Where Neighbors Become Community
Every season, volunteers of all ages help make Riverdale Y a place where everyone belongs—serving meals, celebrating holidays, completing Mitzvah projects, fulfilling service hours, and creating warm, welcoming spaces. Whether you join for one shift or every month, you make an impact.
In 2024, volunteers helped serve over 20,000 meals, supported dozens of community events, and built connections that last far beyond the work itself. You can be part of that story.
Help Us Keep the Good Work Growing.
Every shift, every smile, every meal—we make it happen together. When you donate, you extend the reach of every volunteer. $6 feeds an older adult, $18 outfits a volunteer, and $180 provides supplies for a holiday meal.
Questions? Email anyashina@riverdaley.org
Looking for a longer term volunteering role? Take a look at our current internship opportunities.
Winter – Spring 2026 Volunteering Opportunities
Additional opportunities are added each month. Sign-ups open month-by-month. Want first dibs? Join the Volunteer Newsletter.
February – Care, Creativity, and Winter Support
Tuesday, February 10 – 9:30am–1:30pm – Birthday Celebration for Older Adults – Support with set up, food service, and clean up for a special birthday lunch at the Older Adult Center.
Sunday, February 15 – 10:00am–5:00pm – OAC Fundraiser Event Staffing – Decorate the space, serve a buffet lunch and support and event logistics during the Older Adult Center fundraiser.
Wednesday, February 18 – Food Pantry: – distribute over 5,000 lbs of food to those in need at Riverdale Y and AmPark NORC food pantry. 10:30AM for AmPark, 11:30AM for Riverdale Y
Friday, February 20 – 5:00pm – Staff Shabbat – Once a year, the staff of Riverdale Y come together for a special Shabbat meal. We invite you to support this event by helping serve during the evening. This event is held at The Bayit.
To get started, email Alexandra Nyashina at anyashina@riverdaley.org
March – Spring Reopening and Community Celebration
- Sunday Market Reopens: Set up, welcome guests, assist vendors.
- Spirit Week: Support themed activities and student engagement.
- Multi-Gen Shows: Traffic control, ushering, ticket support, concession sales.
- Older Adult Center Birthday Party: Create a festive atmosphere, serve meals, assist entertainment, clean up.
- Passover Luncheon: Prep, set up, serve, clean up.
April – Appreciation, Renewal, and Hands-On Impact
- School Vacation Week: Pack essential items for Bronx neighbors.
- Older Adult Center Birthday Party: Decorate, welcome guests, serve meals, support activities, clean up.
- Earth Day: Support environmental projects and hands-on learning.
- JR RRS Shows: Traffic control, ushering, ticket support, concession sales.
- Volunteer Appreciation Week and Brunch – you amaze us!
May – Joyful Gatherings, Spring Performances, and Community Momentum
- JR RRS Shows: Traffic control, ushering, ticket support, concession sales.
- Service Project Day: Pack needed goods for the Bronx community.
- Mother’s and Father’s Day Luncheon: Set up, serve warmly, clean up.
- Riverdale Run Prep: Setup, organization, logistical support.
- Riverdale Y 5K and Fun Run: Course support, runner check-in, hospitality.
- Older Adult Center Birthday Party: Decorate, greet guests, serve lunch, support activities, clean up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone is welcome to volunteer, regardless of background, religion, or experience. We support inclusion volunteering based on each person’s needs. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Ages 14–17 require parental consent, and ages 6–13 may participate when accompanied by a guardian.
- Drop-In: One-time or occasional opportunities—great for flexible schedules.
- Scheduled: Regular shifts on a set day/time each week or month.
- Intern: A committed role with additional responsibilities, training, and a set term to gain work experience and skills.
Yes, sign-ups help us plan and ensure we have the right number of volunteers.
Yes. Individuals and groups are welcome for special occasions, including Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects, corporate service projects, and other projects. Groups over five people must contact us directly to arrange participation. Groups larger than 15 are offered tailored projects for maximum impact, based on staff availability and donations to support these customized projects. Groups are asked to contribute at least $18 per person to help cover supplies and sustain programs.
Volunteers are never charged. Donations help sustain our social impact programs: $6 buys a meal for an older adult, $18 provides a volunteer T-shirt or apron, and $180 covers supplies for special holiday meals like Rosh HaShanah and Thanksgiving. Make a donation here.
Closed-toe shoes are required for all in-person activities. Clothing should be modest and professional—please avoid short shorts, sleeveless tops, cropped shirts, garments displaying logos, ripped clothing, or items with stains, even if these styles are currently fashionable. Clothing should be pressed and in good condition. If needed, a volunteer T-shirt or apron will be provided for your shift. Some projects take place outdoors in all weather—please come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and a water bottle.
Yes. Speak with your staff supervisor and they will sign your paper form. For a digital signature, please add Alexandra Nyashina to your digital confirmation request. If you need a letter of service on official letterhead, please contact Alexandra Nyashina at anyashina@riverdaley.org
Explore Volunteer Stories
January Volunteering Recap
Rooted in Action: The Season of Light and Thanks
Gratitude in Action
September Volunteering Recap at Riverdale Y
August Volunteering Recap at Riverdale Y
