How to give back in NYC? Try New York Cares

New York City is a tremendous city and those who have spent time in the Big Apple knows that the people are the heart and soul of this town. Despite the stereotype of the surly, rushed New Yorker, most people who live in the five boroughs are warm and generous with both their time and their money.

But what's the best way to give back? There are thousands of deserving good causes spread near and far. Most are amazing, some are a bit sketchy and only a few are the right fit.

The NYC Big Adventure recommends checking out New York Cares. The organization was founded by a group of friends in 1987 who wanted to take action against some of the endless social issues in New York City. Today, the organization engages 59,000 volunteers in service each year, helping 400,000 New Yorkers in need.


But what we really dig about New York Cares is their superior interactive website that offers an amazing selection of opportunities. A highly searchable listing system with features such as a map and filters provides details and clearly indicates the number of spots left. In our opinion, it make determining how to spend your time giving and contributing!


NY Cares doesn't get enough love and it is one of best for showcasing 1000s of volunteer opportunities in NYC. Make a difference today, yo!

How to Hand Out Water at the New York City Marathon

Volunteer at the ING New York City Marathon

This Sunday brings back an annual Autumn tradition as the ING New York City Marathon hits 26.2 Miles of pavement throughout the five boroughs. To be a part of it, you could cram the sidewalks with an estimated crowd of two million of your closest friends. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and land a choice viewing point from a packed corner. 

However, the Big Adventure has a better option: Volunteering at an Aid Station or as a Course Marshall for 41st running of the ING New York City Marathon.

Speaking from experience, volunteering is an incredibly exciting and fun option for getting involved with the race. For the true “part of the race” sensations, try to volunteer on the course either as an Aid Station attendant or a Course Marshall in charge of guiding runners in the right direction. A Course Marshall! Think of the prestige with a title like that. They even have added Entertainment Volunteers this year who assist in managing and supporting the bands that are hired to play along the course and pumping up the crowd and reporting back with feedback on the marathon music.

At the Aid Stations, your charge is to be part of a fifty-plus person team that prepares and hands out water to each runner. You'll replenish fluids from everyone to the elite race-leaders to your office co-worker struggling through their first ever marathon.

When handing out water and Gatorade, don’t be surprised if you find you’ve suddenly become the most beloved and desired person in NYC. Grateful runners – fast and slow – will snatch cups from your hand and throw them down mercilessly at your feet. And, yes, you’ll even see a few cases of the dreaded, infamous bloody nipple caused by shirt chafing. You may have a choice of mile markers, but the stations in Central Park towards the end of the course are usually regarded as the best. In short: it is a rare and unique volunteering experience that allows you to see an amazing race up close and personable.

But the best part? Volunteering tends to be much easier on the legs than actually, you know, running the marathon. You must by 18, work the requested few hours and you’ll get some official gear too. For more info & to sign up, visit this page on the office ING NYC Marathon site. Sign up soon; the race is this Sunday:

http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/course_vols.htm


http://volunteers.nyrr.org/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fraces.aspx  

And some bonus Marathon info for you. This event tomorrow night (11/1) to prep for the race seemed pretty nifty:Apple Store Event in NYC: NYRR's digital technologies evangelist will present "Running and Technology: Made for Each Other" at the Upper West Side Apple Store (Broadway at West 67th St) on Tuesday, 11/1 at 6:00 p.m. Come to this free marathon-week event to learn about all the ways technology can help you achieve your running goals!