Lend A Hand In Southeast: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You

The holiday season is about more than lights and celebrations — it’s also a meaningful time to give back and make a difference right here at home. We’ve rounded up a few organizations in and around Southeast that could use a helping hand this season. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but a starting point — be sure to contact each group directly to learn about their current needs, requirements and how you can best support their efforts.

Green Chimneys

Green Chimneys supports children with special needs through nature-based education and therapeutic programs on its Putnam County campus. Volunteers can help care for farm animals, assist with gardens or spend time with students in the classroom and in recreational activities.
Learn more: greenchimneys.org/give/volunteer

Putnam CAP

Putnam CAP serves low-income and at-risk residents across Putnam County through hunger relief, emergency support and programs that promote self-sufficiency. The organization is currently seeking volunteers to help run the food pantry, support the soup kitchen and/or participate in special programs.
Learn more: putnamcap.org/volunteer-oportunities

Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center

The Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout the region with crisis intervention, advocacy and education. Volunteers may train as advocates, assist with outreach or help with administrative and event needs that strengthen services for local families.
Learn more: pnwwrc.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities.html

Second Chance Foods

Second Chance Foods reduces food insecurity in Putnam County by rescuing surplus ingredients and preparing fresh meals for local households. As a volunteer, you can chop and cook in the kitchen, sort and package donated produce, transport food between partner sites or help organize pantries and storage areas to keep operations running efficiently.
Learn more: secondchancefoods.org/volunteer

SNARR Northeast

SNARR Northeast is a nonprofit organization that rescues vulnerable dogs and works to place them in safe, loving homes. Animal lovers can volunteer at the adoption center in nearby White Plains, assist with dog transport, process adoption applications or assist with spay/neuter follow-ups and fundraising.
Learn more: snarrnortheast.org/volunteer

Transportation Resources Access (TRA)

TRA helps older adults and adults with low vision in Westchester and Putnam Counties get to essential medical appointments through volunteer-driven transportation. Drivers use their own vehicles to take neighbors to and from healthcare visits, assist with safe drop-offs and pickups, ensuring riders get the care they might otherwise miss.
Learn more: my-tra.org/drive

Wolf Conservation Center

The Wolf Conservation Center in Westchester County protects endangered wolves through education, research and onsite habitats that model conservation in action. Volunteers can assist with grounds maintenance, support educational programs as guides or help with specialized tasks such as roadkill deer retrieval or fundraising efforts. Note: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 45-60 volunteer hours each year; short-term opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more nywolf.org/save-the-wolves/volunteer

Whether you volunteer for an hour or all season long, your time can make a real difference right here in Southeast.

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