Fresh Air Fund
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer vacations in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states throughout the Northeastern US and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend Fresh Air Fund camps. As a volunteer with this not-for-profit agency, you can host a child, help to recruit new hosts, organize local summer events, serve as a camp counselor, assist the foundation’s NYC office, help raise funds, and more.
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Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness both domestically and abroad. With the help of its volunteers, the organization has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe and affordable shelter. Active in more than 90 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, volunteers work side-by-side building a home with its future owner. The organization offers a variety of programs ranging from women and youth-focused groups to co-ed and disaster relief opportunities. Visit the site to find a local event, read homeowner and volunteer stories, watch videos and scroll through photos of volunteers in action, learn how to become an advocate, or sign up for Habitat’s newsletter.
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My Good Deed
MyGoodDeed.org, founded in 2003, spearheaded the movement with the support of families affected by 9/11 and other 9/11 leaders to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the lives of the thousands who were killed and injured on 9/11 and pay tribute to the many who aided in the rescue and recovery efforts. Inspired by the many ways Americans across the nation united during the weeks after the tragic event with selfless acts of public service, the organization’s website not only promotes service on 9/11 but also provides comprehensive resources on how to volunteer for a multitude of causes around the country during any time of the year. Create a free profile and you can post comments about your recent good deeds, learn about and announce upcoming events, and more.
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National Parks Service
The National Park Service cares for America’s national parks: a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites, including the iconic Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty as well as lesser known monuments, rivers, and valleys throughout the country. You can search for volunteer opportunities according to a specific state or park. The site also includes information about its Youth Programs for individuals between ages 5 and 24, which include the Student Conservation Association (SCA), Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), Job Corps, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Corps Network, and Public Land Corps (PLC).
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth participants and their mentors have a direct and measurable impact the children's lives. Little Brothers and Sisters are more confident in their schoolwork performance, have better relationships with their families, are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school. The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete the organization’s online application. After you complete the short form, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you. You can also call 888.412.BIGS to be routed to your local agency. The organization includes specialists who can offer support and guidance about being a mentor. You can read about the types of bonds formed and the impact you can make on a child’s life by clicking on the site’s “Real Life Stories” section of the website below.
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Save the Children
Save the Children is the United States chapter of the International Save the Children Alliance, which consists of 27 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 120 countries. In the United States, the organization aims to ensure the well being of children by providing literacy, nutritional, educational, and emergency-relief programs in impoverished rural communities throughout the Appalachia region, Southeast, Mississippi River Delta, Gulf Coast, and California’s Central Valley. If you are interested in volunteering in any of Save the Children’s domestic locations, write a letter or send an email to them notifying them of your interest, skills, and abilities. Their address and email is available by clicking on the link below. Save the Children also strongly encourages acts of advocacy, aids women internationally, and provides extensive resources on how to become a cause’s leading voice.
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