Since its establishment, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially. Today, thousands of volunteer projects and special events have been scheduled by various organizations throughout the week in each city across the country. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Service” — meaning showing the good that is possible when we pull together as a nation.
There are plenty of ways to volunteer and pull together this week (and beyond!) in NYC. From tutoring to soup kitchens, organizations such as New York Cares, Street Project, and CityMeals-On-Wheels, allow you to choose from a variety of projects supporting a number of causes led by dedicated staff of volunteers. Check out this list of volunteer events occurring in and around our city both this week and throughout the year:
- Helping Hands: Spend a couple of hours helping to refurbish public school buildings. Each volunteer is usually paired up with a student – which provides a great opportunity to positively impact their learning environment.
- Parks Revitalization: Great for volunteers interested in participating in a wide range of activities such as painting, planting, cleanup and other ongoing park stewardship.
- Ronald McDonald House: Provides temporary housing, a “home-away-from-home”, for pediatric cancer patients. RMH provides familes a supportive and caring environment, which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-parent support systems.
- University Soup Kitchen: Volunteers serve meals to men and women in a “restaurant-style” environment. It’s a fun way for busy people to lend a hand to the community and meet other young professionals in the city. Opportunities are Saturdays from 11:45 am – 3:30 pm.
- Urban Adventures: Works with Manhattan Middle School to provide an educational and recreational outlet to seventh graders. As many as 20-35 students can participate look to the program as an opportunity to explore the city. The group meets one Saturday per month for four to six hours to explore museums, parks, exhibits, zoos, etc.
We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to give back while you’re staying in NYC! To celebrate those volunteering, you can share your story by using the hashtag #NVW2015 as you give back. Grab a friend or dive in solo – it’s time to make a difference!
