Needs From: Engage UAlbany - Get Connected to Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer: Onward Ops Program

The Veterans & Community Housing Coalition has been selected by the NYS Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center (SPCNY) to participate in a powerful initiative: the Onward Ops program, funded through the CARES UP Grant. This is a major milestone in our mission to support Veterans, and we want you to be a part of it!

So, what is Onward Ops? Imagine a "Big Brothers/Big Sisters" program for Veterans. That’s what Onward Ops is all about. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, the program connects recently separated Veterans and Transitioning Service Members (TSM/Vs) with local volunteer sponsors who offer mentorship, guidance, and support through the first 12 months of civilian life, a critical period often called the “Deadly Gap” due to heightened risks of suicide, homelessness, unemployment, and more.

Why does this matter? Veterans leaving the military often face an overwhelming adjustment. With the Onward Ops program, we can change that. Together, we can give these heroes the local support and human connection they need to not just survive but thrive.

We’re calling on our trusted partners and friends to join us as local sponsors.

As a sponsor, you’ll:

Help a Veteran develop a transition plan Provide real-world advice and support Connect them to local resources like jobs, healthcare, and schools Make a real difference in their first year out of service

Keep in mind, sponsors are not clinicians, they’re compassionate community members offering guidance, not medical advice. You can set your own schedule, and there are two easy ways to get certified:

Join a 3-hour, interactive national training session Complete a self-paced module and a virtual orientation

Both options earn you a Sponsor Certificate, so you can be ready when Veterans in our region need you.

Ready to Get Started? It only takes a few minutes to register. Head to:

 

Agency: Veterans and Community Housing Coalition

The Veterans & Community Housing Coalition has been selected by the NYS Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center (SPCNY) to participate in a powerful initiative: the Onward Ops program, funded through the CARES UP Grant. This is a major milestone in our mission to support Veterans, and we want you to be a part of it!

So, what is Onward Ops? Imagine a "Big Brothers/Big Sisters" program for Veterans. That’s what Onward Ops is all about. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense, the program connects recently separated Veterans and Transitioning Service Members (TSM/Vs) with local volunteer sponsors who offer mentorship, guidance, and support through the first 12 months of civilian life, a critical period often called the “Deadly Gap” due to heightened risks of suicide, homelessness, unemployment, and more.

Why does this matter? Veterans leaving the military often face an overwhelming adjustment. With the Onward Ops program, we can change that. Together, we can give these heroes the local support and human connection they need to not just survive but thrive.

We’re calling on our trusted partners and friends to join us as local sponsors.

As a sponsor, you’ll:

Help a Veteran develop a transition plan Provide real-world advice and support Connect them to local resources like jobs, healthcare, and schools Make a real difference in their first year out of service

Keep in mind, sponsors are not clinicians, they’re compassionate community members offering guidance, not medical advice. You can set your own schedule, and there are two easy ways to get certified:

Join a 3-hour, interactive national training session Complete a self-paced module and a virtual orientation

Both options earn you a Sponsor Certificate, so you can be ready when Veterans in our region need you.

Ready to Get Started? It only takes a few minutes to register. Head to:

 

Agency: Veterans and Community Housing Coalition

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12020

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Albany County Student Conservation Assocation

Calling all Albany County high school students looking for volunteer opportunities to meet graduation requirements. We are looking for students who are interested in the environment field and how they can actively improve it. This volunteer opportunity will give students the tools and knowledge to further pursue a career in conservation. Some of the skills students will develop include plant identification, invasive species removal, principles of ecology, environmental planning and so much more.

We will rotate through the county doing service work at various sites. Our schedule is as follows: meeting locations and dates:
(9/26): St. Rose Events and Athletic Center: 420 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203
(10/3): Anne Lee Preserve: Heritage Lane 12211, Albany, NY12205
(10/10-10/24): Albany County Rail Trail: 699 Kenwood Ave, Slingerlands, NY 12159
(10/31): Lawson Lake: 293 Lawson Lake Road, Feura Bush, NY 12067

If this volunteer opportunity seems like an interesting endeavor, please register at Program: Albany County Student Conservation Assocation

Agency: Albany County Parks and Recreation

Calling all Albany County high school students looking for volunteer opportunities to meet graduation requirements. We are looking for students who are interested in the environment field and how they can actively improve it. This volunteer opportunity will give students the tools and knowledge to further pursue a career in conservation. Some of the skills students will develop include plant identification, invasive species removal, principles of ecology, environmental planning and so much more.

