6 Giving Opportunities in NYC
Giving to others who need help is one of the most fulfilling things in life. When you give back, it feels like someone has lifted a weight off your shoulders. Being able to make someone’s day better feels incredibly satisfying. Fortunately, if you’re living in NYC, there are so many ways to give back through charity work that anyone can participate in. You don’t have to be rich or famous—just generous! That said, here are the top overlooked charity opportunities in the Big Apple.
1. Food Banks
Food is the easiest and also the most crucial necessity you can provide for the needy. There are several food banks in New York City, but the Food Bank for New York City in the Bronx and Capital Region Food Bank might be your best starting point. The Bronx has been struggling with increasing poverty over the past few years. Not to mention that crime is also prevalent, so this is an area that needs all the help it can get. These organizations assist those living below the poverty line by providing free groceries every week. Plus, they also distribute fresh produce through farmers’ market programs.
2. Book Donation
As the world becomes more digitized, physical tomes of knowledge are becoming rarer by the day. Many people don’t realize that libraries and schools are always looking for new books. You can donate old collections to the Brooklyn Public Library. A program called NYC Books Through Bars will take your paperbacks and give them to incarcerated individuals to help deal with loneliness. Giving away these precious pages means imparting your knowledge to others. The easiest way to donate books is by organizing them into fiction or nonfiction. Try to cover them if you can and then take them directly to your nearest public library branch or school.
3. Donating When Moving
Moving is one of the most overlooked opportunities to help others. During the process, it’s more likely that you will have a few extra things lying around that you won’t want to bring. You may have a spare TV sitting in your old apartment, or your kids may have outgrown their old toys and clothing. Consider donating these things to people who can’t afford to buy stuff themselves.
These donations are a tremendous help to those living in low-income communities or neighborhoods where resources are scarce. It’s not just limited to toys or TVs. Donate whatever items you no longer need! It can be furniture, utensils, clothes, or even paint! What might seem like trash to you could make somebody else’s day brighter. Don’t hesitate to share!
But since you won’t have a lot of time during the move, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. Experts from www.moversnyc.com suggest that you hire a reputable moving company that offers to deliver your donation items to charity organizations for free. If your movers show that they care about others even without money involved, they’re also likely to care about your belongings since you’re their client.
4. Blood Donation
Do you want to give something that can save lives? Then donating your blood will undoubtedly make a difference! Many people need blood donations daily. With so many accidents and emergencies, there is always a shortage of healthy blood for those who need it most. Blood donation is a great way to keep the supply of this essential fluid sufficient at all times. To donate, visit any American Red Cross center or call (877) 733-2767 to book an appointment and learn the next steps.
5. Donate to Orphanages
Imagine a world without orphanages. These institutions provide care and support for children who have lost their parents or whose families can no longer afford to take care of them. But beyond the good intention, it’s not easy to run one. Orphanages need help with everything, including clothes, food, and toys for the kids. If you would like to donate your old items, pack them nicely and send them over to the local charity. Orphanages close to NYC include Zion Orphanage, which has been providing a home for children since 1899.
6. Volunteer
What’s a better way to donate than giving some of your time to others? There are many different charities in New York City that will be more than happy to have you volunteer. You can choose from several programs, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Green Thumb, and many others. Most of these groups connect people with opportunities that suit their interests, such as elderly care or knitting. They offer an eclectic mix of activities covering everything from animal rescue centers to soup kitchens. Nothing’s more fun than helping other people while doing what you love!
Sharing is caring. Beyond NYC’s glamour and wealth lies thousands of people struggling to get by. One act of kindness might not seem like much, but it should be enough to make even an inkling of a difference. Don’t think twice about sharing your blessings.
