Joelle Wyser-Pratte on Giving Back in Bedford, NY

In a world filled with people in need, it can be difficult to decide where and how to give. And though our hearts and minds are with those in parts of the world sadly lacking in resources, it is important to remember that some of the people most in need are our very own neighbors. Community involvement helps everyone to build better, stronger bonds and to grow. There are numerous charitable opportunities that you can give your time and resources to, right at home in Bedford, regardless of the areas in which you would like to give back. You’d feel great about it too.

The Food Bank for Westchester in nearby Elmsford has many programs designed to ensure that nobody in this community ever has to go hungry. The organization’s mobile food resources provide fresh produce to those who are unable to access these fresh, healthy foods, while a program for seniors ensures that the elderly members of our community can access nutritional foods – something that can be a challenge for seniors.

There are many ways to help The Food Bank for Westchester. Monetary donations enable the organization to acquire fresh foods for residents throughout the year. Meanwhile, direction donations of food can also be made to the program. Those who have a little time on their hands can support the food bank by volunteering in various capacities, whether they choose to spend time working in the offices or warehouses or by helping to staff events. People of all talents and capabilities are needed to keep this worthwhile organization running.

One of the most difficult things that a family can do is care for a seriously ill child. Friends of Karen provides families in the Westchester area with the critical resources needed to navigate these challenging times – everything from monetary support to advocacy, assistance with funeral expenses, and bereavement support for those families facing the unthinkable. In addition to direct monetary donations, Friends of Karen will work with volunteers on projects in order to raise funds to provide these services to families in need.

Often forgotten in people’s volunteer efforts are those who have risked their lives in order to protect our country. The VA Hudson Valley Health Care System is always in need of volunteers with a variety of talents – both professional and non-professional – to support the services that they provide to veterans. Some services needed are those willing to provide transportation to veterans for outpatient services as well as those willing to provide emotional support through visits with patients. Monetary donations are always accepted, as well as non-monetary donations of items such as reading material, clothing, and certain kinds of snacks.

Those in search of opportunities to volunteer should also remember that they can always contact churches, schools, and other similar organizations to find out about upcoming or ongoing programs in their area. Bedford, NY is home to many such programs that provide for the local community. Organizations supporting the local community include Abbot House, which cares for children and developmentally disabled adults. Abbot House is always in need of individuals willing to volunteer their time, whether they are looking to tutor children and teens or are looking to take on a general mentorship role.

There are also environmental organizations locally such as Riverkeeper that focuses on the Hudson River Cleanup. Or there is the land preservation as a goal with the long established Westchester Land Trust. Again, so many ways to contribute time and energy to a cause you relate to.

Also at work in Bedford, NY are countless organizations catering to the needs of those in other less fortunate areas of the world, providing food, shelter, and clean water, women’s equality and rights, education, HIV, malaria and other diseases. There are so many opportunities to help that can even involve your family such as philanthropy tourism. Traveling to Colombia for example and building a home? Volunteering at schools in Nicaragua or a girls center in the Dominican. If you know what you are looking for, try reaching out and seeing what’s available. Even write to me, I have many ideas and have been on many such trips.

Of course, it is not only the human members of our community in need of help. Animal lovers can give their time and resources to the SPCA of Westchester in a variety of ways. It is important to remember that the SPCA is always in need of materials to care for their animals – pet food, litter, and even pet toys are always in demand.

Options are available to sponsor animals until they are adopted, even if you are unable to take one of these beautiful furry friends in yourself. Meanwhile, volunteer opportunities can range from caring for animals to helping at special events – the SPCA will match your talents, abilities, and interests with the volunteer opportunities that they have available. Those looking to foster a sense of compassion and a spirit of giving in their children can also find volunteer opportunities for children and teens at the SPCA.

One thing is clear – Bedford, NY and the greater Westchester County area offer plenty of opportunities for individuals who are looking to give back, regardless of where their hearts, passions, and talents lie. Take the time to consider the many ways you can give your time and money to those in need to support not only the Bedford, NY community, but in doing so- the world community as a whole.