Baby Basics NYC is a non-profit 501(c)(3), 100% volunteer organization dedicated to helping low-income working families and their children. 100% of revenue generated by donations is applied to purchasing diapers; families who qualify for the program must consistently attend meetings to connect with other families and with volunteers who offer help and guidance in baby care, parenting and wellness.

Donors can sponsor a baby for a certain time period (one month to one year) with a donation of $35 to $500.

Baby Buggy delivers essential items for infants and young children to thousands of families in need throughout New York City. The organization's mission is twofold: to deliver critical resources to New York City's most vulnerable children and to provide an efficient method for the recycling of valuable goods.

Founded in 2001 by Jessica Seinfeld, Baby Buggy works with more than 60 social service agencies to distribute a wide range of new and gently used essentials, from cribs and strollers to clothing and diapers. Since its inception, Baby Buggy has donated over two million items, all of which are vetted for safety and utility. Demand for the organization's services continues to rise, with monthly donations now totaling over 50,000 items

Volunteer opportunities are available through a variety of tasks and activities, such as bundling and prepping donations and sorting and mending children's clothing.

Time can be scheduled through www.nycares.org.

Visit the website for information on how to donate gently used equipment and clothing.

The Charity Guide website offers a wealth of information and ideas for families looking for ways to serve and volunteer. Visitors can pick up suggestions on how to make the most of small gestures (how to make a difference in 15 minutes, an hour, or on vacation), and how to leverage a birthday party to remind kids (and adults) that giving really is better than receiving.

Cheerful Givers provides birthday gift bags for kids ages three to 12, distributing them at shelters and food pantries. Families can hold a Birthday Bag Blitz to put together gift bags, based on recommendations provided on the website.

Children for Children is a non-profit program that promotes hands-on youth volunteering and giving.

Youth service and philanthropy programs include the Celebrations and Do Your Own Thing programs, book programs, special events, and other projects. CFC's Kids for Community database of NYC youth volunteer opportunities opens up even more ways to "Grow Involved!"

Children for Children is a non-profit program that promotes hands-on youth volunteering and giving.

Youth service and philanthropy programs include the Celebrations and Do Your Own Thing programs, book programs, special events, and other projects. CFC's Kids for Community database of NYC youth volunteer opportunities opens up even more ways to "Grow Involved!"

Color a Smile's mission is a simple one - generate cheer by gathering children's drawings to distribute at nursing homes, attach to Meals on Wheels deliveries, and more. The result? A perfect opportunity for kids to generate good cheer by doing what they do best - putting crayon to paper and creating. Children can send in their own original drawings, or color in one of the printable pages available on the website.

Drawings (and donations, if you're so inclined) can be sent via mail to:

Color a Smile

P O BOX 1516

Morristown NJ 07962-1516

Charitable organizations all over the city are hurting this holiday season. Here are a few that could use your help!

The NYC Food Bank needs food donations and volunteers to help keep its Harlem-based community kitchen and pantry up and running. A donation of just $1 (do it online at foodbanknyc.com) equals five meals!

United Way needs volunteers to provide free financial counseling for families. Experience is not required; a short orientation is provided. Call 212.251.4047 to donate time to the cause.

Donations and volunteers are needed by City Meals on Wheels.

Sponsor a NYC baby through Baby Basics - donations are 100% tax deductible.

Jessica Seinfeld's Baby Buggy initiative is always in need of volunteers to help with an assortment of tasks - prepping and bundling donations, sorting and repairing new clothing samples, and preparing infant items for distribution to the families in need.

Check our special volunteering section for more ways to help!

The Food Bank of NYC obtains food and support from public and private sources and then redistributes those resources to affiliated charitable providers, including soup kitchens, pantries, and shelters.

The Food Pantry operates out of the Community Kitchen in Harlem - at 252 W 116 Street - and is open four days a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am?3pm, and Wednesdays, 1pm?6pm.

Volunteer opportunities include food sorting, donations, and more.

Fountain House is dedicated to the recovery of men and women with mental illness by providing opportunities for members to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support.

Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures. Participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community and partners with a local grassroots group to meet local needs.

Trips last one, two, or three weeks, depending on the site, and each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. Volunteers can be ages eight and up; a parent or guardian must accompany kids under the age of 18.

Habitat for Humanity is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to building simple, low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. The organization believes homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and contributes to pride in families and communities.

You don't need to be an expert in construction or a committee subject area to help out. There are many tasks that require only a willingness to learn and work with others. However, kids must be 16 years or older to help on the construction sites, and there must be one adult at a work site for every two kids. Due to the wonderful popularity of Habitat for Humanity, there is generally a two- to three-month wait to volunteer on a construction site.

