New York Cares

5.0 star rating
41 reviews Rating Details

Category: Community Service/Non-Profit  [Edit]

214 W 29th St
5th Fl

(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Neighborhoods: Chelsea, Midtown West
(212) 228-5000
Nearest Transit:

28 St (1, 2)

34 St - Penn Station (1, 2, 3)

23 St (A, C, E)

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41 reviews in English

  • Review from Brendon T.

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    • 28 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2011

    I'm relatively new to working with NYCares, but I've already been generally impressed with them. They handle the logistics of volunteering your time for a single project or an ongoing commitment very well, and most of their staff have been extremely professional and helpful.

    I got involved with them because I wanted to be an SAT tutor, and I found signing up for orientation and training sessions through their website (which is great compared to most non-profits') to be quite easy and pretty painless. Now that I'm involved in a long-term volunteering commitment, I continue to be impressed with them.

    If I had to quibble, I would say that my project's team leader is a little lacking in communication skills and timely follow-up, but that's not really an indictment of the organization.

    As others have said, get involved, whether it's your first time volunteering and you just want to play with some kids or plant a garden, or whether you're an experienced volunteer looking to lend your skills for good. There's no reason not to; do it!

  • Review from crc p.

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    • 3 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    I'm really surprised that there are not more reviews for New York Cares.

    If you don't already know about the organization, it is a local nonprofit that basically coordinates volunteers for other nonprofits in need of volunteers (either on a regular basis or for a one-time project).

    Check out their website for how to get started - basically, you sign up for a brief information/training session, fill out some paper work, and then are free to sign up for whatever volunteer projects you're interested in.  After you've volunteered with New York Cares a few times, and following some additional training, you are able to lead your own volunteer project through New York Cares.

    Plain and simple, it is a wonderful organization that makes it easy for New Yorkers to volunteer at THEIR convenience (i.e., as often or as seldom as they like).  Searching and signing up for projects couldn't be simpler - it's all done online, where you are able to search for volunteer opportunities by neighborhood and area of interest (i.e., kids, the elderly, animals, parks, etc).  Deregistering for something that you've already signed up for is also easily done online - we're all busy people with unpredictable schedules, and sometimes plans change.  I like that New York Cares doesn't make its volunteers feel guilty about that.

    I've been volunteering with New York Cares for a little over a year now, and really can't say enough good things about the organization.  Check it out - you won't be disappointed!

  • Review from Allison R.

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    • 758 friends
    • 55 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    I can't resist to support the advocacy of this organization! The last time Alice my friend as one of the volunteer here invited to their event for the cancer patient kids and I just quickly say YES! I really love what the organization have done and to their other charity events. An organization like this is worth spending time to support and joined to make a good deed for fellowmen.
    I give a high full five stars for this!

  • Review from Sandy P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/14/2011

    Gotta go with the raves.  There are so many ways to volunteer your time...and let's face it, we all have an hour or three that we can throw someone elses' way a month, huh?  Hard-core bingo with the old fogies who will show you who's their biotch, reading bedtime stories for kids whose parents cannot for one reason or another, teaching science to 2nd graders...it's a ton of fun for you and them, if you have the time.  Most importantly, there is no carrot or stick; be good for goodness' sake, no strings attached if you don't want them to be.
    Just do it.

  • Review from Ian R.

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    • 14 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    Thinking of joining? Not to sound like a jerk but you need to stop being a selfish jerk and go do it now you jerk.

    There isn't much of an excuse not to. NY Cares is very flexible. Want to volunteer once a day, once a week, once a month, or bi-annually? All fine. Three times one day then two months off? Fine. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and weekdays? Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine.

    Who do you wanna work with? Old people? Cool, go ahead and play BINGO with them or dance with them or play Wii or help feed them. Old people too ... old? Hang out with some youngins. Play games with 5-year-olds, go on trips with 12-year-olds, tutor 16-year-olds. You don't like young punks or the decaying elderly? Help feed the homeless or give some time to the sick.

