Host Birthday Parties  

Celebrate U

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 13, 6 - 8pm

Location: Henry Street Settlement, 605 FDR Drive  

The Celebrate U Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization founded by two 15-year-old girls, Chase Kauder and Talia Eskenazi. Celebrate U hosts, organizes and manages birthday parties for children in shelters or who can't afford to celebrate their birthday in the New York City area. Early education is essential, but so is building a child's self esteem, giving them hope for a bright future and knowing society cares about them. Who doesn't feel special when they have a big birthday celebration? Celebrate U partners with the nationally known social service agency, Henry Street Settlement as well as Boys and Girls Club of Harlem for bi-monthly birthday celebrations. Corporate sponsors provide treats and party gifts. A training session will take place one week prior to each event.  

Ages: Volunteers should be between ages 12 and 17.

Time Commitment: Two hours, plus ? hour training session

Contact: [email protected], 917.415.0963

www.celebrateu.org 

We Care Cards for Mother's Day  

Catholic Charities

Date/Time: At your convenience, from home

Location: After expressing interest, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to confirm participation and provide directions for this opportunity.  

Throughout the year, volunteers are needed to help provide dignity to New Yorkers in need. Last year alone, Catholic Charities served over 356,000 individuals. Cards are a simple way of communicating with someone in need. When direct service is not possible, these cards let the people we serve know that they are loved and not forgotten. Your family can send cards around significant dates such as: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Cards can be also made around significant events, such as "Welcome to New York!" or "Good Luck on Your Interview!" Add a personal touch by including your own personal message of hope and cheer. The cards express love, support, and encouragement for those who are struggling. This is a great volunteer opportunity for young children.   

Ages: Ages five and up    

Time Commitment: Flexible

Contact: Staci-Jo Bruce, Director of Volunteer Services, [email protected] or 212.371.1000
www.catholiccharitiesny.org 

TLC Community Garden Clean Up  

Brooklyn Community Services

Date/Time: Every Saturday, 11am - 2pm

Location: TLC Community Garden, Glenmore Street, between Williams Avenue and Hinsdale Street, Brooklyn   

Volunteers can drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm to help clean up and beautify the Community Garden. Dress appropriately for outdoor work.  

Ages: Everyone is welcome to participate; all children must be accompanied by an adult.   

Time Commitment: Up to three hours 

Contact: Advanced sign up is required - click here to register online
www.wearebcs.org/bcs 

Summer Teen Internship  

DOROT

Date/Time: Session 1: June 22 - July 16 from 10:30am - 5pm
Session 2: July 20 - August 13 from 10:30am - 5pm

Location: Manhattan 

Teens help bridge the generation gap and alleviate social isolation for older adults through friendly visits, birthday deliveries, computer tutoring, cook & dine with a senior and much more.   

Ages: High School students entering 10th grade through graduating seniors.

Time Commitment: Four days per week for four weeks

Contact: Shelley Levine at [email protected], 917.441.5051
www.dorotusa.org 

Keeping It Green For Families  

Central Park Conservancy

Date/Time: Sundays, May 10 (Mother's Day) and May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend), 10am - noon

Location: Central Park 

Celebrate Mother's Day and Memorial Day - the official start of summer - with your family helping keep Central Park green. Environmental educators will lead mulching and leaf-raking projects throughout the Park. Closed-toe shoes are required. This program is for families; no groups. Space is LIMITED, advance registration is required. This program is made possible by the GM Foundation.  

Ages: Ages five and up, accompanied by adult.

Time Commitment: Two hours 

Contact: [email protected], 212.360.1461
www.centralparknyc.org/keepingitgreen 

Hippo Playground Project Spring Fair 2015  

Hippo Playground Project

Date/Time: Sunday, May 3, Two shifts: 9:45am - 1pm and 2:45 - 4pm  

Location: Hippo Playground - entrance is at Riverside between 87th or 90th Streets  

Volunteers are still needed to take tickets, distribute prizes and assist children with fair activities and games. Funds raised will be used to maintain the Hippo Playground, make the park house and bathroom handicap accessible and purchase a piece of play equipment for the playground at 142nd Street. Even if you can't volunteer, come out and join the festivities! 

Ages: Children 8-14 accompanied by parents and anyone 15 years old and up.  

Time Commitment: Three hours and 15 min

Contact: [email protected], Register for a volunteer time slot on Sign-up Genius.
www.riversideparknyc.org/groups/hippo-playground 

Foster a Pet  

Your Local Animal Shelter Organizations

Date/Time: Ongoing

Fostering a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences your family can have. When you foster a pet you: 

• Free up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another pet.
• Give your foster pet the time he or she needs to be ready for adoption.
• Help the shelter or rescue learn more about the pet so he or she can end up in the best home possible.
• Socialize the pet to a home environment

Visit the DGT? project page for reflection ideas, book suggestions, and ways to take this project further.   

Ages: Fostering a pet is a great family opportunity. Your local animal shelter organizations will let you know if they have any specific age requirements

Time Commitment: Varies

Contact: Check Petfinder's list of Animal Welfare groups by state to find a rescue group or shelter near you.