Volunteer to Help Children

VOA-Greater New York provides comprehensive support to families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, or who are recovering from domestic violence. We also operate two preschools that prepare 3-5 year olds, many with developmental delays, for future success through specialized teaching in the classroom.

Through Operation Backpack®, a community service of VOA-Greater New York, we ensure that every child living in a New York City homeless or domestic violence shelter who needs one, has a new, top-quality backpack and grade-specific supplies in time for the first day of school.

Volunteering at one of our shelters, Early Learning Centers, or through Operation Backpack® is a wonderful way to show families in need that you care. We will work with you to plan a successful experience that fits your team and budget.

Ways to Get Involved

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    Host an Event

    Treat children in our programs to a special experience by sponsoring a themed event, field trip or afternoon of activities like a Halloween party or karaoke night, complete with a delicious meal or snacks served by your team. Events can take place any time of year.

    Email Us to Learn More
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    Organize a Drive

    Raise funds to purchase Safe & Sound Kits for mothers with babies who arrive at our domestic violence shelters - at times, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Kits include blankets, bottles, diapers, wipes and other essentials. Participating is simple: order from our shopping list below and have the items delivered to our office.

    Shop the List
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    Support Operation Backpack®

    It's never too early or too late to get involved with Operation Backpack®. Join us as a corporate sponsor, organize a drive to collect backpacks and school supplies, or volunteer with your team in August to sort and prepare the backpacks for delivery to the children!

    Learn More

"We really enjoyed the [Halloween] event yesterday! It was well-organized and the parents and children seemed engaged and glad to attend the event. It was also fun seeing some of the costumes our staff brought in actually worn by the kids!"

Carolyn Harding, Interpublic Group