Patch Picks: Four Ways to Volunteer Locally

Whether you’re looking to volunteer for an afternoon or to make it a long-term commitment, there are a whole host of opportunities in the area. From helping seniors citizens to seniors in high school, here are four suggestions for donating your time in the community.

Share a Talent: Know your way around a sewing machine? The Wartburg Adult Care Community in Mount Vernon is currently looking for volunteers to help create bibs and other items. They have the fabric and patterns on hand. If sewing isn’t your thing, the community always welcomes volunteers—whether it’s working in their gift shop, sharing talents such as singing or a through a variety of other activities. For more information and requirements, call coordinator Ann Frey at (914) 513-5114. 

Deliver a Meal: Help your homebound neighbors by bringing them lunch through the nutrition program at the Senior Center at Lake Isle in Eastchester. The program provides the meals and a list of names and addresses for the deliveries, which can be done in about an hour or so. For more info, contact Norah Rossi or Ken Preston at (914) 337-0390.

Give Blood: According to a recent release from the New York Blood Center, “Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness.” To help, head to one of the many area drives and donate blood. There’s one coming up on March 3 at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville and you can click here for others in Yonkers, Scarsdale and Hartsdale.

Help Prom-Bound Students: If the teens we’ve seen trying on prom dresses in local stores recently is any indication, prom season is right around the corner. Already hit the milestone? Donate dresses and other accessories to Operation Prom. According to founder Noel D'Allacco, many of the prom giveaways are in April and the organization is looking for volunteers to help out at the various events. If you’re above high school age, contact the organization and fill out an application. The next event is on April 19 at the College of Westchester in White Plains. For more info, click here.

Looking for others? Check out The Community Fund website or The Volunteer Center of United Way site, which both have a slew of opportunities for all ages.