    You'd like to avoid as much human contact as you can? NY cares has animals for you to care for. They have parks that need cleaning. Murals that need painting. Libraries that need organization. Gardens of vegetables and plants that need gardening. And more projects, and events, and things to do.

    You just need to attend one information session which is, well, boring but brief and informative. And then they'll run a simple background check to make sure you don't have Michael Jackson's proclivity for young boys or any other heinous history. Then you're all ready to join NY Cares and maybe be a better person.

  • Review from Baby G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 70 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/30/2011

    I am going to echo many of the reviewers' sentiments here:
    1. Extremely easy sign up process to volunteer for projects. Just simply click the link that says to sign up and show up. As simple as that. They provide detailed directions as to where the project will take place.

    2. Easy to de-register for an event should your plans change. Simply click the link to de-register and that's it.

    3. Lots of projects to choose from. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried several projects that were unfamiliar to me. Some of them I liked, some of them I didn't. The beautiful thing is that I at least had the experience so I could know what I do and don't like and whether or not I want to do it again.

    4. Great opportunity to meet new people. Even if you are from NYC, its still nice to meet others (build new friendships, network, etc).

    5. Easy way to give back to the community and by spending only a short amount of time.

    6. It provides something to do if you are bored, out of work, sad/depressed, etc. Yes, I said depressed. Because when you give back, you are no longer thinking about your problems, but focusing on someone else's problems. You usually come out feeling better in the end.

    Only one con - the orientation is boring, but it doesn't take too long. Also they need to have more orientations and on the weekends or later hours during the week (or multiple sessions during the week).

  • Review from Holly N.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    New York Cares is a wonderful organization that all New Yorkers should volunteer for. It's easy to get started - sign up and attend one short training session. Training is no sweat, but definitely essential. There are certain standards and objectives that all volunteers are expected to adhere to for the safety of those NYCares is helping and for the safety of volunteers.

    As for the events, most are fantastic, but overall the quality really depends on the quality of the group leader. I've had plenty of great experiences and one not-so-great experience. The bonus is that you can always submit a review of your volunteer experience and if one of the volunteer coordinators wasn't so hot, you can mention it and someone from NYCares will follow up with the team leader to give them helpful strategies.

    NYCares is a great way to get involved and help out the community, not to mention a great way to meet other fantastic New Yorkers!

  • Review from Alexandra C.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    9/18/2011

    NY Cares makes volunteering easy.  You can pick and choose what you want to volunteer at and when.  Each month there are loads of different activities, so definitely an option for everyone.  I also highly recommend it as a way to meet new people if new in the city.  Very well run, no pressure and feels good to be doing some good out there.

  • Review from Audrey K.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2010 3 photos

    What an organization. They really do have charity and safety in their hearts and it resonates through their orientations, projects, team leaders and even the prompt emails (to my, sometimes ridiculous, questions).

    I haven't participate too too often, (only about 2 projects in?) but I love it! They are extremely understanding, in regards to cancellations ("Life gets in the way! Don't worry about it, please sign up again.") and requests to participate in a full project also.

    They have a great cause and REALLY work to make things happen.

  • Review from Erica L.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    I can't give New York Cares anything less than five stars, even though it's not a perfect organization. Like most others have said, the flexibility when scheduling projects is amazing. There's no commitment for most projects and there are always open spots for something if you want to sign up at the last minute. Of course popular projects fill up quickly, but once you get in once and know the team leader they can usually sign you up even if it's full on the site.

    As I said, it's not perfect. I've had some problems with projects being canceled extremely last minute (as in, 20 minutes after the project should have started and I'm already in the middle of Queens) and a few projects have had way too many volunteers. It's also not quite the social bounty I had been hoping for. People show up to projects too sporadically for it to really be a way to make new friends.

    I do love New York Cares and I love that they've made volunteering so accessible for anyone who wants to do it. They have such a huge range of projects that you are guaranteed to find something that suits you. Orientation is free and only takes a couple hours, so there's no excuse not to go and get yourself involved!

