Volunteer Project Catalog
Greenbush YMCA
The Capital District YMCA together with our volunteers and community members is positioned to feed over 1200 families this Thanksgiving holiday. Join us to help pack food bags or to help delivery Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout Rensselaer County and beyond. People helping people, it is what the Y is all about.
How you can help:
Guilderland YMCA
The Guilderland Y Indoor Triathlon! We are looking for volunteers to assist in race day tasks such as greeting, timing, swim lap counting, time recording, etc. Our event is scheduled for Sunday, January 3, 2027. First heat begins at 7:30AM sharp. Please consider joining us for this event! We hope to see you there!
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us as a volunteer to assist our Swim Instructor staff with swim lessons. This volunteer opportunity is flexible and focuses on helping to teach youth ages 6 months - 12 years old water safety and how to swim. YMCA swim lessons run year round, typically in 4-7 week sessions (meeting once a week). Volunteers shifts are flexible! Once you sign up please email Yillian Burek, Aquatics Director, at yburek@cdymca.org to set up your shifts
How you can help:
Guilderland YMCA
Each Thanksgiving, the Guilderland YMCA brings together volunteers, community partners, donors, and local organizations to help ensure families in our community can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal. This year, we anticipate providing Thanksgiving meals to 410–425 local families. Each meal includes a turkey and traditional Thanksgiving sides and fixings, made possible through community food drives, financial donations, and the work of many volunteers. Volunteers are an essential part of Basket Brigade. Opportunities range from receiving and organizing donated food, packing meal baskets, loading vehicles, assisting with distribution, and helping us reset once the work is complete. Whether you can give an hour or several, there is a way to be part of it. Individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams are welcome. Together, we can make Thanksgiving a little brighter for hundreds of families in our community.
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Southern Saratoga YMCA
Come volunteer to help us pack and deliver Thanksgiving Meals to families in our community. Our goal this year is to serve over 120 families!
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Greene County YMCA
Pack & Deliver Thanksgiving baskets to local families
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Glenville YMCA
Beginning in 2016, the Caring Community Basket Brigade initiative has brought joy to those who struggle during the holidays. Thanks to generous donors like you, the Y and our community partners have supported more than 2,400 families since 2016. You don’t need us to tell you that many families in the Capital District struggle every day to make ends meet. For them, there is no greater gift to begin the holiday season than all the fixings needed to prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal for their family. This year, we’re working to feed 3,500 families! BETTER TOGETHER - The Capital District YMCA is a leading Capital Region charity.
How you can help:
Bethlehem YMCA
Helping those in need to enjoy the special joy of a complete Thanksgiving meal is what the Basket Brigade program has been doing since 2016. In 2016, HMA Contracting Corp. approached the CDYMCA and volunteered to donate 50 turkeys to provide Capital Region families with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner if the Y could donate the accompanying side dishes. The effort has grown with each passing year thanks to the generous and enthusiastic support of people throughout the Capital Region as well as new corporate sponsors. Volunteers from around the Capital Region sort, pack, and deliver Thanksgiving meals in four counties. The Capital District YMCA has once again teamed up with our friends at HMA Contracting, Hamel Real Estate, and the Capital Region Food Pantries to feed families this Thanksgiving. This year, we estimate we will feed over 1,600 families. The estimated cost to provide a complete meal with all of the fixings and the turkey is $100. How many families we are able to feed depends on your help. Currently, we are accepting monetary donations, to help us purchase turkeys and other items necessary to complete each meal. Our branches will be collecting the following: Canned Veggies Canned Fruit Stuffing Mashed Potatoes Canned Yams Gravy Brownie Mix All monetary donations are tax deductible.
How you can help:
Bethlehem YMCA
The Branch Community Engagement Council works in partnership with the Association Board of Directors to deliver the strategic plan of the Capital District YMCA. Council members offer advice and guidance and lead fundraising initiatives to support the mission work of the YMCA.