We will rotate through the county doing service work at various sites. Our schedule is as follows: meeting locations and dates:
(9/26): St. Rose Events and Athletic Center: 420 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203
(10/3): Anne Lee Preserve: Heritage Lane 12211, Albany, NY12205
(10/10-10/24): Albany County Rail Trail: 699 Kenwood Ave, Slingerlands, NY 12159
(10/31): Lawson Lake: 293 Lawson Lake Road, Feura Bush, NY 12067

If this volunteer opportunity seems like an interesting endeavor, please register at Program: Albany County Student Conservation Assocation

Agency: Albany County Parks and Recreation

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12308

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Salvation Army Breakfast Program

We are in need of volunteers to assist with set up, cooking, serving, and clean up of our breakfast program at 222 Lafayette Street in Schenectady.  

Agency: The Salvation Army Schenectady

We are in need of volunteers to assist with set up, cooking, serving, and clean up of our breakfast program at 222 Lafayette Street in Schenectady.  

Agency: The Salvation Army Schenectady

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12305

Allow Groups: Teams only


Volunteer: Salvation Army Lunch Program

We are in need of volunteers to assist with set up, cooking, serving and clean up for our lunch program at 222 Lafayette Street in Schenectady

Agency: The Salvation Army Schenectady

We are in need of volunteers to assist with set up, cooking, serving and clean up for our lunch program at 222 Lafayette Street in Schenectady

Agency: The Salvation Army Schenectady

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12305

Allow Groups: Teams only


Volunteer: Bleecker Mascot Actor

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help bring Bleecker the Owl to life. During special programs and events, Bleecker makes an appearance. However, Bleecker needs a talented actor to bring them to life! This volunteer would wear the Bleecker mascot suit and attend special programs like Growing Readers events, certain story times, and more. These events may be outside or inside the Library, though there will always be support to help keep the actor cool, calm, and collected.

Qualifications:

the mascot suit fits a performer between the heights of 5'6" and 5'10"expressive and social, has some background in theatre or performancephysically able to wear a mascot suit for about 30 minutes to an hour at a time

Safety Note: Bleecker's mascot suit does come with cooling vests, which can be worn if the performer needs additional heating regulation. There will also be a staff member present to keep an eye on Bleecker's actor so they remain safe while performing.

If you or someone you know is interested in embodying Bleecker, please respond to this volunteer opportunity and a library staff member will contact you about next steps.

Agency: Albany Public Library

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help bring Bleecker the Owl to life. During special programs and events, Bleecker makes an appearance. However, Bleecker needs a talented actor to bring them to life! This volunteer would wear the Bleecker mascot suit and attend special programs like Growing Readers events, certain story times, and more. These events may be outside or inside the Library, though there will always be support to help keep the actor cool, calm, and collected.

Qualifications:

the mascot suit fits a performer between the heights of 5'6" and 5'10"expressive and social, has some background in theatre or performancephysically able to wear a mascot suit for about 30 minutes to an hour at a time

Safety Note: Bleecker's mascot suit does come with cooling vests, which can be worn if the performer needs additional heating regulation. There will also be a staff member present to keep an eye on Bleecker's actor so they remain safe while performing.

If you or someone you know is interested in embodying Bleecker, please respond to this volunteer opportunity and a library staff member will contact you about next steps.

Agency: Albany Public Library

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12202

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Program & Event Assistance

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help out during our programs and events. The Library has a wide variety of programs, and sometimes we need some extra help setting up, interacting with patrons, and cleaning the space up when we're done. 

Qualifications:

ability to lift and move about 20lbs at a time; i.e. boxes, chairs, a table with another person, etc.enjoys being social and working with staff members and patrons alikea supportive & encouraging attitude when interacting with patronsflexible availability, based on when the event is scheduled

The specifics of each volunteer opportunity will depend on the specific program or event at which you are offering help. However, responsibilities may include opening the door for patrons; helping set up chairs or helping a patron find a seat; assisting a young patron working through a craft step; act as an extra set of helping hands & eyes during larger programs; putting away tables, chairs, and materials at the end of an event; and many more! Helping the Library during our programs and events is a wonderful way to get connected with other community members. 