  • Review from Monica S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/7/2011

    I just did my first project with New York Cares last weekend, and I am so happy I joined! The website makes it so easy to find the projects you are interested in and sign up. There is a huge selection (which is great!) and it's hard to choose! My orientation leader was correct in advising that you check the website a couple days before you want to volunteer because that is when people de-register, so projects that may have been full before suddenly open up.

    There are so many more projects I want to volunteer for in the future, and I am excited to try them all!

  • Review from Jackie W.

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    • 85 friends
    • 153 reviews

    Richmond, VA

    5.0 star rating
    4/24/2010

    Oh my goodness! Who knew volunteering was so fun?! Tons of people, right? Well, I only found out about this because a friend of mine got a group of us together to participate in the "Hands on New York Day" and it was super amazingly fun.
    Not only did I get to meet a whole SLEW of really awesome people, I beautified a city garden.. and it has inspired me to clean up my own garden. If you wanna do good things and meet good people.. this is the group to join. I am going to full on join now!

  • Review from Danielle S.

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    • 205 friends
    • 267 reviews

    New Orleans, LA

    5.0 star rating
    2/4/2008

    Be a good person and volunteer for this organization.

    After a short orientation you can choose from hundreds of different projects ranging from tutoring people in English language skills, working with school children on writing a play, painting a public school, playing bingo with the elderly, feeding the homeless in a soup kitchen, walking dogs at BARC...the list goes on and on. There is something for everyone. And NY Cares will work with any type of schedule issues you may have.

    I've met some wonderful people working for NY Cares, been able to see life from a different perspective and best of all, felt great about how I was able to positively impact someones life.

  • Review from Rich W.

    Queens, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2011 11 photos

    This review is for the 22nd Annual New York Cares COAT DRIVE.

    Do you ever wonder where that lightly worn coat you dropped in the collection box from NY Cares Coat Drive goes?
    I do. For years I have dropped items in these boxes at my office lobby. This year I decided to volunteer. On Thursday my company concluded this season New York Cares Coat Drive and we delivered the final loads of coats to New York Cares Coat Sorting Site.
    At the same time seven of us volunteered to sort coats at the sorting center. As we sign-in for two hours of work we met the young volunteers from the period before us. They were young school kids and they look exhausted but happy. For the next two hours we will be doing the same.
    The main sorting center for NYC is located in a downtown office building. The space is donated and it covers an entire floor.
    Tons of coats and clothes are being dropped off in shopping bags, garbage bags, box large and small by people, by car, by truck, and FEDEX & UPS.
    Labels on the delivers showed that they are from corporations, schools, police precincts, and collection centers from around the city.

    Once dropped off volunteers open and sort the items into categories like adult man, woman, children, infant, light jackets, small items (gloves, caps, hats, scarves, etc.).

    Then we had to re-bag the sorted items for distribution. Each bag contents a fixed quantity of the same items; like ten coats per bag.
    Churches, community centers, and shelters will come and select from the different categories with the quantity of items they require for their needy.
    After two hours of opening, sorting, and bag made quite a workout; we estimated 100+ bags and boxes were sorted in the 2 hours we were there.
    Doug and I was on the front line (opening the delivered bags) which was a little dusty because the bags and boxes came from the outside and many were dragged across many floors.

    As the seven of us finished our 2-hour shift, the next group of volunteers from a banking firm arrived.
    The question they asked, " Is it fun? Is it hard?  Did you like it?'
    Answer: YES!

    Some cocktail (useless information) trivia:
    - So many black leather coats; is it out of fashion.
    - Manhattan donators have the nicest coats
    - Long black wool coats are timeless and all look the same; why bother donating it?
    - Several designer donated new coats from their warehouse with tags still on them; same priced over three digits!
    - 9 Giants team jackets were donated; some in mint condition. I understand their sadness.
    -4 Jets team jackets were donated; what, what were they thinking?
    -2 Green Bay Packer team jackets- the wife did it.
    -1 Steelers team jackets; pre-mature prediction?
    -1 Yankee team jackets; must have been a really disappointed fan.
    -0 Mets team jackets; they were all donated years ago.

