If you’re anything like me, you’re probably finalizing your Christmas and Hanukkah wish list with the new iPhone 5S and a pair of Lululemon yogas, and maybe a new pair of booties (or two, or three….). However, don’t get so wrapped up in your online browsing that you forget that you have some gift giving to do as well.
No, I’m not talking about buying your little bro that GTA** Xbox game or getting your Dad a pair of cufflinks that he’ll never wear – I’m talking about setting some time or money aside to help out fellow New Yorkers in need this holiday season.
**GTA stands for Grand Theft Auto…..yeah that’s right, I speak gamer.
Before you go home for winter break and salivate over the foil-wrapped, ribbon-topped presents your parents have waiting for you, give back to the city by getting involved with these New York based organizations.
Wildlife Conservation Society Toy Drive
Lions and tigers and seals, oh my! For every unwrapped toy you bring to a select NYC zoo location, you will receive a FREE general admission ticket for the New York Aquarium or Bronx Zoo.
Seriously, what is more precious than a walrus with a fish-ice-cube-Christmas cake? Give a little and get back a lot of cuteness.
For select locations and details click here: http://www.wcs.org/foodandtoyd…
http://www.dzinepress.com/2010/12/precious-moments-of-christmas-2010-by-boston-com/
Butler Manor Woods Clean Up
Are you a nature-lover? If the answer is yes, and you’re free on a Thursday afternoon, take a break from studying for finals and venture out to Staten Island to help clean up Butler Manor woods. You’ll be treated with free hot cocoa and yummy snacks. Being environmentally friendly and spreading holiday cheer doesn’t sound too shabby.
Register here: http://www.newyorkcares.org/projects/holiday-work-party-butler-manor
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44085.html
CityMeals on Wheels
CityMeals on Wheels is exactly what it sounds like – delivering meals to those in need of them. Although you may not be in the city for their big Christmas deliveries (and you probably don’t have a car here….), you can help out by volunteering to be a friendly visitor, which requires you to visit senior citizens at their homes just to chat and keep them company, or sign up to be a script volunteer, which would require you to respond to the heart-felt letters that the organization receives.
Find the guidelines and volunteer forms here: http://www.citymeals.org/volunteer-with-us/individual-volunteers