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please respond and a Library staff will contact you with next steps. Then, when a program is on the horizon, and the Albany Public Library needs help, we will reach out and confirm your availability and interest to volunteer for that specific event. 

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the Library's volunteer program, please direct them to Volunteer@AlbanyPublicLibrary.org


Agency: Albany Public Library

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help out during our programs and events. The Library has a wide variety of programs, and sometimes we need some extra help setting up, interacting with patrons, and cleaning the space up when we're done. 

Qualifications:

ability to lift and move about 20lbs at a time; i.e. boxes, chairs, a table with another person, etc.enjoys being social and working with staff members and patrons alikea supportive & encouraging attitude when interacting with patronsflexible availability, based on when the event is scheduled

The specifics of each volunteer opportunity will depend on the specific program or event at which you are offering help. However, responsibilities may include opening the door for patrons; helping set up chairs or helping a patron find a seat; assisting a young patron working through a craft step; act as an extra set of helping hands & eyes during larger programs; putting away tables, chairs, and materials at the end of an event; and many more! Helping the Library during our programs and events is a wonderful way to get connected with other community members. 

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please respond and a Library staff will contact you with next steps. Then, when a program is on the horizon, and the Albany Public Library needs help, we will reach out and confirm your availability and interest to volunteer for that specific event. 

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the Library's volunteer program, please direct them to Volunteer@AlbanyPublicLibrary.org


Agency: Albany Public Library

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12209

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: EverybodyWins Reading Mentor

Volunteers read to elementary students once a week during their lunch. Mentors meet weekly with children in Troy, Rensselaer and Cohoes schools. This program helps children develop a love of reading and strengthens their success in school. Program runs during the school year. Email Nancy at nbenz@lvcapreg.org or call 518-244-4650 for more information.

Agency: Literacy Volunteers Capital Region

Volunteers read to elementary students once a week during their lunch. Mentors meet weekly with children in Troy, Rensselaer and Cohoes schools. This program helps children develop a love of reading and strengthens their success in school. Program runs during the school year. Email Nancy at nbenz@lvcapreg.org or call 518-244-4650 for more information.

Agency: Literacy Volunteers Capital Region

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12180

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Front End Support

Volunteer Opportunity: Front End Support
Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org


Grassroot Givers is looking for friendly and dependable volunteers to support our daily operations at our Albany location.

Volunteers serving in Front End Support are often the first point of contact for our donors, recipients, and community partners. This role is essential to helping us maintain a warm, welcoming, and organized environment.

Responsibilities may include:

Answering phones and taking messages Greeting donors and assisting them with bringing in donations Helping recipients with picking up orders Writing and sending thank-you notes Offering general front-end support to staff and visitors

Qualifications:

Comfortable answering phones and greeting community members Friendly, patient, and welcoming demeanor Ability to lift and move up to 20 lbs on occasion (assisting with donations) Reliable and able to commit to a regular schedule Enjoys being part of a team and working with a wide variety of people

Availability

Volunteer shifts are available during our open hours:
Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 2 PM

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with next steps. For any questions, you can also reach us directly at info@grassrootgivers.org.

Helping Grassroot Givers as a Front End Support volunteer is a meaningful way to connect with our community while ensuring dignity and kindness for those we serve.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Volunteer Opportunity: Front End Support
Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org


Grassroot Givers is looking for friendly and dependable volunteers to support our daily operations at our Albany location.

Volunteers serving in Front End Support are often the first point of contact for our donors, recipients, and community partners. This role is essential to helping us maintain a warm, welcoming, and organized environment.

Responsibilities may include:

Answering phones and taking messages Greeting donors and assisting them with bringing in donations Helping recipients with picking up orders Writing and sending thank-you notes Offering general front-end support to staff and visitors

Qualifications:

Comfortable answering phones and greeting community members Friendly, patient, and welcoming demeanor Ability to lift and move up to 20 lbs on occasion (assisting with donations) Reliable and able to commit to a regular schedule Enjoys being part of a team and working with a wide variety of people

Availability

Volunteer shifts are available during our open hours:
Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 2 PM

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with next steps. For any questions, you can also reach us directly at info@grassrootgivers.org.

