The Riverdale Y is a robust, community engaging nonprofit that values its volunteers. Hundreds of community members share their talents with us, contributing thousands of hours of time.
Volunteers work alongside staff to embody our universally held values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. They strengthen our community by being determined, nurturing, genuine, hopeful, and welcoming. We are truly honored and grateful for each of our volunteers.
All Are Welcome!
No matter your age, background, or experience, everyone is welcome here. Young enthusiasts (ages 6 to 13) are invited to join with a guardian. Volunteers ages 14-17 can participate with parental consent, and those over 18 are, of course, welcome as well. Volunteers can opt for drop-in events or become committed impact makers. Whether you’re an individual or part of a group, explore personalized volunteering opportunities that make a positive impact on our community.
Volunteer Benefits
- Resume Building: Boost your resume with valuable volunteer experience.
- Making Friends: Connect and build lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.
- Learning New Skills: Grow personally and professionally by acquiring new skills.
- Proof of Community Service Hours: Get official documentation for your community service hours.
- Recognition and Awards: Clock in your hours for a chance at recognition! Awards, certificates, and acknowledgments are up for grabs based on your dedicated time. Young volunteers up to 18 might snag the prestigious Young Leadership Award, and those over 18 are considered for the Community Service Award.
On-Going Opportunities
Older Adult Dining Room Support: 10am to 1pm, dates to be discussed at Riverdale Y’s New Beginning Older Adult Center – Spend at least 6 hours a week serving lunch to our older adult community. Email anyashina@riverdaley.org for details.
Sunday Market Cooking Demo Support: We are looking for experienced cooks with a food handling certificate to do cooking demos at the Sunday Market. Email sundaymarket@riverdaley.org for more details.
Utensil Set Rolling: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9am – 10am at Riverdale Y’s New Beginning Older Adult Center – Join our amazing volunteers to roll utensil sets for the dining room
Volunteer opportunities this month:
November 3 – Service Sunday at the Y – 12:30 – 2pm Our volunteer team will pack food for the local Neighborhood Fridge. At the end of the project, you will be asked to deliver the food to the Neighborhood Fridge.
November 11 – Flag Retirement in honor of Veterans’ Day – From November 1 to November 10th, please bring your old flags to the lobby for dignified retirement. Join us from 9:30AM to 1PM to support the special Veterans’ lunch at the older adult center as we honor the service of our veterans.
November 13- AmPark NORC Food Pantry – 11am – 2pm – Distribute over 5,000 lbs of food to those in need.
November 14 – Volunteer Appreciation Brunch – 9:30AM – 11AM Join us as we enjoy delicious bagels and fresh fruit while celebrating you—the incredible volunteers who are the heart and hands of our community. Please contact Alexandra to confirm your attendance by November 11 – I want to make sure I have enough food!
November 17 – Sunday Market – 9:30AM – 1:30PM – Art for Aid is hosting a Food Justice Event at the Riverdale Y Sunday Market. Join us to support, learn and highlight the need for food in our community!
November 19 – Birthday Lunch – 9:30AM – 1:30PM Set up, serve, and clean up for the celebration lunch in our older adult center.
November 20 – Riverdale Y Food Pantry- 12:30pm – 3pm – Distribute over 5,000 lbs of food to those in need.
Open House Senior Sunday – November 24:
- 8:30AM – 10:30AM – New Membership Brunch – Help welcome new Older Adult Center Members to our Center by setting up the brunch.
- 10AM-11:30AM – Intergenerational Discussion on Food Sustainability – Join our intergenerational discussion on food sustainability through the generations.
- 11AM – 1:30PM – Senior Sunday Lunch – Set up, serve and clean up lunch for our older adult members
November 24 – Winter Wear Clothing Drive at the Sunday Market – 9AM – 2PM – bring your gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to be distributed to the folks living in temporary shelters and homeless shelters.
November 26 – Thanksgiving Lunch – 9:30AM – 1:30PM Set up, serve, and clean up for the Thanksgiving lunch in our older adult center.
Sunday Market: Every Sunday – Join us as we engage with our community, support local vendors and artists, and take care of those in need.
Contact Alexandra Nyashina at anyashina@riverdaley.org to sign up for these volunteer opportunities.
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