The winter months are one of the best times of year to volunteer. The colder weather means that many organizations are seeing increased need throughout their communities. If you have some extra time and would like to give back to the Syracuse community, check out these five organizations that are looking for volunteers!
LiteracyCNY
As college students, we are incredibly well-versed with technology and the Internet. LiteracyCNY is always looking for Digital Literacy Volunteers who are available once a week or biweekly to train adults on using their technology. All that is required is that you are 18+ and have at least three years of experience using a computer.
You must attend a 90-minute training session to be a volunteer and then you are ready to schedule appointments! Check out the LiteracyCNY website for more information and to register for a training session.
Food Bank of Central New York
The Food Bank of Central New York offers many volunteering opportunities through its volunteer calendar. Opportunities are generally available six out of the seven days of the week and include jobs like distributing food and packing bags for children in the Syracuse City School District. Plus, there are no prerequisites needed to volunteer if you are over 18 years of age.
Syracuse Peace Council
The Syracuse Peace Council “educates, agitates and organizes for a world where war, violence and exploitation in any form will no longer exist.” The organization is always looking for volunteers! Some of the responsibilities you may have as a volunteer include research, making signs, helping at events and fundraising. Fill out the SPC’s volunteer form for more information and to get involved.
CNY SPCA
The CNY SPCA originated in 1891 in response to the mistreatment of mules on the Erie Canal. Now, the SPCA is the premier adoption hub in CNY! If you are interested in working with animals, the SPCA is looking for volunteers to help with in-house tasks like cleaning and socializing with animals, or operational work including clerical work or help with fundraising.
To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old and attend an orientation session. Becoming a volunteer at the SPCA also means that you must commit to six hours per month for six months. Check out the SPCA volunteer page for more information.
We Rise Above the Streets
Al-Amin Muhammad was homeless himself before founding We Rise Above the Streets, which focuses on providing basic needs to food-insecure and homeless communities in Syracuse. The organization offers weekly events, such as Sandwich Saturdays, that you can sign up for and provide food to Syracuse people in need. For more information on volunteering, visit their website or their Facebook page.
These five volunteering opportunities are just a few of the many ways that you can give back. For a comprehensive list of volunteering opportunities, check out Volunteer CNY!
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.