April is National Volunteer Month , and we want to thank everyone who has volunteered, offered financial or in-kind support, and spread awareness of Volunteers of America-Greater New York.

More than a century ago, Volunteers of America was staffed by dedicated individuals volunteering to make service their life work. Today, while we employ 1,300 paid staff who serve our clients, we still rely on the generosity of the community to enhance our programs and enrich the lives of our neighbors in need. Your support means so much to us and those we serve. We'd like to give an extra special thank you to groups who have already volunteered in 2019, including:

  • Giphy, who donated hundreds of dollars worth of diapers, formula, onesies, socks and other baby items to our Safe and Sound drive
  • Pepsi, who hosted a March Madness-themed dinner for veterans residing at our supportive housing residence in Harlem
  • International Flavors and Fragrances, who hosted a job skills workshop with our clients at Jamaica Women's Employment Shelter
  • Fitch Group, who raised a significant amount of money for Brightening Birthdays™ and wrapped gifts this month

If you'd like to plan an event with us, please don't hesitate to reach out! Find ideas on how you can make an impact here .
Celebrate the mothers living in our family and domestic violence shelters, host a graduation carnival to reward the hard work of the children at the Bronx Early Learning Center, or plan an exciting summer field trip for the children and teens living in our family shelters. Get involved .

We have updated the lists of school supplies needed for the 2019 Operation Backpack ® campaign based on the most demanding supply lists from New York City public schools.  Find the lists on our website before you plan your shopping trip. If you'll be back-to-school shopping with your children, consider having them fill an extra bag of supplies for a child in their own grade level.
You can also start a fundraising team to share the experience of participating in New York City's largest back-to-school drive with your friends and family.

Or, if your company has the means to "adopt a product," find out what we need this year, as well as the benefits of doing so .

Fitch has been one of our most reliable Operation Backpack ® partners. This year they've made an even bigger commitment to helping children who are homeless feel more like their housed classmates. Read more about their work with us .
Our volunteers and corporate and community partners are the heart and soul of our organization. This year's Annual Report, titled Counting on the Community Which Counts on Us , highlights the generous support that we receive. Read about three inspiring clients who have greatly benefited from the support of people like you.
You can make a positive impact within your community. 
Consider making a donation to VOA-GNY! 

81 cents of every dollar goes directly to our programs, making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.