Helping Grassroot Givers as a Front End Support volunteer is a meaningful way to connect with our community while ensuring dignity and kindness for those we serve.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12203

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Marketing & Social Media Volunteers

Marketing & Social Media Volunteer

Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org

Description
Grassroot Givers is looking for a creative and enthusiastic volunteer to assist with marketing, promotions, and social media content creation. This is a great opportunity for students or adult interested in marketing, communications, or nonprofit work to gain hands-on experience while helping us share our mission with the community.

Responsibilities may include:

Assisting with drafting and scheduling social media posts

Helping design flyers, graphics, or promotional materials

Taking photos at events or around our programs for use in outreach

Brainstorming ideas for campaigns and promotions

Supporting general marketing and communications projects as needed

Qualifications

Interest in marketing, communications, or social media

Creative eye for design and storytelling

Comfortable with social media platforms and trends (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)

Strong writing and communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Availability
Flexible scheduling, with some opportunities to assist remotely. Occasional on-site presence may be requested for events or photos.

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with next steps. For any questions, you can also reach us directly at info@grassrootgivers.org.

Volunteering as a Marketing & Social Media Assistant is a fun way to build skills, explore interests in communications, and help spread awareness of the meaningful work happening at Grassroot Givers.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Marketing & Social Media Volunteer

Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org

Description
Grassroot Givers is looking for a creative and enthusiastic volunteer to assist with marketing, promotions, and social media content creation. This is a great opportunity for students or adult interested in marketing, communications, or nonprofit work to gain hands-on experience while helping us share our mission with the community.

Responsibilities may include:

Assisting with drafting and scheduling social media posts

Helping design flyers, graphics, or promotional materials

Taking photos at events or around our programs for use in outreach

Brainstorming ideas for campaigns and promotions

Supporting general marketing and communications projects as needed

Qualifications

Interest in marketing, communications, or social media

Creative eye for design and storytelling

Comfortable with social media platforms and trends (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)

Strong writing and communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Availability
Flexible scheduling, with some opportunities to assist remotely. Occasional on-site presence may be requested for events or photos.

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with next steps. For any questions, you can also reach us directly at info@grassrootgivers.org.

Volunteering as a Marketing & Social Media Assistant is a fun way to build skills, explore interests in communications, and help spread awareness of the meaningful work happening at Grassroot Givers.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12203

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Community Outreach & Tabling Event Volunteers

Community Outreach & Tabling Event Volunteers

Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org

Description
Grassroot Givers is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to represent our organization at community events. Volunteers in this role will help staff tables at fairs, festivals, and outreach events, sharing information about our programs, handing out materials, and engaging with community members to spread awareness of our mission.

Responsibilities may include:

Setting up and taking down tables, displays, and materials

Talking with community members about Grassroot Givers’ programs and volunteer opportunities

Handing out flyers, brochures, or giveaways

Assisting with interactive activities (such as children’s book giveaways or sign-up sheets)

Serving as a positive, welcoming representative of Grassroot Givers

Qualifications

Friendly, approachable, and comfortable talking with the public

Interest in community outreach and nonprofit work

Ability to work as part of a team and follow staff direction

Some lifting/moving of event materials may be required (tables, boxes, books)

Availability
Community events are typically scheduled on weekdays, weekends, or evenings depending on the event. Volunteers will be notified of opportunities in advance and can sign up based on their availability.

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with event details and training. For any questions, please contact us at info@grassrootgivers.org.

By volunteering at Community Outreach & Tabling Events, you’ll help Grassroot Givers connect with more people, share resources, and inspire others to get involved.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Community Outreach & Tabling Event Volunteers

Organization: Grassroot Givers
Email: info@grassrootgivers.org

Description
Grassroot Givers is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to represent our organization at community events. Volunteers in this role will help staff tables at fairs, festivals, and outreach events, sharing information about our programs, handing out materials, and engaging with community members to spread awareness of our mission.

Responsibilities may include:

Setting up and taking down tables, displays, and materials

Talking with community members about Grassroot Givers’ programs and volunteer opportunities

Handing out flyers, brochures, or giveaways

Assisting with interactive activities (such as children’s book giveaways or sign-up sheets)

Serving as a positive, welcoming representative of Grassroot Givers

Qualifications

Friendly, approachable, and comfortable talking with the public

Interest in community outreach and nonprofit work

Ability to work as part of a team and follow staff direction

Some lifting/moving of event materials may be required (tables, boxes, books)

Availability
Community events are typically scheduled on weekdays, weekends, or evenings depending on the event. Volunteers will be notified of opportunities in advance and can sign up based on their availability.

