Volunteer FAQ's

What is New York Cares Day?
In its 17th year, New York Cares Day is a day of service that mobilizes more than 8,000 volunteers to revitalize more than 100 public schools and raise money for New York Cares.

When is New York Cares Day this year?
Saturday, October 18th from 9:30am - 3:30pm.

Who can participate in the day?
Anyone over the age of 12 (volunteers aged 12 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Youth Teams should be High School students 14 years and older, and must be accompanied by a chaperone.

Do I have to be part of a team in order to participate?
No. While we encourage people to form teams of family, friends or co-workers, individuals are always welcome.

Do I need to attend the New York Cares orientation in order to participate in the event?
No.

How do I register?
Registration for this event takes place through our special New York Cares Day Web site, which will be available from July 14th.

Is there a cost or fee to participate?
No. However, volunteers are asked to make a $5 donation to help cover the costs of the event t-shirt and other costs incurred by New York Cares on this important day of service. We also encourage all participants to fundraise in the same way as you would for a walk-a-thon.

What is the schedule for the day?

Do I have to volunteer all day?
Yes. Projects have been carefully planned to ensure we have exactly the right number of volunteers to get the job done, and leave the school looking beautiful and refreshed.

What happens if it rains?
New York Cares Day takes place rain or shine. Each school's projects are developed with a rain plan in mind. If the weather is bad and we cannot work outdoors, the school will have additional indoor projects.

Is lunch provided?
No. All volunteers should bring a bag lunch unless your team leader tells you otherwise. Please bear in mind that the nearest place to buy lunch may be some distance from your school, and the transportation and time constraints may therefore make buying lunch difficult.

I'm not part of a team, how do I register on my own?
When online registration opens on July 14th, you will simply select the 'Register as an individual' option.

How do I register as a team?
A team is a group of 10-50 people who want to volunteer together. Anyone can form a team and teammates can be friends, family, co-workers, associates or any combination of the above. Every team needs to appoint a Team Leader who will coordinate details for the team on and before the day. When registration opens on July 14th, you will simply select the 'Start a Team' option.

Can I select which school I work at?
Due to the large number of volunteers involved in this event, you cannot select your own project site; a site will be assigned for you. Details will be emailed to you closer to the event.

Fundraising FAQ's

I'm volunteering my time, why am I also being asked to raise money?
Every day of the year, New York Cares creates volunteer projects that meet pressing needs in our city and enable thousands of busy New Yorkers to engage their passion for helping others. Our work would not be possible without financial support. The money raised during New York Cares Day supports our year round programming, which touches the lives of over 250,000 disadvantaged New Yorkers every year.

How does it work?
New York Cares Day is similar to a walk-a-thon. We encourage volunteers to ask family, friends and co-workers to pledge donations in honor of the service they do that day.

How do my friends and family make a donation?
When you register for New York Cares Day, you will get your very own customizable webpage and a number of easy to use tools which allow you to email family, friends and coworkers. The emails will provide a direct link to your personalized New York Cares Day web page where visitors can learn more and make a donation. Alternatively, friends and family can locate your webpage by simply clicking on the "Sponsor Volunteer" button and entering your name from the New York Cares Day website.