Volunteering At Riverdale Y

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.

Become a Committed Volunteer

Ready for a lasting impact? Apply to join our committed team. Enjoy a seamless check-in process via a logbook or Better Impact App, contributing to the continuous growth of our community programs. To learn more about being a regularly committed volunteer, please contact anyashina@riverdaley.org.

Browse committed volunteer roles

Join us for a pop-up volunteer activity

Spontaneity awaits! Sign up 48 hours in advance, receive a confirmation email, and check in with the dedicated staff member on the event day to make a difference on your time.

Sign up for an upcoming volunteer pop-up here

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

In March, we are looking for help with:

Pool Deck Assistant
Every Sunday
Roles: 2 positions available
Activities: Assist visitors and staff to ensure a welcoming environment.
Requirements: Must be over 14, possess a friendly demeanor, and ability to follow directions.
Training: Onboarding and extensive training required for long-term commitment. Email volunteers@riverdaley.org for details.

Older Adult Center Dining Room Assistant
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:30am to 1:30pm
Roles: 2 positions available
Activities: Set up, serve, and clean up lunch for older adult members.
Requirements: Physical stamina, careful handling of food, attention to detail, ability to work with diverse people.
Training: Onboarding and extensive training required for long-term commitment. Email volunteers@riverdaley.org for details.

Older Adult Center Karaoke Activity Coordinator
Fridays 12:45pm to 2:45pm
Roles: 2 positions available
Activities: Coordinate karaoke sessions for older adults.
Requirements: Ability to use a computer, operate microphone and sound system, enjoyment of music and fun.
Training: Onboarding and training provided for long-term commitment.Email volunteers@riverdaley.org for details.

Sunday Market Support
Every Sunday in March from 9am to 3pm
Roles: 2 positions available each Sunday
Activities: Assist in setting up, managing, and cleaning up at the Sunday Farmer’s Market during the Winter Market season.
Requirements: Ability to stand for up to 5 hours, friendly demeanor, capable of lifting up to 10lbs, good interpersonal skills.
Training: On-the-job training provided before each shift.

Community Dinner Assistant
March 15 at 6:30 pm
Roles: 4 positions available
Activities: Assist in setting up, serving and breaking down the Shabbat dinner for our African American community partners.
Where: Shabbat Dinner is on March 15 at Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.
Requirements: Physical stamina, careful handling of food, attention to detail, ability to work with diverse people.
Training: On-the-job orientation provided before each shift.

Community Dinner Assistant
March 21 at 6:30 pm
Roles: 4 positions available
Activities: Assist in setting up, serving and breaking down the Interfaith Iftar dinner.
Requirements: Physical stamina, careful handling of food, attention to detail, ability to work with diverse people.
Training: On-the-job orientation provided before each shift.

Sunday Market Purim
March 24, 9am to 3pm
Roles: 20 positions available each Sunday
Activities: Assist in setting up, managing, and cleaning up at kid activities at Purim Festival at the Sunday Market
Requirements: Ability to stand for up to 5 hours, friendly demeanor, capable of lifting up to 10lbs, good interpersonal skills, ability to have fun with kids of all ages
Training: On-the-job orientation provided.

Service Sundays
March 10th and March 17th from 10am to 12pm
Roles: 30 positions available
Activities: Join us to do service projects in support of our community. We prepare the community garden for the season, pack food the Friendly Fridges, create care packages for the unhoused and other things that make our neighborhood a community.
Requirements: Ages 6 to 13 with a chaperone. Ages 14-18 are welcome with parental consent.
Training: Onsite training for specific tasks.

Birthday Lunch with the Older Adult Center
March 19th from 9:30am to 1:30pm
Roles: 10 positions available
Activities: Assist in setting up, serving, and cleaning up for a birthday lunch.
Requirements: Physical stamina, careful handling of food.
Training: Brief training on food handling and service provided.

AmPark NORC Food Pantry
March 20th from 11am to 2pm
Roles: 10 positions available
Activities: Assist with food pantry setup, distribution, and cleanup.
Requirements: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs, stand for long periods. Outdoor activity, dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Training: Instructions provided before starting.

AmPark Norc Food Pantry Deliveries to those in need
March 27th from 1pm to 5pm
Roles: 10 positions available
Activities: Deliver pantry items to those in need
Requirements: Must have a car, able to carry up to 20 lbs. Outdoor activity, dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Training: Route guidance and delivery instructions provided.

Riverdale Y Food Pantry
March 27th from 12:30pm to 3pm
Roles: 10 positions available
Activities: Assist in setting up, distributing, and cleaning up the food pantry.
Requirements: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs, stand for long periods. Outdoor activity, dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Training: Instructions provided before starting.

Riverdale Y Food Pantry Deliveries to Homebound Folks
When: March 27th from 1pm to 5pm
Roles: 10 positions available
Activities: Deliver pantry items to homebound individuals.
Requirements: Must have a car, able to carry up to 20 lbs. Outdoor activity, dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Training: Route guidance and delivery instructions provided.

To participate in any of these activities, please register here.

Congratulations on an incredible MLK Day of Service

Over the past few days, our community came together for MLK Week of Service and the impact of our collective work was truly remarkable. We hosted over 700 participants, packed more than 30,000 meals, and assembled 3,000 hygiene kits. Additionally, we engaged in creating herb kits, friendship bracelets, baked cookies and sang for the first responders. Thank you to our community for your dedication and support!

In March, we will be…

  • Focusing on Women’s History Month
  • Garden and grounds clean up
  • Celebrating Purim

Stay in the Loop

Be the first to know about special events and promotions at the Riverdale Y. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, Happening At The Y.