The not-for-profit Humane Society offers information about pet adoption and boarding, dog training classes, pet loss support groups, and help in locating lost animals.

Local branches of the Society are often educational places to visit. The cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and rodents appreciate the attention, and children - who must remain under adult supervision at all times - can show them some love. Adults can usually remove the animals from cages or pens for one-on-one interaction in visiting rooms.

Volunteer opportunities: can be found on the website, or visit or call your local chapter for information.

The not-for-profit Humane Society offers information about pet adoption and boarding, dog training classes, pet loss support groups, and help in locating lost animals.

Local branches of the Society are often educational places to visit. The cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and rodents appreciate the attention, and children - who must remain under adult supervision at all times - can show them some love. Adults can usually remove the animals from cages or pens for one-on-one interaction in visiting rooms.

Volunteer opportunities: can be found on the website, or visit or call your local chapter for information.

Idealist is an interactive website where families can locate local volunteer opportunities. You can even sign up to receive daily alerts about new opportunities matching your interests.

The JCC's 137,000 foot state-of-the-art building houses a nursery school, auditorium, pool, gym, rooftop playground, fitness center, gift shop, cafe, contemplative space, plus senior, adult, and teen centers that offer a wide variety of programs such as arts & crafts, photography, cooking, day camp, afterschool, and more. Truly a building for the entire community.

Sports leagues for kids and adults, parenting seminars and classes, Operation Chicken Soup, a teen-led program to deliver hot kosher food to the elderly and infirm, and many other programs are highly recommended.

Swimming lessons begin for children at the age of six months, accompanied by parent or caregiver.

Family swim times are available throughout the week. Call or visit the JCC's website for hours, as they vary.

Tweens use the Center as a place to meet up with friends and experiment with cutting edge programs in a relaxed and safe environment.

Teens can check out theater, cooking, arts, CPR, self-defense, and writing classes. The Teen Lounge offers a safe haven where older kids can relax, study, or hang out with friends.

Vacation and Summer Camps, for children ages three to ten, offer basketball, painting, drama, cooking, gymnastics, soccer, crafts, movement, games, floor hockey, dance, science, and more. Call 646.505.4430 for more info.

The Parenting Resource Center offers classes in everything from breastfeeding to allergies to child-raising strategies and cooking classes.

Three separate membership packages are available; call or visit the JCC's website for details

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a non-profit organization that helps people of all ages who are at risk for, or are experiencing, vision loss.

It provides services, research, and education; and serves as an advocate to help people with low vision and blindness live safe, independent and productive lives.

The Child Development Center provides comprehensive services to meet the special needs of children who are blind or partially sighted. Kids learn basic life skills; gain opportunities for social development; and acquire literacy, study, and computer skills to help them build the bridges they'll need on the road to an independent life.

The preschool serves children from all five boroughs of New York City who are between the ages of two years, nine months and five years. Visually impaired kids learn alongside children with full sight for a more diverse and enriching educational experience. The Lighthouse Preschool also offers a class for children who have more intense special educational needs.

Make a Child Smile, also known as MACS, provides support to children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses and their families. Families looking for an opportunity to volunteer can visit the MACS website and learn about featured children and their illnesses, then send cards, letters, and small gifts to the featured children and their siblings through postal mail.

Each child's mailing address can be found on their story page, right next to their picture.

March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Volunteering opportunities and ideas are described on the website, from organizing fund-raising walks to letter campaigns. The website also provides link to local chapters.

Activities for youth volunteers to learn, serve, and lead are available through the Team Youth program.

Meals on Wheels provides meal services for senior citizens in need, and offers great opportunities for older children and families to explore community service and volunteering.

Visit the website to find opportunities near you.

New York Cares is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting pressing community needs by mobilizing volunteers. Families and youth service volunteers are encouraged to pitch in and discover the joy of giving.

Initiatives include an annual winter Coat Drive, a Winter Wishes program that provides holiday gifts for families with children, large scale volunteer days (October and April), and more. New York Cares offers more than 900 flexibly scheduled volunteer projects every month across the city addressing a wide range of social needs affecting men, women, and children in need.

Visit the website for information on how to volunteer, and which opportunities are currently available.

The New York Benefit & Aid Committee for Kids, Inc (NY BACKed) is a not-for-profit organization founded by young professionals and graduate students to help local charities for children through financial contributions and volunteer support.

One of its loveliest ideas is Operation Fairy Dust, which occurs annually just around prom time. Donated formal dresses, in good condition, are given for free to NYC high school girls who are unable to meet the costs involved with dressing for the prom. For information about giving or receiving a prom dress, please visit the website, listed above.

