Volunteer Project Catalog
Guilderland YMCA
Celebrate Diwali—the Festival of Lights—with the Guilderland YMCA! This free, family-friendly celebration brings our community together through music, dance, song, art, décor, and traditions shared by our Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepali neighbors. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the hope, renewal, and connection found through community. Volunteers help create a warm, welcoming, and well-organized experience for everyone attending. Opportunities include event setup and decorating, greeting and directing guests, supporting performers and activities, assisting with sweets and hospitality, maintaining safe crowd flow, and helping with cleanup and facility reset. No previous knowledge of Diwali is required. YMCA staff and committee members will provide instructions and cultural context for each assignment. Volunteers should be welcoming, dependable, flexible, and comfortable engaging with guests of all ages and backgrounds. Photo: “Diya set in a rangoli” by siddarth varanasi, CC BY 2.0.
How you can help:
Greenbush YMCA
The 518 Teal Pumpkin Party is a party of the Teal Pumpkin Project. It is a safe, fun Halloween celebration for children with life threatening food allergies. For so many children and families, the thought of Halloween can be a scary one. The candy and food alone can be terrifying for parents of children with food allergies. The 518 Teal Pumpkin Party offers children and families a fun, interactive celebration where food and candy are not the center of attention. Children can visit various stations and participate in spooky centers to receive prizes. Allergy friendly food samples will be available along with raffle and door prizes. Join us for this spooktacular event! Costumes are encouraged!
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.
How you can help:
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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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!
How you can help:
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Join us for our annual Fall Festival! This is a free community event, open to the public. We will have activities such as archery, pickleball, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more!
How you can help:
Greene County YMCA
Fall Festival is a free community event. Volunteers needed for Trunk or Treat, setup, cleanup, and during the event.
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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:
Guilderland YMCA
Share an hour. Create a memory. Build a friendship. Join us in bringing joy, creativity, and connection to children 6 weeks to 5 years old in our Child Watch Program! As a GrandFriend Activity Companion, you’ll spend time reading stories, playing board or card games, and enjoying fun arts & crafts together. Every visit is an opportunity to learn from one another, spark imagination, and celebrate simple moments of laughter and discovery. No special skills required — just a warm heart, a love of kids, and a desire to make a difference. Our qualified staff will be present at all times. Together, we’ll build friendships across generations and strengthen our community one smile at a time.
How you can help:
Guilderland YMCA
Help at the Guilderland YMCA for our annual event. Positions will include candy packers days before the event, snack distribution, welcomers, arts and crafts assistance, gym activities assistants, and set up and break down.
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Glenville YMCA
Join us at the Glenville YMCA for a "friendly" Zombie run through our trails while greeted by visitors. This event is open to the community and a great family event. We will end the event with a pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin and decorate it and join in some fun activities.
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.
How you can help:
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.
How you can help:
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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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.
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Bethlehem YMCA
Start Halloween at the Bethlehem YMCA with Trails & Treats! Join us for trick-or-treating through the trails, a bonfire, cider donuts, apple cider, food vendors, and fall fun for the whole family! This even is free and open to all! Don't forget to come in a costume!
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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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