Volunteer Opportunities for All Ages
Welcome to the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's resource for ways you can put your time and talents to work on behalf of our community. Learn about volunteer opportunities on the Upper West Side for all ages, abilities, and interests. Options include tutoring schoolchildren, packing food packages at West Side Campaign Against Hunger, sorting clothing donations, and much more.
Ongoing volunteer opportunities
In Person | For ages 14+
Support NYC public school students from low-income backgrounds in grades 1–5. Tutor students in literacy and math during the school day and/or provide homework help and play-based learning after school. All tutoring sessions take place in person on the Upper West Side. Commitments start at 50 minutes per week.
Learn More
In Person | For all ages
Donate items like clothing, e-waste, and food to partner organizations in our neighborhood. It’s easy to participate—just drop by the JCC lobby while we are holding a drive and drop off your item in the indicated area.
In Person | For ages 10–13
Make a difference in your community by joining us for tween-focused programs that combine hands-on community service projects with Jewish service learning.
Questions? Email JessAnn Smith.
In Person | For grades 9–12
Engage in acts of kindness and community service to heal the world, starting in our UWS community. This volunteer-centered program offers teens a platform to impact the lives of others and their own while connecting with Jewish values.
Questions? Email JessAnn Smith.
Virtual + In Person | For ages 14+
Help teens and adults ages 14–75 with special needs make meaningful connections to each other in social and recreational programs.
Interested in participating? If you are between the ages of 14–21, please email Julie Singer. If you are 22 and older, please email Michelle Wexler.
Virtual | For adults
Reach out to older adults in our community to combat the persistent epidemic of loneliness and help connect them with essential services.
Interested in participating? Email Us!
Virtual | For older adults
Help Israeli high school students in Jerusalem practice conversational English and prepare for their required English exam that they take towards the end of their 12th grade year.
Questions? Email Rabbi Brian Fink.
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with West Side Campaign Against Hunger
Volunteer with West Side Campaign Against Hunger
In Person. Assemble bags of fresh and/or shelf-stable food products to be distributed to food insecure New Yorkers at West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), one of the largest emergency food providers in New York. Spots are limited.
Sort Clothing Donations for New Immigrants
Sort Clothing Donations for New Immigrants
Ensure that new immigrants who have recently arrived in New York City have the clothes they need this summer. Volunteers will accept and sort donations, and set them up for a free distribution taking place the following day.
Sort Clothing Donations + Assist New Immigrants at Resource Fair
Sort Clothing Donations + Assist New Immigrants at Resource Fair
In Person. Ensure that new immigrants who have recently arrived in New York City have the clothing they need. Volunteers will stock items, greet and assist customers, and sort donations during a monthly clothing distribution at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church (SPSA).
Volunteer with West Side Campaign Against Hunger
Volunteer with West Side Campaign Against Hunger
In Person. Assemble bags of fresh and/or shelf-stable food products to be distributed to food insecure New Yorkers at West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), one of the largest emergency food providers in New York. Spots are limited.
Sort and Curate Mini Libraries for Public Schools: Shift #2
Sort and Curate Mini Libraries for Public Schools: Shift #2
In Person. Bring the magic of reading to elementary public school students! Sort and browse through a selection of donated books and help transport them to schools that have a significant population of students from low-income backgrounds.
Sort and Curate Mini Libraries for Public Schools: Shift #1
Sort and Curate Mini Libraries for Public Schools: Shift #1
In Person. Bring the magic of reading to elementary public school students! Sort and browse through a selection of donated books and help transport them to schools that have a significant population of students from low-income backgrounds.
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #3
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #3
In Person. Bring the magic of reading to children on the Upper West Side by volunteering at the JCC’s Children’s Free Book Fair! Volunteers will assist customers with book selections and clean up after the fair.
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #2
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #2
In Person. Bring the magic of reading to children on the Upper West Side by volunteering at the JCC’s Children’s Free Book Fair! Volunteers will sort book donations and assist customers with book selections.
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #1
Volunteer at a Children’s Book Fair: Shift #1
In Person. Bring the magic of reading to children on the Upper West Side by volunteering at the JCC’s Children’s Free Book Fair! Volunteers will sort book donations and set up for the fair.