Volunteer Opportunities Of The Week: Brightening Seniors' Smiles

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Each week Patch will be highlighting a volunteer opportunity — or two — in the Hudson Valley. This will be a chance to help your community and be an opportunity to give back — perhaps in a way you didn't consider before.

And if you are in an organization that has some need for volunteers, be sure to let us know by emailing michael.woyton@patch.com.

This week we are putting the spotlight on a couple of opportunities in the Hudson Valley.

As a reminder, in response to the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak, Volunteer New York! set up a website so people can find opportunities to help in their communities. The Virtual Volunteer Center will act as a regional hub that lists community needs and volunteer opportunities that support the most vulnerable who are affected by COVID-19.

According to organizers, Volunteer New York! has been working closely with local agencies and county and state officials to ensure a coordinated response in directing those who want to help where their time and resources can do the most good.

There are many opportunities from which to chose, and organizers said people should check back often because it's a constantly changing public resource.

On the Virtual Volunteer Center's page is Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland. They are looking for Miles of Smiles Volunteers who could help — literally — brighten a senior's smile by creating Miles of Smiles bags.

The goal is to fill a quart-sized resealable plastic bag with products seniors need for a healthy smile: soft-bristle toothbrush, floss, mouth wash and a Miles of Smiles flyer which will be provided to volunteers. Three bags equal one hour of volunteer service for students who need to fulfill community service hours.

The bags then are dropped off at the Meals on Wheel's Nanuet location.

For more information, or to express interest, go here.

And for anywhere in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, Volunteer New York! is seeking people to check in with neighbors during the new coronavirus outbreak.

People who are home and looking to help can check in with their neighbors by knocking on their doors (keeping a safe distance, of course) or giving them a call to see what they might need.

Of course, if you think you may be sick, or have been in contact with someone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus, do not sign up for this opportunity.

For more information, or to express interest in volunteering to check in on your neighbors, go here.

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