The holiday season is a wonderful time to show how thankful you are for life’s blessings by giving to those who are less fortunate. There are many ways to give back to the community and plenty of Staten Island volunteer opportunities this year. You can donate to toy and coat drives, be a Santa Claus and visit children in need, collect food for a local food pantry, and so much more. And if you prefer to make a difference by making a monetary donation, there are many important and worthwhile organizations and charities on Staten Island that need financial support to help them continue their programs and services. Browse our guide that lists opportunities for kids, families, and individuals to help fellow Staten Islanders this holiday season.
Toy and Coat Drives in Staten Island
1. New York Cares
212-228-5000
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The organization holds an annual coat drive and addresses issues including hunger and homelessness. Volunteers serve in schools, soup kitchens, senior centers, public parks, libraries and other nonprofits. Volunteer projects are in all five boroughs, designed to suit your schedule and your interests.
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2. Richard Gardner Jr. Memorial Fund
In memory of Police Officer Richard Gardner, Jr., the organization has been donating toys at Christmas time to kids in need since 1995. Every year, the organization reaches out to underprivileged families, sick children, underprivileged day care centers, children without families, organizations assisting families of domestic violence, underprivileged churches, and children with sick parents. Check the website for updates on this year’s events.
3. Secret Sandy Claus Project
The organization originally began as a way to deliver toys and relief items to thousands of families affected by Hurricane Sandy. It has since helped many more children in need, whether they be children battling cancer, with a disability, experiencing homelessness, in a foster home, or who are economically disadvantaged. Call or visit the website for more information about where to drop off a toy donation.
4. Toys 4 Autism
The mission of Toys 4 Autism is to provide specialized toys to children and adults on the autism spectrum. The organization maintains a wish list online where donors can choose from a specialized list of toys, which are then shipped to the organization for distribution. The toys are given out at holiday parties and other events during the year at local schools and programs. Check the website for more information on how to get involved.
5. Toys For Tots
The organization is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and their mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children at Christmas. Check the website for ways on how to donate and support the organization.
6. Where To Turn’s Holiday Toy Drive
The organization works to provide crisis relief services for victims of tragedies by aiding them in obtaining the help they need during the recovery process. Each year, the organization collects and distributes toys through its warehouse at 22 Brienna Court. Check the website or email Dennis McKeon at [email protected] for details about drive.
How to Donate to a Food Pantry on Staten Island
1. City Harvest
646-412-0600
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City Harvest is a food rescue organization that brings fresh, nutritious food to communities throughout NYC, free of charge, to help feed New Yorkers who are experiencing food insecurity. Since 1982, City Harvest has rescued and delivered over 1 billion pounds of food to help feed New Yorkers in need. There are many ways to support the organization. You can make a donation, hold a food drive or volunteer. Visit the website to learn more.
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2. Project Hospitality
718-448-1544
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This Staten Island-based organization serves those in need, including the poor, hungry and homeless residents of the borough. You can make a donation, donate food or supplies, or volunteer (check out the many ways to volunteer on the website). Food donations can be dropped off at the Community Services Center at 514 Bay St. on weekdays from 9am-5pm. Items in greatest demand include canned meats, fish and vegetables, fruit or vegetable juices, pasta and tomato sauce, non-perishable milk, cereals and rice.
3. South Shore Community Pantry
The mission of this organization is to provide an uplifting experience through food, advice and mental stability. Among the ways it helps those in need, it holds fundraisers to provide necessities including clothing, toiletries and blankets. Check out the website to learn more, including ways to support the organization.
Places to Donate Money and Volunteer Opportunities in Staten Island
1. Catholic Charities of Staten Island
The organization serves the Staten Island community through a variety of direct services. These services include infant and preschool day care, residential and other programs for developmentally challenged youth, social services to families in crisis, assistance to senior citizens and more. To learn how you can support the organization, visit the website.
2. Cops Care For Kids
646-470-3038
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Cops Care for Kids provides financial and emotional support for kids with serious illnesses and disabilities. As part of the organization, police officers work to put a smile on a child’s face through various means, including toys, a visit from local law enforcement, and honoring the child with a badge and plaque for their bravery. You can make a donation to support the organization electronically on its website.
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3. Maddie’s Sweet Treats Shop
Young Maddie French is making a big difference in her community. In 2021, the Staten Island resident launched Maddie’s Sweet Treats Shop where she sells her own home-made baked goods and donates part of the proceeds to various charities. Past charities have been the JCC’s Sunrise Day Camp and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, both based on Staten Island. Check Maddie’s Facebook page to learn how you can–deliciously!–support local charities..
4. Meals On Wheels Of Staten Island
718-727-4435
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Meals on Wheels serves to ensure elderly people in the community receive nutritious meals and the human connection they need to help them live independently, by delivering two meals per day to senior citizens who can no longer shop for or prepare their own meals. Anyone older than 18 with a driver’s license and 2 free hours one morning per week can apply to deliver meals. To make a donation or find out about volunteering, visit the website.
5. Project Hospitality
718-448-1544
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This Staten Island-based organization serves those in need, including the poor, hungry and homeless residents of the borough. You can make a donation, donate food or supplies, or volunteer (check out the many ways to volunteer on the website). Food donations can be dropped off at the Community Services Center at 514 Bay St. on weekdays from 9am-5pm. Items in greatest demand include canned meats, fish and vegetables, fruit or vegetable juices, pasta and tomato sauce, non-perishable milk, cereals and rice.
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6. Where To Turn’s Snow Shoveling for Seniors
The organization works to provide crisis relief services for victims of tragedies by aiding them in obtaining the help they need during the recovery process. Where to Turn recruits student volunteers every year, each of whom adopts one of the many Staten Island seniors registered and shovels for them, free of charge, when it snows. Go to the website to learn more about the program.