Get Rid of Holiday Blues Once and For All - Volunteer!

Tis the season of family, togetherness, being thankful. It can also be a lonely and depressing time for some. The holidays are when most people have time off, and can use that time to check up on the people around you and even volunteer if you can. Here are some Harlem based locations that you can give a helping hand for the holidays, or year round if you feel so inclined. 

Bethel Gospel Assembly  

Bethel Gospel Assembly will be providing free clothing and Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 3pm on Thursday, November 28th. The Thanksgiving volunteers serve food as well as act as assisted shoppers for people in need of clothing. All of the clothes are donated and arranged by category and size. The event is different from most in the way Bethel adds a level of dignity in receiving assistance. Visit the website to sign up! 

Brotherhood Sister Soul 

Brotherhood Sister Sol is an organization that aims to advance youth from lower income communities aged 8 to 22, with services like job training, afterschool care, college preparation, and study abroad programs. With 25 years of service and over 1000 members, they are an organization that could use a volunteer or two all year round. They have a youth led farmers’ market that runs up until the day before Thanksgiving but definitely have many programs and events that calls for assistance. Check them out in Harlem and they are in some schools in Queens! 

First Corinthians Baptist Church 

On November 22nd First Corinthians Baptist Church is hosting a young adult friendsgiving and game night from 7-8 for the youth in your life. Their annual Community Thanksgiving Harvest Feast takes place on the 28th from 12- 3pm. They are currently welcoming people to sign up for food and monetary donations as well as volunteer shifts. Unfortunately, they do not accept volunteers the day of Thanksgiving. Head to their website for more leadership, mindfulness, yoga, retreats and more. 

From All of Us at NiLu

Although most of these organizations are held in churches, we do not mean to be preachy or come off holier than thou. Everyone has different circumstances and we understand it requires space in your schedule to participate. These are simply some suggestions to check out when there is some down time in the New York hustle and bustle.

Happy Holidays!