    NY Cares does a wonder job. This year they estimate a SHORTAGE of 10,000+ coats for distribution.

  • Review from Neline S.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2009

    I did A LOT of volunteering in college and as soon as I moved to NYC, I was looking for ways to become involved in my community.  Since I wasn't sure how my schedule would look like yet, I opted for NYCares since they were one of the organizations that allowed flexibility.

    Most of my free time is Saturday or Sunday and after reading through the website and going through the possibilities, NYCares would be the best organization for where I can play with cats and dogs, tutor children, work in a soup kitchen, or talk with some senior citizens.

    I have done all of these things since I have moved to NYC and each experience has been very rewarding. In addition to contributing to my community, I've definitely met some cool people as well to spend my time with!

  • Review from jeff c.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/23/2009

    I will be participating in Hands On New York Day Saturday, April 25. I will be Site Captain for a location in Brooklyn, NY. Help us clean up the parks and schools. Give back to the community by volunteering!

    Address:
    T & T Vernon Block Association Community Garden
    190Ish Vernon Avenue (Between Throop And Tompkins Ave)
    Brooklyn, NY 11206

    Site Captain Training: http://www.meetup.com/...
    Register here to be part of my team: https://www.kintera.or...

    Listed in: Volunteering Sh*t

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/22/2008

      I recently went to my Site Captain training for NY Cares Day. I also had my Team Leader interview… Read more »

  • Review from Ashley B.

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    • 8 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2009

    Wonderful way to spend your time on the weekends. I love that they have plenty of one-off events, you don't have to commit to something for months on end. I can never tell when I'm going to get off work during the week, so it's great that I can just do one event Saturday morning. There are TONS of options- think of the things you love to do- and then volunteer for it! Painting, photography, tutoring, pet walking, arts and crafts... if you can't find something you like, I don't know where you will. I taught a kid how to use scissors! I feel bad for his parents now, but it's so nice knowing I taught him something! It was so much fun working with creative kids on valentines day crafts.

    Each event varies, some are super organized and others are more do whatever you want. You can choose the events based on location, so if you want to stay in Manhattan, you can.

    I've met so many people through NYCares as well. It's so nice meeting people who care about the same things that you care about and they can't be half bad if they're volunteering!

  • Review from Dayna A.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/9/2011

    An amazing organization with loads of available assignments. They make volunteerism organizationally accessible. I always direct wet-behind-the-ear NYCers here to find all activities cheap, social, and do-gooder.

  • Review from Karen F.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2010

    I did alot of activities with NY Cares from 2000 - 2003.  I loved the idea of a la carte community service where (once you go thru their orientation program) you can participate as much or little as you wish.

    You can choose to work with kids, the elderly, outdoors, in soup kitchens, at churches, you name it.

    A great, great organization!  Plus each year they have a HUGE coat drive that helps provide warm coats for many homeless in NYC.

    LOVE THIS GROUP.

  • Review from Jim U.

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    1/30/2009 1 photo

    I went here for my orientation on Wednesday morning at 8am.  The snow had turned to rain, it was cold and windy, and it was early -- and the place was packed with people wanting to volunteer!  Wow, what a town!  Some of my Peace Corps friends do DC Cares, but I was never convenient enough to downtown DC to consider joining.  But now that I live in New York, I can join up and with the original organization no less.  It will be fun to start volunteering again.  

    The orientation was run by the executive director, and he was very nice and professional.  He made everyone feel good about the organization they are joining.  I am really looking forward to helping out.

  • Review from Jen R.

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    • 12 friends
    • 38 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/19/2010

    I love New York Cares!

    I've been volunteering with New York Cares for several months, and am now a Team Leader as well. I originally joined New York Cares because I missed volunteering and needed something in my life to feel good about since I work during the week for a huge company. I also thought it would be a great way to meet people.

    It has achieved both of those goals for me, and so much more.

    I love that I don't have to commit to doing something all the time... if I decide on Thursday night that I want to do something on Saturday morning, I can do it. I also like that there are sooo many options to choose from, so there is really something for everyone!

