VolunteerNY!
This organization provides a comprehensive listing of volunteer opportunities throughout the lower Hudson Valley. You can search by clicking the link or you can call (914) 948-4452.
But local residents often have local preferences. Help us grow a list that relates to your interests. If you have a favorite volunteer opportunity, let us know, and we will share it with others.
Animal Lovers
Bedford Dog Owners Group (DBOG)
DBOG is an all-volunteer organization that works with the Town of Bedford to ensure that the dog park is a safe space for dogs and their people to play. Memberships and donations help fund fencing repairs throughout the park, new bench seating, shade for small dog area, entryway upgrades. DBOG meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 PM at the Bedford Hills Community House.
BluePath Service Dogs
Provides autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence. 845-377-0477 bluepathservicedogs.org
Good Dog Foundation: dogs helping humans heal
The Good Dog Foundation’s mission is to ease human suffering using Animal-Assisted Therapy. Anyone can become a Good Dog volunteer with a loving dog, a commitment to helping others, and at least one free hour per month. thegooddogfoundation.org/volunteer
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Call 866-432-5226 guidingeyes.org
- In your own home: puppy raiser, brood/stud foster; home socialization; home litter care
- At GE facilities: early socialization, student services, kennel volunteer, driver, and more
- Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
- Guiding Eyes Canine Development Center, 361 Route 164, Patterson, NY 12563
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding
Pegasus’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Some volunteer opportunities require horse experience, but many do not. Needed are:
- Program volunteers — leading or walking beside students (side walking) during classes
- Barn/equine and riding volunteers — assist with chores and with staff to care for the horses
- Rider’s closet volunteers — assist with processing clothing donations and fulfilling requests
- Farm/facilities volunteers — help with far/facilities maintenance, trail maintenance, etc.
- Other — special events, administrative tasks, skilled carpentry, sewing and photography
For more information, contact Director of Volunteer Services at 845-669-8235 x 109 or visit website.
Putnam County SPCA: Preventing Cruelty to All Animals
- The Putnam County SPCA provides a 24/7 CRUELTY HOTLINE to report cases of suspected animal cruelty: (845) 520-6915
- Our responsibilities include enforcing animal cruelty laws, housing animals we seize from unfit living conditions, providing essential medical care, and educating the community on how to treat animals humanely.
We play a critical role in the community by thoroughly investigating cases of suspected animal cruelty and, because our officers have “police powers,” we also address any existing links between animal cruelty and child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, and human suffering of all kinds. Our organization is often the only agency who comes in contact with victims of such crimes.
Click to learn about volunteer opportunities or call us at: 845-520-6915
Arts
Caramoor
Write the Volunteer Coordinator at boxoffice@caramoor.org or call 914.232.5035 x244. Training is always provided. Most volunteer positions offer complimentary or discounted tickets to select performances throughout the year.
Opportunities: Docent, Historic Rosen House (inform visitors about the history of the historic House, the artwork, furnishings, and architecture); Docent, Education Programs (lead small groups of school children through the historic House as part of our Schools & Kids programs. Engage and encourage the students to ask questions about the House and the art); Usher, Performances (take tickets, assist with seating requests, and answer general questions. Given the training involved, we urge Ushers to commit to assisting at five concerts and one graduation per season); Audience Greeter, Performances (given the level of training involved, we urge Greeters to commit to assisting at two concerts and one graduation per season); Volunteer, Gift Shop. Also – mailings, brochure distribution and social networking.
Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA)
Call 914-232-7566. Volunteer facilitators are extraordinary artists and educators, most with extensive teaching experience, many with advanced degrees and established careers. There would be no RTA without their talent, compassion and commitment.
RTA was founded in Sing Sing in 1996. Today, we work in five New York State prisons with innovative programs in theatre, dance, creative writing, voice and visual art. RTA is dedicated to using the creative arts as a tool for social and cognitive transformation behind prison walls. RTA changes lives!
Healthcare
Association for the Visually Impaired
Volunteers schedule regular telephone calls, make friendly visits, read/sort mail, run errands. Also, provide food/clothes shopping, transportation, interpreting, as well as back office support (mailings, working at thrift shop, community ambassador). 845-574-4950 avieyes.org
Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam
Part of the VNA of Hudson Valley Family. Call 914-666-4228. Northern Westchester Hospital, Call 914-666-1814.
Hospice Care Volunteer Opportunities: Patient/Family Care, Caring Circle, Bereavement Support, Office Support, Nursing Home Visits, Spiritual Care, Transportation, Community Outreach/Fundraising, Hospital and Vigil Volunteers.
Requirements: Complete a medical clearance/confidentiality form; participate in orientation.
Some Unique Opportunities: Visitor’s Desk, Gift shop, Chaplaincy, Patient Transport, Oncology, Admitting, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Human Resources, Public Relations, Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine, maternity, Accounts Payable, Food Service.
