Where to Volunteer in New York During Christmas

Where to Volunteer in New York During Christmas - Christmastime is a time of happiness and good cheer. It is a time of rebirth, starting over, a new beginning. Whether you celebrate religiously or not, no matter where you go in New York, you are surrounded by twinkling lights, decorated store front windows, people rushing about here and there with bags and packages piled high in their arms. Churches display beautiful Manger scenes on their property and inside at the Altar as well. Single candles light each window of the brownstones or perhaps the entire house is adorned with lights. Who else but Santa awaits for the eager children to come and sit on his lap in department stores and malls. Their faces glowing with excitement as they listen to his ever so famous Ho Ho Ho. And let us not forget the Santa who stands outside ringing his bell to all passersby reminding them that not all people are as fortunate as we are during this joyous time.

Christmas is the time of giving. No matter how big or small the gift, it's the act of giving itself which is important. But what about those who have no one to celebrate with? What about those who struggle every day just to put food on the table or clothe their children? What about those who have no place to go or those who have no way of getting there? There are many places in New York that donate their time and help those in need during Christmas. Many organizations and businesses donate clothing or have a coat drive, local schools participate in giving trees which go to the less fortunate children in their schools.

Merrill Lynch has a program every Christmas season which they call "Christmas Calls". I found this to be a very heart-warming story and chose to write about Merrill Lynch since it is their employees that run this program and donate their time. On Christmas Day, Merrill Lynch opens their office on Broadway and help local senior citizens wish their loved ones a Merry Christmas. How? Christmas Calls began in 1980 with eight employees volunteering their Christmas Day to help 100 senior citizens place telephone calls to family members who live far away, using their office telephones, free of charge. Since then, it has grown and now more than 200 employees volunteer on Christmas Day, serving coffee and cookies to the senior citizens in addition to helping them make their telephone calls. Each senior citizen gets to make one phone call, no matter where in the United States and even overseas. There are many people who have come to America and left their families behind in Europe and other countries. So many never had the chance to go back, or bring anyone else over to America and maybe keep in touch by letter writing. Many senior citizens can't afford an over-seas phone call or even have the ability to make that kind of call. Merrill Lynch is their Santa! Other offices in other states, such as Jacksonville Florida and Boston Massachusetts and several locations in New Jersey also offer similar Christmas Call programs as well, just to name a few. What a great way to volunteer your time! Hat's off to Merrill Lynch employees!

New York has many other ways that any one can volunteer to help during Christmas.

God's Love We Deliver has been helping the New York City, Newark and Hudson County, New Jersey communities since 1986. They provide nutritious meals to those families and individuals who have life-altering illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS and are not able to prepare healthy meals. They also offer nutrition education and counseling, all free of charge. This organization cooks over 3,000 home-made meals every day of the week. There are many volunteers but they are always looking for help. Some of their needs are people to assist in the delivering of the meals in the vans. During Thanksgiving and Christmas they need volunteers (with cars) to deliver the meals on those days and if you do not drive or have a car, foot delivery help is needed at the Manhattan location. If you would like to help God's Love We Deliver for Christmas, or any time, please give them a call at 212-294-8169. Leave a message and someone will contact you or stop by their office at 166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY or visit their website at www.godslovewedeliver.org

The Salvation Army - Syracuse area New York has several events and dates they need volunteer help with.

Dome Donation Day - help collect food and donations from fans entering the Carrier Dome before the SU Football game against Louisville.

Christmas Tree Lighting Bell Sale - Be a bell ringer while collecting donations during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Clinton Square on Friday, November 23rd.

Red Kettle Campaign - volunteer alone or with a group any time from November 23rd to December 24th at local malls. Set up the red kettle for people to drop their donations in while you ring bells.

Food and Mini Tree of Lights Drive - here you can volunteer and set up your own drive at your school, business or church for those less fortunate in your own community.

Christmas Bureau Distribution Registration - volunteer help is needed November 26th through December 14th to assist in registering low-income families so they will be on the list to receive toys, books and food on their Distribution Day.

Christmas Gift Shop - volunteer on December 7th through December 18th and help sort out the gifts that have been donated to appropriate programs.
Distribution Day Preparations - this date will soon be available but you can sign up now to help sort food and toys and packing stocking stuffers.

Christmas Bureau Distribution Day - this date will soon be available for volunteers to help distribute all donated gifts to over 2,500 low-income families in Onondaga County at the Oncenter.

Please call the Salvation Army at 315-479-1321 for more information or visit http://www.sasyr.org/VOLHoliday.html.

Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY for Christmas makes wonderful donations to needy families in the area. They make food baskets for families, they make giving trees for local schools such as sock trees and undies trees. If you would like to volunteer your time and help them this Christmas, Third Presbyterian Church is located on 4 Meigs Street in Rochester, NY. Call them at 585-271-6513 or visit their website at www.thridpresbyterian.org .

The Salvation Army - Times Square area, New York. Volunteers are needed for bell ringing as you collect donations. You must be 18 years of age or older. Students who need to fulfill community service hours are encouraged to volunteer with an adult present at all times. Visit their office at West 47th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues or visit their website at www.salvationarmytimessquare.org .

Volunteering for any event not only gives the less fortunate people hope and happiness but also gives your inner self satisfaction in knowing you were a part of it all.