How you can help:
Administrative Office
Achievers is a leadership and career exploration program that helps students discover their potential and build a clear path for their future. Through mentorship, real career exposure, and leadership development, students gain the confidence, skills, and support system they need to succeed in college, careers, and life. By the time students graduate from Achievers, they leave with a plan, professional connections, and the belief that they are capable of achieving more than they imagined.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Come volunteer to help us pack and distribute Brooks BBQ dinners. These have been pre-ordered by the community and include a half chicken, baked potato, roll, and mac salad. This fundraiser is in support of our Basket Brigade, to help feed families in our community at Thanksgiving!
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YMCA Camp Chingachgook
YMCA Camp Chingachgook is uniquely positioned to bring about meaningful, lasting change in our communities. We help identify and meet the community’s most pressing needs in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Camp Community Engagement Council works in partnership with the CDYMCA Board of Directors to deliver the strategic plan of the Camp & the Capital District YMCA. Council members offer advice and guidance and lead fundraising initiatives to support the mission work of Camp. In order to continue to grow our impact and ensure we are meeting community needs, it is vital that we build relationships with those who can help advance the full scope of Camp's mission, cause, and programs. Our Council of Advisors meets monthly on zoom to provide diverse insights into our community and help direct the future of Camp. Those interested in joining can reach out to Executive Director, Jiné Andreozzi, at jandreozzi@cdymca.org
How you can help:
Glenville YMCA
Join us as a volunteer for the Glenville Community Engagement Council. The Capital District YMCA is a volunteer-lead organization. Under the guidance of the Executive Directors, these volunteers help provide valuable community perspective, are the YMCA ambassadors, and help fundraise for mission work in Eastern Schenectady County. This group of volunteers meet every other month from September - June, with opportunities to become involved in additional task forces, committees, and association events. Once you sign up please email Katie Massie, Executive Director, at kmassie@cdymca.org for more information.
How you can help:
Glenville YMCA
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Capital District YMCA. Volunteer Matters is our volunteer management system and is used to register individuals participating in YMCA events, program facilitation, community engagement opportunities, and any volunteer role that requires interaction with YMCA members or program participants. Registration allows us to maintain accurate volunteer records, communicate important event information, and, when applicable, complete required background screenings to ensure the safety and well-being of the children, families, and communities we serve. We appreciate your partnership and commitment to supporting the YMCA mission. Your involvement helps strengthen our community and create positive experiences for all participants.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us as a volunteer to support our Membership staff at the Member Services Desk. This flexible opportunity allows us to match you with activities that align with your unique skills and passions, ensuring a meaningful and effective contribution. Volunteer duties range from greeting and welcoming members, to making new member welcome folders, and assisting Member Services staff. Staff will teach each volunteer during their volunteer time. We are looking for volunteers year-round, from Sunday through Saturday, with a focus on evenings and weekend help. Volunteers shifts are flexible! Upon singing up, please email Larry Hazel, Membership Director at lhazel@cdymca.org to schedule your shifts.
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Schenectady YMCA
845 Commons provides housing and support services to previously homeless, disables men, veterans and individuals with disabilities preference. We are looking to kitchen help to . We are looking for volunteers in the kitchen to help maintains kitchen work areas, floors, equipment, and utensils. As well as, assist cooks with food preparation while maintaining high level of sanitation in immediate area.
