Giving Back in Brooklyn

Become a force of change in your community by volunteering or contributing to a cause.

Donating your time and talents can be just as rewarding for you as for those you are helping. At this time of the year when we contemplate giving back and helping others, find an opportunity to get involved with the local initiatives that positively impact your community. Here are just a few examples:

Donate to Councilmember Lincoln Restler’s clothes drive

The Office of Councilmember Lincoln Restler is collecting coats and other used items of clothing to donate to the new men’s shelter. Give back this Thanksgiving season by donating to the Councilmember’s clothes drive at 410 Atlantic Ave, every Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 PM.

#BrooklynGives on Giving Tuesday

Powered by Brooklyn Community Foundation, #BrooklynGives unites donors and nonprofits across our borough in support of social change on Giving Tuesday. Visit the Brooklyn Gives website to learn about the work of amazing Brooklyn nonprofits — you can search, discover, and support more than 100 local nonprofits all on this one giving platform. Join the Giving Tuesday movement by pledging to Give Where You Live on November 29th.

Help provide free community fitness programming by donating to Inclusive Community Wellness

Inclusive Community Wellness — a non-profit that empowers New Yorkers to improve their health, well-being and productivity — is launching vital health and wellness programming in Downtown Brooklyn! Help make their goal a reality by donating to the cause or volunteering.

Help the homebound elderly

Citymeals on Wheels delivers nourishing meals and companionship in all five boroughs to those who are isolated at home. Citymeals is dedicated to ensuring the elderly have access to the resources they need. Volunteer opportunities also include crafting cards to deliver on holidays and special occasions, visiting isolated older neighbors in search of friendship, and contacting them over the phone with weekly calls.

Give back to BAC

The Brooklyn Autism Center is currently accepting donations! BAC is a private non-profit school dedicated to providing high-quality education to individuals ages 5 to 21 with autism. This Thanksgiving season, help BAC continue to improve the quality of life for children with autism with a modest donation. Donate online here or by check via mail to:

The Brooklyn Autism Center
57 Willoughby Street, Third Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Donate to the Urban Assembly School for Law & Justice

Give back to neighborhood students by make a contribution to the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice. Donations help provide students with individualized college, career, and enrichment program that enables future success. You can donate online here or by mail to:

Adams Street Foundation
attn: Diana Moldovan
283 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Help kids access free books

Brooklyn Book Bodega provides children with access to affordable books to inspire and fuel the creativity of future generations. This organization partners with schools, educators, food pantries, and individuals to ensure that children can choose what they want to read. Brooklyn Book Bodega is searching for individuals to sort through books and who can provide book pickup/delivery (using your own vehicle). Learn more about their upcoming volunteer opportunities here.

Become an afterschool homework helper

Do you have a strong commitment to increasing access to quality education? Foster a lifelong love for learning by assisting children in grades 1-8 with their homework at the Brooklyn Public Library. Training is provided for volunteers who are willing to provide tutoring in various subjects. Using library resources and directories is encouraged.