Where to Volunteer in Yorktown and the Area This Holiday Season

It is that special time of year, full of holiday celebrations and family gatherings. But most of all, the season is about the magic and joy that come from giving.

If you are looking for opportunities to give of your time, there are numerous organizations that are seeking volunteers for the month of December and beyond.

If you know of any other organizations that you would like to add, tell us in the comments section below.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

In Yorktown:

Local Fire Departments, Ambulance Corps

If you're interested in joining the community of first responders in the area, they are always looking for new members. For the , call 914-962-2148. To volunteer at the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, call 914-526-0823.

To reach  call 914-245-9822.

on the third Wednesday of the month. Volunteer opportunities include working at Thrifty Me at the Cultural Center to raise money for food purchases, set up, organizing collections from other sites and distribution. For more information call 914-962-1144. The organization is located at the , 1974 Commerce St. in Yorktown.

Lions Club/Leos Club

The Leos and Lions work together. The mission: "To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs." The Lions Club is known as the largest community service organization worldwide.

Around the area:

Bell ringers for The Salvation Army - White Plains

914-949-2908

According to Captain Antonio Rosamilia, White Plains Corps Officer at The Salvation Army, there is still a need for bell-ringers at the organization’s Christmas Kettle locations. The Salvation Army, serving the community since 1892, offers social services and specialized programs addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs of families, individuals and the elderly—with the Christmas Kettle Campaign funding these services.

Rosamilia said that they are in need of food, toys and gift cards, in preparation for upcoming holidays and added that they are also seeking volunteers for after-school programs such as homework tutors and music instructors who could offer their time to kids as a long-lasting gift.

Gilda's Club of Westchester

914-644-8844

Gilda's Club Westchester, located at 80 Maple Avenue in White Plains. The mission of Gilda’s Club is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.  Volunteers are needed now and throughout the year in a variety of capacities. The first Gilda's Club opened in New York City in 1995 in honor of comedienne Gilda Radner, and in 2001, Gilda's Club Westchester opened its red doors at its current location in White Plains.  Today, there are over 2,800 Gilda's Club Westchester members from Westchester, Rockland and Fairfield Counties.

American Red Cross/Westchester County Chapter

914-946-6500

The Westchester County Chapter of the American Red Cross was founded in 1898 by then Mt. Kisco resident, Nancy Marquand, to help care for injured soldiers returning from the Spanish American War. Today, their services extend far beyond the blood drives and life-saving programs they are renowned for. They can also be found on the front lines of any disaster or catastrophic event, prepared to offer a wide range of relief assistance to individuals and families alike. Volunteers of all ages are needed in offices, schools and home to respond to and help others in the event of a catastrophe, to teach life-saving techniques, provide counseling and companionship for both young and old victims, donate blood, recruit and organize others to donate, and to perform a host of other clerical and office management tasks.

Food Bank for Westchester

914-923-1100

Food Bank for Westchester is responsible supplying over 200 of the county's hunger-relief programs, along with managing the warehousing and administration of its emergency food-distribution network. The Food Bank's staff is nowhere near large enough to accomplish its mission so the organization relies on a large network of volunteers to help. Opportunities include organizing and holding community food drives, repacking and warehousing bulk food and grocery items, conducting awareness and fund raising events, and serving on its board of directors.

914-277-4547

The Junior League of Northern Westchester is a nonprofit and nonsectarian volunteer organization of women from the ages of 21 to 93 trained for effective leadership in community activities and dedicated to the belief that volunteer service is an essential part of responsible citizenship.  The Junior League of Northern Westchester reaches out to and is composed of women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in, and commitment to voluntarism. The Junior League is a great way to meet people and learn about the communities that need help throughout the year. Click here to learn more about joining the Junior League. 

Midnight Run

914-693-7817

Midnight Run is comprised of volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools and other civic groups who distribute food, clothing, blankets and other items to the homeless and poor on the streets of New York City. The late-night "runs" offer a chance to build a sense of trust, understanding and affection — through an experience of sharing ‑ among those who have and those who don't. Volunteers learn that the homeless are men and women who deserve respect and dignity, while the homeless learn that the cares and concerns of "mainstream" adults and teenagers extend beyond their individual lives and families. Individuals who wish to be organizers train first as crewmembers under the supervision of an experienced leader. Organizers assemble their own groups which usually consists of about a dozen volunteers (including at least two adults); all should be at least 14.

SPCA of Westchester

914-941-2896

If you have a love for animals, the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor has volunteer opportunities ranging from dog walking, cat care, dog bathing and grooming, greeters programs, event planning, humane education, outreach therapy programs, shelter beautification, administrative work. You can also donate your time if you've got a special skill, such as photography, carpentry or art. The Briarcliff Manor facility was established in 1921, and is still the only humane society in Westchester County that can enforce animal cruelty laws and relies solely on financial support from donations and the support of volunteers.

914-767-0900 or 914-683-5300

This annual holiday event has been taking place in the Montfort Academy (formerly St. Mary's Elementary School) gymnasium for nearly 50 years. Over 300 needy individuals of all faiths will become the invited guests of various Westchester County shelters and agencies to the Christmas dinner and gift exchange. Aside from the delicious three-course meal served to them, each guest will receive a selection of clothing articles and holiday gifts for themselves and/or their loved ones. The one day gala runs from 12:00 noon to 3:30, but all manner of help is needed before and after the event.

And finally, based in Tarrytown, is available as a one-stop resource that matches volunteers to meaningful opportunities through its online database—a great way to keep that holiday spirit alive all year long.