    I've done several different types of activities, mostly on the weekends, and mostly involving kids. All the activities have been great. Most are free of charge, but occasionally there is a small cost involved if you are taking a trip or something. You will always know upfront if there is a cost involved so you don't have to worry if you are running low on cash, as most of the projects are free anyways.

    Get oriented and become a New York Cares volunteer - you will love it!

  • Review from Sarah B.

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    • 162 friends
    • 281 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/21/2008

    Wonderful organization.  The orientation prior to volunteering is super easy.  Only took about 30 minutes max.  There's tons of different projects that are looking for volunteers.  Again, super easy because it gives you the time and place that volunteers are needed.  Makes searching for projects of interest or close to home a snap.

    I'm excited that I'm part of such an amazing and giving organization.

  • Review from Mike J.

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    • 153 friends
    • 304 reviews

    Dublin

    Ireland
    5.0 star rating
    11/28/2009

    IMHO the best volunteering organization in the city.  Hundreds of projects to choose from every month; the great majority of them very well organized both on the NY Cares end thru the team lead as well as the overall project end by the organization being helped.

    Mostly known for the winter coats donation program, volunteers through the New York Cares organization assist all over the city with helped make and distribute food to homeless and/or disadvantaged people to beautification of schools to revitalization of parks.

    I've worked on projects for years here in NY and for even longer with a sister group in the Bay Area, Hands On Bay Area.  Sign up on the NYCares website for the one-hour orientation meeting and then start helping out throughout your community as well as the rest of the city.

  • Review from Kathleen B.

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    • 5 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    6/20/2010

    As others have said, this is a good organization. Sign up for a quick orientation, and you're eligible for hundreds of volunteer opportunities. Once you've participated, you can keep going back to the same project every week/month or pick new places. It's entirely up to you and your schedule and interests. Through New York Cares, I've played with kids at Gay Men's Health Crisis, delivered sandwiches to homeless people all over the city with Coalition for the Homeless, painted a mural at a school in Chinatown, helped weed and plant at Prospect Park, served meals at a church in the Bowery and another on the Upper East Side, run a charades game in a nursing home in the West Village, and tutored kids in Sunset Park. This is a great place to join if you're new to the city and want to learn about different neighborhoods, and the projects tend to be pretty chill, with friendly, good-hearted people to chat with while you're doing your good work.

    The one quibble I have with New York Cares is that some of the projects tend to be a little haphazardly organized and managed. At a few of my projects, I showed up and was more or less not told what to do to help. Not a big deal at a tutoring/play kind of project where I just did what the kids needed/wanted to do, a little more confusing on a gardening or cooking project, where I didn't know if I was interfering, making things worse, or actually helping. Another issue is that most of the volunteer projects are after 5pm and on weekends, which works out well if you work 9-5, but is not so great if you have a more unconventional work schedule and want to volunteer during the day.

  • Review from Eric T.

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    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2010

    later

  • Review from Amy M.

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    • 68 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Peosta, IA

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2007

    I love volunteering and I admit it is purely for selfish reasons.  I love the way I feel after I have spent a couple of hours feeding the homeless or spent time reading to children.  The awesome thing about NY Cares is they have so many different projects!  After one hour orientation, it is totally up to you to determine how much you want to participate.
    For my first project, I was lucky enough to sign up for the Coalition for the Homeless.  At one of our stops, we thought we were done and we started to load up.  A guy was walking across the street, eating something with BBQ sauce running down his arm.  He was yelling and swearing at us.  He yelled, "Where the hell is my food?"  We told him, "Just one minute, sir.  We will get it for you now."  He didn't stop yelling and swearing.  Once we gave him his food (sandwich, milk, juice, fruit) at the end of his tirade he said, "Thank you".  It was so sweet.  He was pissed but he still had manners.
    Overall, everyone is so appreciative and happy to see us.  They are just so grateful for another meal.
    Not every experience is as eventful so please don't let that deter you from checking out this amazing organization.  I am looking forward to many other projects!

  • Review from Nancy H.

