According to Melissa Brown, chief development officer for UWNYC, collective action and community involvement helps the org meet even the most basic needs for less fortunate New Yorkers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, we\u2019re trying to come up with long-lasting, sustainable ways for folks to survive and thrive in New York City,\u201d Brown said. \u201cWe know that more than half of working-age New Yorkers cannot meet their basic needs.\u201d*\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the holidays, the organization ramps up efforts with campaigns like \u201cDon\u2019t Take Our Hope,\u201d cold-weather kit distributions, and toy drives for families and children.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can \u2014 no gift is too big or small,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen you come together, you\u2019re doing your small part, and multiple small parts impact lives. It\u2019s only with the support of other New Yorkers that we\u2019re able to do more work and serve more people.\u201d<\/p>\n Locals can also partner with City Harvest<\/a>, a group that attacks food insecurity year-round.\n<\/p>\n According to Alex Guyton, senior manager of volunteer programs at City Harvest, volunteers can help out by signing up to serve at one of City Harvest\u2019s pop-up food markets, donating money to the org or by dropping off canned donations at police and fire stations or any Apple Bank locations throughout the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe have thousands of volunteers who make our work possible every month, especially around the holidays. I encourage people to get involved, whether by volunteering, making donations, or supporting our food drives,\u201d she said. The work we do is really driven by the amazing generosity of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n Guyton encouraged volunteers to stay connected to the org even through the holidays as there are always ways to help address food insecurity in the city.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cEven in January and February, when the excitement of the holidays has died down, the need is still very much there, and we rely on the continued support of the community,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n New Yorkers can also lend a helping hand at Citymeals on Wheels<\/a>, which brings vital nutrition and companionship to homebound seniors throughout the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Vivienne O\u2019Neill, senior director of volunteer programs, said creating social connections with older residents is just as important as providing them with warm meals.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the holiday season, volunteers not only deliver meals but also help combat social isolation among our homebound elderly by making friendly calls and providing connection,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n She explains that volunteering can be simple and is a great option for those who may not be able to donate monetarily.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cMaking a phone call takes about 25 minutes and can be done virtually from anywhere,\u201d she said. \u201cThink about your neighbors and the impact you can have by giving just 10, 15, or 20 minutes of your time.\u201d<\/p>\n The group invites people to volunteer through their website all year round, because \u201cthe need for community support doesn\u2019t end after the holidays.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Other ways to give back this holiday season include donating gifts to local orgs like:\n<\/p>\n \u2013 The Salvation Army<\/a>, which invites people to adopt an \u201cangel\u201d from their angel tree to buy gifts for children or donate goods to their thrift stores.<\/p>\n \u2013 The New York Foundling<\/a>, which hosts gift drives for children, adults, and families\n<\/p>\n \u2013 Church of St. Paul the Apostle<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u2013 Catholic Charities New York<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u2013 New York Junior League\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u2013 Met Council<\/a>\n<\/p>\n![\"toys](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2238977863.jpg\" "\\"Spreading")
<\/a>Toy drives are a great way to give back to the community during the holidays.Photo via Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/220921_CityHarvest_518-scaled-e1681997795587-1200x915-1.jpg\" "\\"Spreading")
<\/a>City Harvest helps keep New York City fed.File photo<\/p>\n