25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 25: Finding A Need

TARRYTOWN, NY — The season for giving is truly all year round. During the past 22 months, while hundreds of thousands of people lost jobs, lost businesses and even lost their lives, we continued to find that there are needs in our communities that we never imagined we had.

Hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, senior issues, at-risk youth — the list goes on and on.
Volunteer New York! serves to connect people who want to help with ways to help.

Every day since Dec. 1, in this series, Patch has shown that anyone of any age can help their community — in myriad ways.

All you have to do is pick a volunteer opportunity.

On the last day of 25 Days of Holiday Volunteering, we are again giving Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York!'s executive director, the final word.

"It’s been said that 'What you celebrate is a reflection of what you value?' During the holidays, many families pause to celebrate what they value: being together, good health and traditions. At Volunteer New York! we value community and volunteerism," she said. "I’m so proud of how the communities we serve have, over the last year, continued to show us that they value community and volunteerism, too.

"In 2021, Volunteer New York! mobilized a record number 35,000 volunteers who gave time and expertise throughout Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties," Gisbert said. "Together, they contributed over 399,000 hours providing a value of $12.7 million back into the community.

"Volunteer New York! will pause to celebrate volunteerism and people power at the 42nd Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards on Friday morning, April 8, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. This will be the much-anticipated return of this in-person event where hundreds of attendees will stop and celebrate the power of local volunteerism," she said.

Volunteer New York! makes it easy for you to find your way to create a strong, connected and more resilient community. Here are a few ways way you can get started in 2022:

• Visit our website.
• Make an appt to meet with a placement specialist.
• Sign up for the Martin Luther King Day of Service.

SEE ALSO:

• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 1: Open Door Toy Drive
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 2: Adopt A Family
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 3: Holiday Dinner Food Drive
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 4: Sock Donations
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 5: Donating Diapers
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 6: Holiday Shopping
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 7: Rides For Seniors
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 8: Adopting Shelter Family
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 9: Winter Clothing
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 10: Infant Hygiene Kits
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 11: Knitting, Crocheting
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 12: Blizzard Boxes
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 13: Creating Cards, Crafts
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 14: 'Elves' Needed Soon!
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 15: Toy Giveaway
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 16: Blankets For Children
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 17: Make-A-Wish
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 18: Underwear For Kids
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 19: Creative Arts Therapy
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 20: Trail Maintenance
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 21: Thrift Shop Volunteers
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 22: Food Pantry
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 23: Meals On Wheels
• 25 Days Of Holiday Volunteering — Day 24: Gilda's Club