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    • 6 friends
    • 46 reviews

    NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2007

    New York Cares (http://www.nycares.org) is really an amazing organization.  They create a database of volunteer opportunities that New Yorkers can sign up for on the internet.  After attending a one hour training, you can get involved with organizations across the city doing volunteer work.  Most of the projects don't require any committment - you can sign up for one saturday afternoon, for example, so you only need to be sure you'll be free one day at a time.  You can try many different things - painting bookshelves at a public elementary school library, reading bedtime stories to children in a transitional shelter, playing bingo with residents at an elder care facility, or walking dogs for a no-kill animal shelter.  It is a great way to get involved, learn new skills, and meet other caring New Yorkers.

  • Review from Alee L.

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    • 33 friends
    • 66 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/12/2008

    I am someone who always like to help people so, I enjoy being a volunteer and I  am proud of it!
    I truly like the fact that I am a member of NY Cares.
    Becoming a volunteer can change your mind....You will find yourself being very grateful about your very own life. It's very self-rewarding.
    Feel interested?
    In order to join NY Cares; first of all, you got to go to their orientation meeting (only 30 minutes) where you will get more information about their organization and its projects as well you can take a look about what can be a good project to start.
    When I went there they even gave the volunteers some "gifts" like: hand cream and granola bars.
    Need ideas?
    Do you know how to cook?
    You can help to prepare a meal for senior/homeless people.
    Love pets?
    There is always a chance to walk/play with them.
    Have computer, crafts, dance or English skills?
    Help kids, youth, adults, seniors, immigrants.
    Like to be outdoors?
    Some painting, sports or a gardening project on the way!
    There is ALWAYS something for everyone!!!!...Their monthly list goes on and on.
    You will never be forced to sign for any kind of project..You can always take a look on actual projects at http://nycares.org and sign for something whenever you feel for. No pressure!
    Once you sign for some project on the list you gotta commit yourself to attend. lately they changed their policy: After 3 "missing" projects you got to to to their orientation meeting again.
    One hint: usually projects involving kids, pet and meals are the most wanted among volunteers - Be sure to sign ASAP!

  • Review from GarGuPi L.

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    • 51 friends
    • 295 reviews

    Flushing, NY

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2008

    I'm not an avid volunteer (I wish I am though...) but once in awhile, when I've free time during the weekend (or around the holidays), I love to sign up for an event and be part of the community.  It's so easy to sign up online and the leaders are always so prompt in replying back.  Sometimes an event might be "closed", but do call the leaders anyway. Hey, there's always room for love and help! New Year Cares has so many variety of activities for you to choose from and volunteers come from all walks of life, but one thing for sure, each and everyone has a big heart.  I might not be teaching in a dilapidated school in Africa or rebuilding a house in New Orleans, but knowing that I've made a difference (even if it's small) in someone's life is all that matters.  Have a heart. Volunteer at least once a year! The feeling is phenomenal!

  • Review from Kuv S.

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    • 43 friends
    • 133 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/15/2008

    I first learned about New York Cares from a yelp thread search on volunteering in the city over a year ago...our fellow yelpers had great things to say about this organization and after my orientation tonight I can see why! Over a hundred volunteers showed up to learn more,  with interests ranging from working with seniors, kids, the mentally challenged, or physically disabled. They offer a flexible, rewarding, and fun volunteering schedule and if you have a couple hours in your week, and need some soul food, check this place out :) happy holidays!

  • Review from Trishula M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2010

    This is a fantastic organization.  NYCares makes volunteering within the community so easy.  They provide a multitude of different kinds of projects for different lengths of time.  You can commit as much or as little of your time as you want.  The website is incredibly user friendly and the orientation is very basic and short.  I've volunteered with them for over four years and have inspired friends to do the same based on my sharing of my experiences with them.   Dig in and enjoy!

  • Review from diana m.

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    • 81 friends
    • 809 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2008

    I don't have the time to commit to one place to volunteer.  But when my schedule allows I enjoy doing something good.  This organization makes it easy and simple.  Only drawbacks is that you have to attend an orientation session and the events fill up pretty quickly.

