Volunteering has countless benefits for children and teens, and the holiday season is a great time to give back. Read on for eight places where you can volunteer locally this year:
1. CNY Diaper Bank
Founded in May 2016, the CNY Diaper Bank collects and distributes diapers to local families. Volunteers are needed to count, sort, and repackage donations—or you can coordinate your own diaper drive.
More information: cnydiaperbank.org/volunteer.
2. Food Bank of Central New York
The Food Bank of Central New York distributes more than 18 million pounds of food each year, according to its website. Families can volunteer in the community or at its office and warehouse, but there is an age limit: 14 and up—or 16 and up for the Mobile Food Pantry.
More information: foodbankcny.org/get-involved.
3. HumaneCNY
For more than five decades, HumaneCNY has dedicated itself to finding forever homes for dogs and cats. Volunteers can assist the shelter with events and the care of its animals, though keep in mind, teens must be at least 16 years old (with an adult present).
More information: humanecny.org/volunteer.
4. Meals on Wheels of Syracuse
Did you know that Meals on Wheels of Syracuse was the fourth program of its kind in the country? The non-profit is currently looking for more volunteers to deliver meals—and families are welcome!
More information: meals.org/volunteer.
5. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo houses more than 200 different species, according to its website, ranging in size from poison dart frogs to Asian elephants. Plus, there’s a volunteer youth group where children as young as 10 can interact with community members and explore animal care and conservation (supervision by an adult is required).
More information: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/support.
6. Salvation Army
While the Red Kettle Bell Ringers are a familiar sight during the holiday season, volunteer opportunities are available year-round at the early childhood education center, senior center, and food pantry. Younger family members can get involved too, but for certain programs, they must be at least 14 and have a parent or guardian with them.
More information: easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/syracuse/volunteer.
7. Samaritan Center
Located in downtown Syracuse, the Samaritan Center provides daily meals, a basic needs closet, and the My Place program. Four shifts are available: breakfast; weekday dinner; weekend dinner; and meal prep. The minimum age to volunteer alone is 16 (teens ages 14-15 are also welcome but must be joined by an adult).
More information: samcenter.org/volunteer.
8. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Syracuse)
Sleep in Heavenly Peace follows a simple motto: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!®” Families can help build, or deliver, beds (visit the organization’s website for a full list of dates), but keep in mind, children and teens need to be over the age of 12 to attend a build day.
More information: shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-syracuse.