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Bethlehem YMCA
Pickleball Ambassadors are volunteers who have pledged to promote the sport of pickleball and the Capital District YMCA in the local area that they represent. They are individuals or couples who work with the communities, clubs, and other various recreational facilities to guide and help build pickleball programs for all to enjoy. These Ambassadors work to enhance the development of pickleball within the Capital District YMCA. The main prerequisite is a love of the sport and the desire to share our game with others of all ages.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us as a volunteer to support our Program staff in Youth Programming. This flexible opportunity allows us to match you with activities that align with your unique skills and passions, ensuring a meaningful and effective contribution. We are currently looking for help in the following areas: -STEM -Lego STEM -Art -Music -Sports (including, but not limited to flag football, soccer, basketball, pickleball, running, archery) YMCA Programs run year round, as drop in workshops or 4-7 week sessions (typically meeting once a week). Volunteers shifts are flexible! Once you sign up please email Jazmin Sepulveda, Senior Program Director, at jsepulveda@cdymca.org to set up your shifts.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us as a volunteer for the Southern Saratoga YMCA Community Engagement Council. The Capital District YMCA is a volunteer-lead organization. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, these volunteers help provide valuable community perspective, are the YMCA ambassadors, and help fundraise for mission work in Clifton Park and the surrounding communities. This group of volunteers meet every other month from September - June, with opportunities to become involved in additional task forces, committees, and association events. Once you sign up please email Andrea Montejano, District Executive Director, at amontejano@cdymca.org for more information.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Come volunteer with the Southern Saratoga YMCA! Not sure where to start? We will help align your passions and schedule with the right opportunity. Please contact Andrea Montejano, Executive Director, at amontejano@cdymca.org.
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Schenectady YMCA
On November 8, 2026, The Schenectady YMCA will once again serve as the hub for Stockadeathon! Stockadeathon is a safe and secure, USATF-certified 15K course through Schenectady’s historic Stockade district, beautiful Central Park, and the historic Vale Cemetery. We will have in excess of 3000 competitors in our YMCA on this day. This is a highly anticipated event that brings the community together in many different ways, shapes and forms. There are numerous shift times to choose from. Come join the fun!
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Albany YMCA
The Teen Night Volunteer Coach helps create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where teens can build healthy relationships, develop confidence, and have fun. Volunteer Coaches serve as positive role models, encourage participation, and support YMCA staff in providing meaningful experiences that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
How you can help:
Troy YMCA
Join the Troy YMCA in spreading gratitude and giving back this Thanksgiving! We’re bringing our community together with a goal of providing Thanksgiving meals to 120 local families. Volunteers are needed to help pack bags with Thanksgiving meal essentials and deliver meals to families throughout our community. Whether you can lend a hand packing bags, help deliver meals, or do both, your time and support will make a meaningful difference. At the Y, we believe in the power of people helping people. Join us in making sure local families can enjoy a little extra warmth, care, and support this Thanksgiving. Together, we can make a difference-one family at a time!
How you can help:
Troy YMCA
To be an advocate for the YMCA. To understand potential collaborations, partnerships or business development opportunities. Help identify community needs and partnership and finding support to fund mission-based programming. Provide support to the branch Executive Director.
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Parkinson's Center YMCA
The Parkinson’s Center YMCA is looking for compassionate, dependable Volunteer Coaches to help support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. You’ll work alongside our professional wellness team to help create a safe, encouraging, and welcoming environment for everyone who participates. Key Responsibilities: Support wellness staff during exercise classes and group sessions. Help monitor participant safety and communicate any concerns to staff. Provide appropriate assistance to participants as directed by wellness staff. Encourage participants and help create positive social connections. Help maintain a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for participants and care partners. Assist with class setup, cleanup, and other program needs. Be physically able to safely perform the essential functions of the role, including standing, walking, and providing appropriate physical assistance when needed. Complete an interview and screening process prior to volunteering to ensure a safe and appropriate experience for participants, care partners, and volunteers.
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us as a volunteer to support our Group Exercise staff in classes. This flexible opportunity allows us to match you with activities that align with your unique skills and passions, ensuring a meaningful and effective contribution. Staff will teach each volunteer during their volunteer time. We are looking for volunteers year-round, from Monday-Friday. Volunteers shifts are flexible! Upon singing up, please email Jazmin Sepulveda, Senior Program Director, at jsepulveda@cdymca.org to schedule your shifts.
How you can help:
Albany YMCA
Volunteers Needed: Food Delivery Support Each Thursday from 1:00–4:00 p.m., the Capital District YMCA partners with the Salvation Army to deliver food to refugee and immigrant families in Albany. We are looking for caring volunteers to help make this effort possible. Volunteers may assist with packing, loading, and delivering food, and offering a warm, welcoming presence to families in our community.
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