Find Out Where to Volunteer This Holiday Season

Tis the Season for giving. If you are looking to volunteer to help those in need or serve your community during the holidays, Douglaston has plenty of options.

Here's a look at our top 10 picks:
           

The Alley Pond Environmental Center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd., is always looking for someone to lend a hand. Volunteer Coordinator Dyan Freiberg said most of the work is for high schoolers, ages 14 and up.

"They help us with a variety of tasks," she said. "They may be volunteering as teacher's assistants. If they're here during a time when we need a classroom set up for a program, they help with that."

Everyone accepted to volunteer is trained and assigned tasks based on their interests. Call 718-229-4000, ext. 205 to get started.

The Samuel Field Y, located at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway in Little Neck, has opportunities to give back to the community. Volunteers will be able to teach a class, help schoolchildren with homework, be a companion to the elderly or help write a newsletter. No matter your interests, there's something for you to do. Just call 718-225-6750. ext. 226.

The 111th Precinct, which covers Little Neck, Douglaston and Bayside, does a lot more than fight crime. The precinct's Community Affairs Bureau is currently working with the United States Marine Corp to help distribute toys to needy children throughout the five boroughs.

You can help by donating an unwrapped toy or pass along information to the precinct about an organization that could use toys this holiday season.

St. Mary's Hospital for Children in Bayside offers plenty of opportunities to help children with special needs. Volunteers can visit the hospital's patients or help out in the classroom.

Volunteer Coordinator Robin Lane said those interested in taking part must be at least 25 years of age. Call the hospital, located at 29-01 216th St. in Bayside, at 718-281-8684. 

           

The Community Service Society's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers to help senior citizens from northeast Queens. Volunteers will deliver meals, prepare food at soup kitchens and visit seniors. Call 212-254-8900 for more information or pick up a brochure at the 111th Precinct.

For history buffs, the Bayside Historical Society has numerous voluteer opportunities. Weekend assistance is needed to help out in the gift shop and greet visitors. On weekdays, assist the archivist by scanning documents and photographs, collaborate with the curator on installations or help out in the office with grant proposals. Call 718-352-1548 for more information.

The Chabad of Northeast Queens Youth and Teen Club is offering a number of volunteer opportunities for Jewish teens. Participants are encouraged to come up with ways they can help the community and put their ideas into action. Call 718-279-1457 to join.

           

For those interested in tapping into their artistic side, check out the National Art League, located at 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. The non-profit offers everything from art instruction to exhibitions. Call 718-224-3957.