HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Each week, Patch will be highlighting volunteer opportunities in the Lower Hudson Valley, courtesy of Volunteer New York!. This is a chance to help your community and be an opportunity to give back — perhaps in a way you didn’t consider before.

This week, we are putting the spotlight on some opportunities in the Hudson Valley.

Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day falls on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. To celebrate, Family Services of Westchester is gathering volunteer pairs at classrooms throughout Westchester to read “Green Eggs and Ham” to young children. Storytime will be followed by a theme-related activity. Readers are encouraged to dress as their favorite Dr. Seuss character to help make this experience extra special for children. This is the perfect opportunity for volunteers ages 16+.
Date: 3/2 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Organization: Family Services of Westchester
Location: Throughout Westchester

Food Pantry Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist with unloading its delivery van and sorting and organizing food items in its pantry in Spring Valley. Volunteers may also help check for and discard food with expired dates, keep the pantry organized, and create food bags for pick-up. Volunteers who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole are especially encouraged.
Date: 3/5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursdays
Organization: Rockland Community Action Program
Location: Spring Valley

Community Closet Volunteers

Mend By Me’s Community Closet is a free, welcoming shopping experience created to share resources with our neighbors in need. Gently used clothing, shoes, and household linens are thoughtfully organized and made available to anyone who could use them. Caring volunteers are needed to help greet guests, assist shoppers, restock items, and support with checkout. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially encouraged to participate.
Date: 3/6 from 2:30-7 p.m. and 3/7 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Organization: Mend By Me
Location: Peekskill

Invasive Plant Management at South County Trailway

Volunteers are needed to cut and remove invasive species along the South County Trailway. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided; this is a perfect project for volunteers who are 14+ (or 12+ as part of an adult’s team).
Date: 3/7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Organization: Westchester Parks Foundation
Location: Ardsley

Dance Closet Inventory Organizer

Westchester Ballet Company has accumulated a number of props and ballet attire—such as shoes, leotards, and tights—over the years, and these items are well-organized in the storeroom. Now, they just need to be counted! An organized volunteer is needed to take inventory of the ballet company’s supplies and log them into Google Sheets. This role is perfect for volunteers with an attention to detail and accuracy.
Date: Flexible schedule
Organization: Westchester Ballet Company
Location: Ossining

Find a full list of opportunities at https://www.volunteernewyork.org.