How to Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond through the United to Volunteer portal. A Grassroot Givers staff member will follow up with event details and training. For any questions, please contact us at info@grassrootgivers.org.

By volunteering at Community Outreach & Tabling Events, you’ll help Grassroot Givers connect with more people, share resources, and inspire others to get involved.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12203

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer Your Way with Grassroot Givers

Looking to give back but not sure where to start? Grassroot Givers has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to fit your skills, schedule, and interests.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Looking to give back but not sure where to start? Grassroot Givers has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to fit your skills, schedule, and interests.

Agency: Grassroot Givers

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12203

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Distribution Setup

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Setup


Looking for a way to give back?


Join us on Thursdays from 4–6 PM to help set up for our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.


Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help unload food, set up tables, organize items, and prepare donations so everything is ready for distribution at 6 PM.


Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!



Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Setup


Looking for a way to give back?


Join us on Thursdays from 4–6 PM to help set up for our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.


Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help unload food, set up tables, organize items, and prepare donations so everything is ready for distribution at 6 PM.


Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!



Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12180

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Distribution Volunteer

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Distribution

Looking for a way to give back? Join us on Thursdays from 5:30- 8 PM to help with our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.

Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help organize items, distribute food, run food or supplies during distribution or assist in ongoing cleanup:cardboard management during distribution. Distribution begins at 6 PM and goes until every friend is served (completion time varies each week but is generally complete by 8 pm).

Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!


Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Distribution

Looking for a way to give back? Join us on Thursdays from 5:30- 8 PM to help with our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.

Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help organize items, distribute food, run food or supplies during distribution or assist in ongoing cleanup:cardboard management during distribution. Distribution begins at 6 PM and goes until every friend is served (completion time varies each week but is generally complete by 8 pm).

Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!


Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12180

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Distribution Cleanup

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Cleanup

Looking for a way to give back? Join us on Thursdays from 7 to  9 PM to help clean up from our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.

Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help take down tables, return unused items to storage, organize items for future distributions (as asked), empty garbage, move  cardboard and return the sidewalks to pre-distribution conditions.  

Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!


Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Volunteer with Sidewalk Warriors – Thursday Cleanup

Looking for a way to give back? Join us on Thursdays from 7 to  9 PM to help clean up from our weekly food distribution. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity—come as often as you’d like, whether once a month or every week.

Volunteers (age 18+, or minors with an adult) help take down tables, return unused items to storage, organize items for future distributions (as asked), empty garbage, move  cardboard and return the sidewalks to pre-distribution conditions.  

Individuals and groups are welcome! (Organizations, please reach out one week in advance to coordinate.)

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any one of three roles—Setup, Distribution, or Cleanup—or stay for two or all three!


Agency: Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12180

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Volunteer Trail Assessment

Thacher Park is home to over 25 miles of trails, which means it can be tough knowing what state of quality some trails are in all the time! When trees come down, trails erode from rain, or overgrowth suddenly spreads, it can sometimes be a while before a staff member finds out, and these are some things that we like to take care of before a park patron stumbles across it, as hazards like this can lead to a potential risk of injury. 

Volunteer trail 
assessment is a simple opportunity available to anyone at any time, and helps us keep track of the quality of our trails more efficiently! If you'd like to take on some volunteer trail assessment, just grab a map and pick a trail! If you find something worth reporting, use AllTrails or a similar app to note where on the trail you are, and mark it on the map. Then when you're done, send a picture of the map and detailed account of what you found to ThacherVolunteer@parks.ny.gov

Things to looks out for:Hazardous trees, either hanging over the trail or blocking a path.Shrubs and bushes overgrowing and making a trail too narrowExcessive invassive species (buckthorn, purple loosestrife, hemlock woolly adelgid, etc.)Dense sections of grass taller than shin-height Missing or confusing trail markers Excessive trash or debrisAnything you think might negatively effect a hikers experienceYou can also report positive things as well! Such as any wildlife you encounter or how many hikers you see! 
There is a volunteer log at the Nature Center that we'd ask you to sign into before and after volunteering, but if the building is closed or you can't make it there, just include what hours you were present for when you send your report at the end! 

