• ECC News

New York Cares Volunteer Opportunities | January 26, 2016

by Hillary Doyle (Scholastic)

The Early Career Committee is dedicated to enriching the lives of young publishing professionals in children’s lit, and we believe volunteering is an excellent way to empower yourself and the people around you! Make a difference in the lives of others through these awesome volunteer opportunities based in NYC, recommended by the ECC Board.

Knitting/Crochet at VISIONS
Wednesdays, 5:30-7 PM
Chelsea, Manhattan
Knit and crochet with the adult residents and clients who are blind or have low vision. Volunteers will be paired with clients, so knitting and/or crochet knowledge is required in order to participate on this project. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own project to work on, or bring supplies to do the sweaters alongside the clients.

Sort School Supplies
Wednesdays, 6-8 PM
Long Island City, Queens
Sort and organize donated art supplies and other materials that will be given free to schools and non-profits with arts programming. Volunteers are often asked to work with paints on this project, so please come in clothes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.

English Conversation Partners at Jacob A. Riis Settlement House
Wednesdays, 7:30-9 PM
Astoria, Queens
Converse with adult immigrants enrolled in an English language class on a variety of topics, like resumes and interview skills, and help provide them with more opportunities for the future. No bilingual ability necessary. Materials will be provided by agency.

Organize Children’s Library
Various weekdays, 4-6 PM
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Help this bilingual school begin a new lending library for children by sorting, leveling, cataloging, and shelving books.

Bedtime Stories at Frederick Douglass Center
Fridays, 5:30-7 PM
Upper West Side, Manhattan
Drift off into a world of awe and wonder with the 2nd-5th grade students from the Frederick Douglass Community Center. Volunteers will foster a love of learning by reading with students in small groups, or in one-on-one pairs in order to make books and reading a fun and enriching part of their lives. Each session will conclude with a themed craft activity.

LEGO Robotics Mindstorm
Saturday, February 6th, 10 AM-12 PM
East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Share the excitement of LEGOs and robotics with middle school students (6th-8th grade). Volunteers will help guide students as they complete a variety of Lego building and programming activities.