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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers
We are deeply grateful to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who contribute tens of thousands of service hours each week. Your unwavering support profoundly impacts our programs, empowers our staff, and uplifts the lives of countless New Yorkers in need—regardless of their faith.
Your work truly makes a difference.
Want to join this incredible community of changemakers? Explore our upcoming volunteer opportunities and discover how you can make an impact.
@CatholicCharitiesNY | #CatholicCharitiesNY
Annual Opportunities
Each year, we host several signature volunteer events that bring our community together to make a lasting impact. Below, you’ll find photos and videos showcasing the incredible work of our volunteers in action.
Alianza MOSAIC Beacon
The Alianza Division of Catholic Charities Community Services runs the Mosaic Beacon program. It provides a safe space for learning, recreation, and fostering positive development in children and youth in the Highbridge area.
2024 FON Mosaic Beacon Health Fair
St. Nicholas Shopping Day and Adopt A Family
St. Nicholas Shopping Day is one of our flagship volunteer events, bringing together over 150 volunteers to help New Yorkers in need during the holiday season. Volunteers shop for vulnerable families by selecting winter essentials, clothing, and gifts, ensuring they feel supported and cared for during this special time of year. This event is a beautiful blend of community, generosity, and holiday spirit! For more information, please visit us here.
2024 St. Nicholas Shopping Day
2023 St. Nicholas Shopping Day
2022 St. Nicholas Shopping Day
2021 St. Nicholas Shopping Day
2021 Setting up the St. Nicholas Boutique
2018 St. Nicholas Shopping Day
Food Pantries: A Lifeline for Our Communities
Our food pantries serve as an incredible resource, offering essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. These pantries not only provide nutritious meals but also foster a sense of dignity and hope for those in need.
Volunteers are the heart of this effort, dedicating their time and energy to ensure that shelves are stocked, meals are distributed efficiently, and every visitor feels welcomed and cared for. Their compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers, creating brighter days and stronger communities.
Betances Houses - Food Pantry Day
FON - St. Cecilia's Food Pantry
Special Opportunities
Volunteer Appreciation Month
Catholic Charities deeply appreciates the sustained work of our 16,000+ volunteers. Our work throughout the Archdiocese wouldn't be the same without you all. Every April, during National Volunteer Appreciation Month, we allow our agencies and programs to celebrate their volunteers who have contributed greatly to their operations. Take a look at some photos highlighting the festivities!
MLK Day of Action
Catholic Charities of New York hosts a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service as a meaningful way to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader. MLK Day is not just a day off, but a day on, encouraging individuals to engage in acts of service that promote equality, justice, and community well-being for vulnerable New Yorkers. Volunteering on this day reflects Dr. King's commitment to social change and inspires collective efforts to address societal issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of activism, unity, and contributing to positive change in our neighborhoods.
9/11 Day
Each September 11, Catholic Charities collaborates with MyGoodDeed and other partners (nonprofits, major faith-based community groups, and corporations) to help turn a day of tragedy into a day of doing good. MyGoodDeed transforms 9/11 into a Day of Service - in 2018 6,000 volunteers in NYC gathered to pack 1.6 million meals on the USS Intrepid.
2018 9/11 Day of Service Photos
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Family Volunteer Day
Over 100 family volunteers gather to help at Family Volunteer Day. Families come with children of all ages -- in 2018 family volunteers compiled four different kits (assembly-line style), including 500 toiletry kits, 500 winter kits, 500 newborn kits, and 720 coloring kits. These kits were distributed to many of the charities in our Federation of Agencies.
2018 Family Volunteer Day Photos
2019 Spring Family Volunteer Day Photos
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Corporate and Student Service Days
Deloitte Impact Day
Catholic Charities is proud to partner with Deloitte for "Impact Day," a nationally recognized day of service. On this special day, employees from every department come together to make a difference—delivering meals, planting gardens, organizing celebrations, and so much more. Their collective efforts exemplify the power of teamwork and community care in action.
Pierre Toussaint Scholars
The Pierre Toussaint Scholars are a distinguished group of college students of color committed to social justice and community wellness. As part of their scholarship, these students dedicate two days each year to meaningful service projects, working to uplift and strengthen their communities. Their passion for making a difference reflects the legacy of Pierre Toussaint and embodies the values of compassion, equity, and service.
2023 Martin Luther King Day Paint and Refresh with Pierre Toussaint Scholars
2023 Tilden Flower Garden X Pierre Toussaint Scholars
2022 Summer Zen Garden with Pierre Toussaint Scholars
KPMG Impact Day
Catholic Charities is honored to welcome KPMG employees for their annual Day of Impact. Volunteers made a meaningful difference in the lives of two often-overlooked populations: expectant mothers and older adults. Through their efforts, they not only provided essential support but also fostered important conversations that bridge the gap between volunteers and the communities they serve.
McKinsey Day of Impact
McKinsey partnered with Catholic Charities to support three impactful programs, all dedicated to serving aging adults across Manhattan. Their volunteers brought energy, compassion, and commitment to each site, making a tangible difference in the lives of our senior community members. Take a look at the photos that celebrate their incredible hard work and dedication!
Celebrations and Event Opportunities
Grand Street Guild events
Catholic Charities and Grand Street Guild created need-focused events to support the Lower East Side community by ensuring affordable housing, networking opportunities, and family support services.
Betances Community Outreach
Betances Houses creates specialty opportunities to support over 600 residents in the Bronx. This residence works to ensure affordable housing, networking opportunities, and family support services for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.
2021 Senior Vaccination Clinic
2020 Family Day & Backpack Distribution
2020 Job Fair & Professional Resource Day
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Puerto Rico Day of Service
Catholic Charities organized a Day of Service on a recent trip to Puerto Rico. After hosting a book drive in New York City, Catholic Charities brought books and backpacks down to Puerto Rico. Volunteers distributed these items to Pre-K children participating in one of the New York Foundling (one of the charities in our Federation of Agencies) Puerto Rico head start programs. Volunteers also served a delicious meal to these children and their families.
2017 KaBoom! Playground Build
More than 200 volunteers partnered with Disney to build a new playground for preschoolers in the Bronx at the Astor Services for Children and Families (one of the charities in our Federation of Agencies) Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development. See the news coverage here.
Archdiocesan Centennial Day of Service
Volunteers participated in seven service activities around the Archdiocese to commemorate 100 years of supporting New Yorkers in need.