Agency: Thacher State Park

Thacher Park is home to over 25 miles of trails, which means it can be tough knowing what state of quality some trails are in all the time! When trees come down, trails erode from rain, or overgrowth suddenly spreads, it can sometimes be a while before a staff member finds out, and these are some things that we like to take care of before a park patron stumbles across it, as hazards like this can lead to a potential risk of injury. 

Volunteer trail 
assessment is a simple opportunity available to anyone at any time, and helps us keep track of the quality of our trails more efficiently! If you'd like to take on some volunteer trail assessment, just grab a map and pick a trail! If you find something worth reporting, use AllTrails or a similar app to note where on the trail you are, and mark it on the map. Then when you're done, send a picture of the map and detailed account of what you found to ThacherVolunteer@parks.ny.gov

Things to looks out for:Hazardous trees, either hanging over the trail or blocking a path.Shrubs and bushes overgrowing and making a trail too narrowExcessive invassive species (buckthorn, purple loosestrife, hemlock woolly adelgid, etc.)Dense sections of grass taller than shin-height Missing or confusing trail markers Excessive trash or debrisAnything you think might negatively effect a hikers experienceYou can also report positive things as well! Such as any wildlife you encounter or how many hikers you see! 
There is a volunteer log at the Nature Center that we'd ask you to sign into before and after volunteering, but if the building is closed or you can't make it there, just include what hours you were present for when you send your report at the end! 

Agency: Thacher State Park

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12186

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Tutor for Refugee Youth

Weekend Academic Support offers refugee youth, one-on-one or group tutoring sessions, assisting with completing homework and school assignments. Also, conducting study session to prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes. All volunteers must fill out an application and pass a background check. USCRI Albany Volunteer Application

Agency: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Weekend Academic Support offers refugee youth, one-on-one or group tutoring sessions, assisting with completing homework and school assignments. Also, conducting study session to prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes. All volunteers must fill out an application and pass a background check. USCRI Albany Volunteer Application

Agency: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12210

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Weekly Food Delivery to Ukrainian Families

Every Thursday USCRI Albany works with a local food pantry and capital roots to help deliver food to families in need. We have a particular need to get food delivered to a few of our Ukrainian families. The pantry is in Troy, and the families live in Cohoes and Latham. 
All volunteers must fill out a volunteer application. USCRI Albany Volunteer Application

Agency: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Every Thursday USCRI Albany works with a local food pantry and capital roots to help deliver food to families in need. We have a particular need to get food delivered to a few of our Ukrainian families. The pantry is in Troy, and the families live in Cohoes and Latham. 
All volunteers must fill out a volunteer application. USCRI Albany Volunteer Application

Agency: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12210

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Christmas Toy Drive

The Human Development Club is sponsoring a toy collection for 18 month old girl to fill her Christmas wishes.  Contact Cassandra Santiago,  csantiago3@albany.edu or Kylie McCloat, kmccloat@albany.edu, if you have a toy to donate.

Agency: CPSP service opportunities

The Human Development Club is sponsoring a toy collection for 18 month old girl to fill her Christmas wishes.  Contact Cassandra Santiago,  csantiago3@albany.edu or Kylie McCloat, kmccloat@albany.edu, if you have a toy to donate.

Agency: CPSP service opportunities

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12222

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Animal Care

The Emma-Treadwell Thacher Nature Center is home to multiple education ambassadors, including two snakes, three turtle, a lizard, stick bugs, hissing cockroaches, and a few fish! The Nature Center staff performs most of the animal care themselves, but is always happy to accept help from volunteers. Animal care is performed primarily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and takes roughly an hour altogether. This care includes feeding, humidity control, general cleaning, and handling. If you'd like to learn the routine to lend a hand, feel free to reach out and we can set up some brief training!

Agency: Thacher State Park

The Emma-Treadwell Thacher Nature Center is home to multiple education ambassadors, including two snakes, three turtle, a lizard, stick bugs, hissing cockroaches, and a few fish! The Nature Center staff performs most of the animal care themselves, but is always happy to accept help from volunteers. Animal care is performed primarily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and takes roughly an hour altogether. This care includes feeding, humidity control, general cleaning, and handling. If you'd like to learn the routine to lend a hand, feel free to reach out and we can set up some brief training!

Agency: Thacher State Park

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 12186

Allow Groups: No