  • Review from Masumi T.

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    • 25 friends
    • 123 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/14/2009

    Great for people who are looking to volunteer with a fear of commitment.  You can sign up for different types of projects: soup kitchens to children to animals to elderly.  My schedule is unpredictable and constantly changing so it's perfect for me.  I can sign up last minute for projects I might be interested in.  I've noticed that there are A LOT more volunteers now because they get filled VERY quickly.  It's good for them but bad for me.  =P

  • Review from Pamela B.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2010

    I've recently hit the 50+ projects mark with NY Cares, so I wanted to take a moment to praise this organization. They do an amazing job of queuing up a diverse number of projects for their volunteers, and the sign-up process for participating in these projects is mindlessly easy. Because each project relies on the leadership of a volunteer team leader, the project's execution can vary from super-organized to slipshod, but you've just got to be understanding about all that. I definitely recommend taking the time to sign up for some of the recurring projects that meet every week over a longer period of time. It's a great way to compound your volunteering impact!

  • Review from Irene F.

    Long Island City, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2007

    Great great way to volunteer, I love it! You don't have to commit to a specific schedule, which is awesome because I don't have a specific schedule! You have so many different options - play with kitties at the shelter, play with the kiddies in a pool, play with seniors at bingo, pick a borough and see what's up! Excellent stuff.

  • Review from Kathy T.

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    • 126 friends
    • 266 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2007

    This organization is the best!  I love the commitment when you have the time setup.  It is honestly the best thing that has happened to volunteering.  The only thing you are obligated to do is attend an orientation, fill out some paperwork, and you are then enabled to access their volunteer database.  If you like helping out other beings, this is the place for you.  Kids, Seniors, Animal Shelters, Literacy, Dance Classes, Sports, Community works... its all there.  And there's no commitment beyond the event that you signed up for.  So if you can only volunteer on Saturday, Dec 14th, then you can look for opps on that day and help out with whatever sounds interesting.  I have cooked with kids, gone bowling, and visited a farm, and I've enjoyed all of my experiences in different ways.  Having these types of opportunities really helps you see how great NYC is in a whole new light!

  • Review from Kate F.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2009

    As someone who works for a nonprofit serving people desperately in need of help, NY Cares Coat Drive is literally a life saver. The staff, though clearly in the midst of a crazy season, are helpful. The coats, in generally good condition and sorted 5 to a bag (helpful when doing our own sorting.) We applied in the fall, were accepted in November, and picked up over 200 coats for our clients today. What a great job they do!

  • Review from Meow Mix C.

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    • 18 friends
    • 102 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/4/2010

    Great for those who want to help out but cannot commit to a set time every week. Get on board with projects as you please, as little or as much as you like. Pretty good variety of different volunteer assignments too, so you're definitely going to meet a lot of new people and likely to make new friends. I have been part of this organization for years and cannot recommend them enough.

  • Review from Janet L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Astoria, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    New York Cares is a wonderfully run program that helps so many people.  The leaders are awesome and the volunteers devoted.  Everyone should try to join and make a difference in their city.

  • Review from Jenee R.

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    • 20 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    2/6/2009

    I would not recommend this agency at all if you are looking for someone with a heart who cares in new york city. This organization for me anyhow certainly was a nightmare to work for. It seems like the people who work for this company are only interested in improving their resume and not doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They do an extensive background check, which I guess is the mode of operation here in new york these days, since everyone is so paranoid about anyone helping out, which for me says so much to the plight of how this city has gone awry. I also was give third degree over some supervisor who clearly was an ass to me in my opinion as well as reprimanded by a few schoolgirls who were in charge. In my opinion, you would have better luck working with the individual agencies on their own. I will never work for Ny Cares again, myself. I saw just how raw, evil and heartless this city really was through this agency. The people giving great reviews are in my opinion very delusional. This is a great company if you want a smorgasmord of opportunities to do volunteer work, but for me, it also seems to create a lackadaisacal attitude in general of people who could care less about the causes which they support and more about networking possiblities in New York.

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