New York Cares
History
New York Cares is a nonprofit organization focused on volunteer management and was founded by a group of New York residents in 1987 who wanted to take action against social issues in New York City. The organization currently engages 63,000 volunteers in service each year. The organization works with 1,350 nonprofits and schools, and aims to improve education, meet immediate needs, and revitalize public spaces throughout NYC. The organization plans and manages about 1,500 volunteer projects each month.
New York Cares is a member of the Hands On Network and the Points of Light Foundation.
Signature programs
The New York Cares Coat Drive is a popular holiday philanthropic tradition due to the highly-recognizable 'Shivering Statue of Liberty' image employed in its marketing materials. It has collected and distributed over 1.7 million coats to people in need since 1989.
New York Cares Day Fall is the organization's largest volunteer day where 4,000 volunteers revitalize 70 NYC public schools and raise money for New York Cares' education programs.
New York Cares Day Spring is New York Cares' spring volunteer day with over 4,000 volunteers cleaning up over 80 parks, gardens, and community spaces around New York City.
The organization's Winter Wishes program provides holiday gifts to over 42,000 New Yorkers in need each year who might otherwise receive little or nothing for the holidays. Kids, teens, seniors, and families write letters to New York Cares, which then gives the letters to individuals who buy gifts for those who requested them.