Other: Greeter/Ambassador Program, Bakers’ R Us, Silver Spoons, Knitters/Sewers, Therapeutic Hand Massage.
Wartburg
Located in Mount Vernon, NY, Wartburg provides independent living, assisted living, nursing home care, memory care, adult day programs and rehabilitation services to older adults. They are looking for volunteers to enrich the lives of those they serve. Volunteer opportunities include gift shop attendant, meal time assistant, spiritual care, one-on-one visiting, clerical assistant, wheelchair transportation, entertainment, share a talent, teach an art class and more.
Contact Ann Frey, Director of Volunteers. 914-513-5114 afrey@wartburg.org
Civic and Service Organizations
Boxwood Alliance
Call 914-764-3014 or email info@theboxwood.org.
Recruit seminar speakers, help research lifelong learning, travel and volunteer opportunities and post to Boxwood website; post to social media; distribute flyers and brochures; meet and greet at local Fairs and Festivals.
Golden’s Bridge Hamlet Organization
The mission of the GBHO is to preserve the historic and natural beauty of the hamlet, drive initiatives that provide a positive impact for the residents, and work closely with the public officials and local merchants in ensuring the progress of the hamlet. Volunteers are needed to help in these ways:
- Roadside cleanup from 9 – noon, mid October
- Help maintain community landmarks
- Listen to the DOT-MPO monthly webinars for potential benefits or grants
- Be a grant writer
- Be a part of New Park Committee
- Fundraising for future progress
Text at 845-729-3182, email, or go to website for more information.
Lions Club of Bedford Hills
Call 914-361-9060 or write membership@bedfordhillslions.org Meetings are held at Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 PM.
Requirement: Age 21+, good moral character and good reputation in your community. Membership is by invitation, so call or attend a meeting to see if Lions Clubs are a good fit for you.
Some activities: Annual Car & Motorcycle Show, food drives, “Wacky Wednesday Carnival” for youths, Pancake Breakfasts. Sponsor Citizenship Awards at Bedford Hills Elementary School. Scholarships for college bound Fox Lane High School seniors.
WestFair Rides
Call 914-764-3533 or info@westfairrides.org.
Drive older adults (aged 60+) or vision impaired (aged 21+) to medical appointments in Westchester County. One ride a week or a month will make a big difference in the lives of many and their caregivers.
Or, help with social media, meet and greet at Fairs and Festivals, research venues for community receptions, lead a team of volunteers for outreach and volunteer recognition.
Women’s Civic Club of Katonah
Call 914-232-3010 or 232-2569. Meeting are on second Thursday of each month, September through May, for catered lunch and variety of interesting programs. $50 annual dues.
Requirement: membership and service two half days per month at the Katonah Thrift Shop.
Thrift Shop beneficiaries are area high school seniors who receive college scholarships and the Katonah Village Library.
Other activities: Dining Out Section, Bridge Club, Civic Singers, Scrabble Club, Book Club, Special Events, Beaux Arts Exhibit. Contributions to many local philanthropies.
Green Interests
Vegout!
Join environmentalists, foodies and growers working toward sustainability in our Westchester food supply.
Raise awareness about food consumption, Connect to a network of local vegetable gardeners, plug into vegetable gardening information and resources.
Local Library
(Click here for list of other libraries in the area.)
Bedford Hills Free Library
Volunteers call 914-666-6472.
Library Collection: Shelving or shelf reading; processing library materials; delivering and picking up library materials to community.
Programs: Children & Family programs and events (crats, performances, games, parent support group, tutoring); adult programs (workshops, book clubs, English conversations); Education & literacy programs (working with schools and other collaborators).
Administration: Book sales, gardening, public relations, fundraising, advocacy, facilities.
Museum and National Historic Landmarks
John Jay Homestead
Volunteer opportunities abound at John Jay Homestead!
John Jay Homestead and Friends of John Jay Homestead are looking for volunteers to welcome visitors to the Carriage Barn Education & Visitor Center; give tours to members of the general public, groups, and school children; assist with special events and programs; complete historic research; and work with collections. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out and submit the volunteer interest application form.
Stepping Stones
The historic home of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups co-founders, 62 Oak Road, Katonah, NY 10536. Call 914-232-4822 or info@steppingstones.org.
Gardening in the community vegetable garden or flower gardens; clerical & administrative; outreach at Festivals and Fairs; graphic & web design; photography & videography; editing & writing; maintenance; fund raising; other trades.
Youth Interests
Big Brothers Big Sisters Westchester
Call 914-937-3779.
Screenings include personal interview, criminal background & reference cheeks; home assessments.
Activities: One on one mentoring with friendship as its cornerstone.
