Volunteer

Get Involved. Create Change.

See additional volunteer opportunities at our Upper East Side partner, the Isaacs Center.

Volunteering at Goddard Riverside is a wonderful way to get involved, learn more about our programs and connect with the community.

Directly sign up for our current volunteer opportunities here and learn more about specific volunteer opportunities below.

Please note, we do not have regularly scheduled after-school, evening or weekend opportunities. Occasionally, we have events during these times and we will send an email with information to everyone who has completed our volunteer application form.

If you would like to be notified of future volunteer opportunities, please complete our volunteer application form.

Development Department

volunteers@goddard.org

212-873-6600 x1021

Two longtime volunteers wearing white paper chef's toques smile while preparing food for the  Holiday Meals

Holiday Meals

Every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, volunteers gather at 593 Columbus Avenue to cook and serve more than a thousand holiday meals. This year, we will be returning to sit down dinning only in 2023.  Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the day; meals are served from noon until 3. This year’s Holiday Meal is 1 meal per person only.

Volunteers are key to the success of our holiday meals. Feeding more than 1,500 men, women and children takes the support of many people willing to volunteer for a morning or afternoon on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What will you be doing?

  • Prepare stuffing and carve turkeys with our kitchen team.
  • Serve Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinners to our guests.
  • Donate bake pies and cookies for our dessert table.

Who can volunteer?

Ages: all volunteers must be 8 and up.

When?

Thanksgiving: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 (prep) & Thursday, November 23, 2023 (main event)

Christmas: Sunday, December 24, 2023 (prep) & Monday, December 25, 2023 (main event)

Sign Up

Last year with the help of our dedicated volunteers we were able to distribute over 1,500 take-out meals on both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Click here for in-person volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer from Home

Our Volunteer from Home options was a huge success last year. Click here to see how you can support Goddard Riverside’s Holiday Meals by volunteering from home.

A volunteer in a blue Moody's t-shirt does a practice interview with a TOP Clubhouse participant

Corporate Engagement

Goddard Riverside welcomes corporate employee groups to volunteer with our programs and make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people in our community. We have volunteer opportunities throughout the year for a few hours or all day. We will connect groups with existing volunteer programs or create a program to meet the interests and skills of the group. Corporate volunteer “impact” days are excellent ways to promote leadership skills and build teamwork while meeting a significant need of Goddard Riverside’s community.

What will you be doing?

Activities will vary, but could including working on résumé writing and interview skills with adults in our employment programs or packing backpacks full of school supplies for students in our Options program.

When?

Contact Development Office for placement.

Sign Up:

Contact Development Office for placement.

Development Department

volunteers@goddard.org

212-873-6600 x1021

A smiling boy holds a book in the dining room and gymnasium at Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center.

Book Giveaway

On May 6, 2023 Goddard Riverside will be giving away books donated by our partners in publishing. We have a variety of volunteer spots available including set up, working the tables at the giveaway and clean up. The giveaway will be at our Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, 250 West 65th Street.

What will you be doing?

  • Set Up – help set up tables, book displays, signage, etc.
  • Book Giveaway – help manage tables, children pick out books, direct traffic, etc.
  • Clean Up – break down tables, box left over books, etc.

When & Where?

On May 6, 2023 at our Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, 250 West 65th Street.

Sign up:

A woman and young girl smiling while seated at a desk next to a bookshelf.

Star Learning Center

Star Learning Center is offering online and in-person tutoring for the 2022-23 school year.

Goddard Riverside’s Star Learning Center provides one-to-one academic tutoring for students in grades 2-12 from underserved communities.

The center’s goal is to help each child improve academically and foster a positive attitude toward school and learning.

What will you be doing?

  • One-to-one academic tutoring

Who can volunteer?

Volunteers should be able to commit two hours a week, be at least a sophomore in high school, and be comfortable using a computer.

When?

To become a tutor, please fill out an online application. You will be contacted by Star Learning Center.

Sign up:

A group of young girls standing together on a stage performing a song and dance.

Community Arts Program

Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts Program provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience and participate in the arts through original and professional-caliber performing and visual arts events, as well as workshops, classes, lectures, and partnerships with renowned artists and arts organizations in New York City.

Community Arts events take place at the Bernie Wohl Center, at 647 Columbus Avenue, between 91st Street and 92nd Street.

Accessibility Notice: Please note that there are 8 rather steep steps leading down into the Bernie Wohl Center’s auditorium. While the Center is equipped with a motorized stairlift and assistance for anyone who requires it, individuals do need to transition themselves into and out of the stairlift’s chair.

What will you be doing?

  • be stationed at the door to greet guests and community members, and make sure they sign in with our four-question COVID questionnaire;
  • check attendees’ vaccination cards and tickets before a performance or event;
  • help with directing attendees to the classrooms, performance space, and restrooms as needed;
  • and/or assist staff with tasks such as arranging chairs and distributing materials.

Who can volunteer?

Ages: 16 and up

When?

Select dates on ongoing bases. Times vary — mostly evenings.

Sign Up:

Sign up for select dates and times online.

Older Adults

Goddard Riverside’s older adult programs are enhanced by volunteers who spend time with the men and women who come to our Senior Centers or live at our NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities).

What will you be doing?

  • Teach an art class
  • Offer computer skill support
  • Escort older adults to appointments

Who can volunteer?

Ages: 21 and up

When?

Contact Development Office for placement.

Sign Up:

Contact Development Office for placement.

Development Department

volunteers@goddard.org

212-873-6600 x1021