Operation Goody Bag is designed to express appreciation for the sacrifices made by America's first responders, and to develop in students an awareness of the value of service.

The program ships brown lunch bags, hand colored with patriotic themes and filled with candy, gum, a personal letter, original poetry, and puzzles to US military personnel as well as local Fire, Rescue, Ambulance, and K9 organizations, Veterans' Homes, VFW Posts, military hospitals, and US military academies.

Information about how to help, including donating, creating brown bag art, and writing letters to be included in the bags, can be found on the website.

One child's great idea - "What if every child gave up one birthday, just one, by giving instead of receiving? How many sick children could we help?" - has grown into a non-profit dream.

Children register with the Fund, select a hospital where children are treated that will benefit, ask friends to bring a check for the hospital to the birthday party, then make a date with the hospital to present the donation.

The Fund sends participants an official Peter Pan Birthday Club Certificate and Order of Pan crest pin. Children and teens who participate are also eligible for consideration for induction into The Second Star to the Right Hall of Fame.

The Points of Light Foundation and the Hands On Network connect individuals to local volunteer opportunities that match their interests and skills.

The Kids Care Clubs initiative gives young people a jump start on becoming active in their communities, providing children in elementary and middle school with ideas and a framework for organizing volunteer programs. Each month, the website posts different service projects, which include step-by-step instructions, compassion and issues education, meeting activities, additional resources, and information on possible service partners.

The Points of Light Foundation and the Hands On Network connect individuals to local volunteer opportunities that match their interests and skills.

The Kids Care Clubs initiative gives young people a jump start on becoming active in their communities, providing children in elementary and middle school with ideas and a framework for organizing volunteer programs. Each month, the website posts different service projects, which include step-by-step instructions, compassion and issues education, meeting activities, additional resources, and information on possible service partners.

Need to raise money for your school? Tired of bake sales? PTO Ideas is dedicated to helping weary Parent-Teacher organizations revitalize the fund-raising process.

Rainbeau Ridge is a working farm that offers families an opportunity to commune with a full range of farm animals and explore farm life during the summer months.

Programs for kids are offered seasonally, for ages two and up (toddler programs include accompanying adults). Check the website for a complete schedule.

Teens and adults can also volunteer at the farm and learn more about gardening and animal care.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. Through community volunteers in every state and US territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year.

Volunteering opportunities abound, particularly for high school and college students who can donate time to read to and teach young children. Check the website for local programs.

Rebuilding Together's mission is to preserve affordable housing by bringing volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners.

The organization's signature event, Rebuilding Day, takes place each year in April, but affiliates work year round in many parts of the country, delivering emergency services, home modifications, and green building to conserve energy and consumption.

There are more than 245 Ronald McDonald Houses in 26 countries, offering support and practical assistance to families with very sick children. It's a safe bet that your local chapter can always use volunteers.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Place for Family Community Service in New York City, Room To Grow's mission is to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development. It provides parents in poverty with clothing, books, toys, and other essential items for their growing babies, and offers one-on-one parenting guidance and child-rearing information to ensure their child's healthy and secure start in life.

Every three months, from just before the birth of their baby until their child turns three, parents visit Room To Grow for a one-on-one appointment time to select all the essential items for their growing babies, free of charge. During their visits with a social worker, parents not only receive the material necessities for their babies, they also have the opportunity to discuss their parenting and child-care concerns. This includes helping parents understand their child's developmental process, how to recognize and respond to their child's needs, what to expect at each developmental stage, and how to cope with raising their child in typically stressful circumstances.

One of the ways you can help in the effort is by donating new or nearly new baby items. The most important thing is that the items be in truly excellent condition. Please donate only what you would feel good about having for your baby - nothing stained, teethed on, worn in appearance, missing parts, etc.

Room to Grow is always looking for volunteers who can help to inventory, sort, and prepare for display the many community donations of baby essentials. Please email or call for more information about volunteering.

You might also consider hosting a baby shower to collect needed baby essentials for Room To Grow families. Get together with friends, colleagues or others to raise money or to collect baby items to donate.

Share Our Strength (SOS) is a national nonprofit that organizes individuals and businesses to share their strengths to help end hunger. Using innovative approaches - from holding volunteer-led special events across the country to developing cause-related marketing ventures and corporate partnerships - SOS goal is to end childhood hunger in America.

In addition to donating money, parents can participate in a number of SOS' programs, including The Great American Bake Sale, Taste of the Nation, Operation Frontline, and A Tasteful Pursuit.