Volunteer Opportunities Of The Week: Foster Guide Dogs; Family Fun Day

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.

Foster a Breeding or Stud Dog
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is seeking volunteers to help foster its breeding or stud dogs. Brood and stud dogs—which consist mainly of Labrador Retrievers as well as German Shepherds—start their lives like any other dog in the Guiding Eyes program: raised by a puppy raiser and then assessed for suitability as a Guide Dog. Dogs who display excellent qualities needed in guide dogs may become part of the Brood Stud Program. Volunteers must live within 1-1.5 hours of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Canine Development Center in Patterson.
Date: Flexible schedule
Organization: Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Location: Patterson/Remote

Back-to-School Donation Drive
Friends of Karen's Back-to-School donation drive helps children with life threatening illnesses feel cared for, confident, and prepared to start the new school year successfully. Help provide parents who are caring for ill children some peace of mind as well as relieve a financial and emotional hardship that can be overwhelming at this difficult time. Volunteers can donate sturdy backpacks, Bluetooth wireless headphones, 3-ring binders, reusable water bottles, and select gift cards.
Date: Flexible schedule
Organization: Friends of Karen

Location: North Salem

Family Fun Day
During Family fun Day, families have the opportunity to gather and enjoy one another, children can participate in games and silly dances, and everyone will have access to food and drink. Volunteers are needed to help with event setup and cleanup, greeting guests, directing traffic, and assisting with food service and games. This is a perfect project for teens.
Date: 6/15 from 12-4 p.m.
Organization: Family Services of Westchester

Location: Port Chester

"In Our Own Voice" Speakers
NAMI Rockland is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join its roster of speakers for its free "In Our Own Voice" program. Speaking for 40, 60, or 90 minutes, volunteers with lived experiences will provide a personal perspective as they speak openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition. Presentations can take place both in person and virtually, and training is provided to all volunteer speakers. Volunteers must be 21+.
Date: Flexible schedule
Organization: NAMI Rockland

Location: Orangeburg/Virtual

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