Volunteer Opportunities Of The Week: Drivers

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Each week, Patch will be highlighting volunteer opportunities in the Hudson Valley. This will be a chance to help your community and be an opportunity to give back — perhaps in a way you didn't consider before.

And if you are in an organization that has some need for volunteers, be sure to let us know by emailing lanning.taliaferro@patch.com.

This week we are putting the spotlight on some opportunities in the Hudson Valley.

Medical Appointment Drivers

Got an hour or two a month to help an older adult or adult with a vision-impairment? Help your neighbors get to and from their important medical appointments by giving them a ride! Volunteers can choose their own schedules and receive benefits, such as reimbursement for gas, supplemental auto liability insurance, reimbursement for online or in-person defensive driving courses, and invitations to events and rewards. Volunteers must be 21+ and have a valid driver's license and auto insurance.
Date: Flexible schedule
Organization: TRA
Location: Throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties

Farm Volunteers

Help Hilltop Hanover Farm care for vegetables in its growing fields to ensure their crops thrive so they can be harvested to feed the community. Volunteer activities include weeding, pruning, mulching, and planting, and projects take place outdoors, rain or shine. Volunteer will be conducting light lifting, bending, squatting, and kneeling. This is perfect for volunteers 16+.
Date: 5/28 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Tuesdays
Organization: Hilltop Hanover Farm

Location: Yorktown Heights

Port Chester Arts Festival

Clay Art Center's 2nd Annual Port Chester Arts Festival offers a day of creativity and inspiration for all ages, and it needs volunteers to help make this event a success. Volunteers are needed to assist with activities such as cleaning the parking lot, setting up and cleaning up, overseeing the information table, supporting activities like wheel throwing and the clay table, and providing tours for guests.
Date: 5/31-6/1; multiple opportunities
Organization: Clay Art Center

Location: Port Chester

Girls on the Run 5K

During the annual Girls on the Run 5K, hundreds of girls from across the region come together to achieve their goals—and volunteers are needed to help them shine. Volunteers will be assigned to specific tasks, including event greeters, water stops, course marshals, registration, and other event support. This is a great activity for ages 14+ (or 8+ if signing up as part of an adult's team).
Date: 5/31 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Organization: Girls on the Run
Location: Purchase

Nature Hike for Kids with Special Needs

Fun For Cure is hosting a series of scavenger hikes while exploring nature, and volunteers are invited to help. No hiking experience is required—just a love for nature and positive energy for walking, exploring, and motivating children with special needs! Each Saturday for the month of June, Fun For Cure will hike a new trail in Westchester County. Boy and Girl Scouts and troop leaders are welcome to join, as well as experienced hikers and campers who could provide a brief demonstration at the start of the hike and help lead on the trails. Volunteers can be as young as 14 if signing up alone, or 11 if signing up as part of an adult's team.
Date: 6/1 from 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Saturdays in June
Organization: Fun For Cure
Location: Throughout Westchester County

Handy Volunteers for Repair Cafe

The Repair Café is a community event where neighbors can bring their broken household items to be repaired for free by Volunteer Repair Coaches. Repair Coaches are friendly people who have experience in trades or crafts and who are able to repair items like small appliances, woodworking and carpentry, electronics, lighting, furniture, toys, and costume jewelry. No formal experience is necessary, so even volunteers who like to tinker (or give advice on where to get something fixed) are welcome! Volunteers who speak Spanish are encouraged to express interest as well. Volunteers will be able to interact with their fellow neighbors, handy friends, and students learning more about trades—the main thing is to have fun and toy around with items to see what can get fixed!
Date: 6/1 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Organization: Sustainable Hudson Valley
Location: Irvington

2024 Westchester Pride Volunteers

The LOFT: LGBTQ+ Community Center is looking for volunteers to help with its Westchester Pride event. Volunteers can assist with activities including the Pet Parade, and Family Zone as well as providing vendor support. All volunteers must be able to attend the virtual (Zoom) orientation on Wednesday, May 29 from 7-8 p.m. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt to wear at the event, free pizza and water throughout the day, and free entry to The LOFT's Pride After Party. Volunteers must be 18+. Registration for this opportunity closes on May 28 at 7 p.m.
Date: 6/2 from 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. and 1-6 p.m.
Organization: The LOFT: LGBTQ+ Community Center
Location: White Plains

Find a full list of opportunities at https://www.volunteernewyork.org.