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It’s the time of year when you reunite with your family, eat mom’s turkey or famous curry, and watch copious amounts of football or cricket with dad. This year, why not put a new spin on Thanksgiving? If you aren’t going home for the holidays, why not volunteer your time at a great charity instead of sitting cooped up in your apartment? If your family is headed in for a visit, make it a family affair and have them join you in the spirit of the season—Giving!
CitySaheli found these South Asian charities that could really use your help this holiday season.
New York Asian Women’s Center (NYAWC)
Violence against women is an issue that permeates across cultures. In an effort to empower Asian women who may not otherwise seek help, New York Asian Women’s Center provides a safe haven for women in need. Either through volunteering, or attending an event, you can promote their cause by helping women get out of bad situations and secure a better life for themselves and their children. NYAWC has a special need for volunteers who speak South-Asian languages, particularly Bengali, Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
South Asian Council for Social Services
The South Asian Council for Social Services is dedicated to providing South Asian Americans immigrants and refugees with programs, services, and activities to assist integration into American society, while achieving economic self-sufficiency. They offer ESL classes, a healthcare access program, and special programs for parents.
South Asian Youth Action! (SAYA!)
If you’re looking to make a longer commitment, consider mentoring a South-Asian student aged 12-19 years old. SAYA! (which means shade in Hindi) affords you the opportunity to provide a young South Asian with the support and encouragement to aim high and reach their goals. Founded in 1996 in Elmhurst, Queens, SAYA! is the first organization to provide such a service in the United States.
New York Cares
If you’re looking to make a one-time volunteer commitment or continue working with the same charity time after time, New York Cares provides you with the most comprehensive database of upcoming projects. With numerous methods to search for volunteer opportunities, ranging from location, time of event, and type of event; we are confident that you will find a number of places eager for your time this season.
We hope you find time this Thanksgiving to serve in soup kitchens, shelters, courts, classrooms, offices, gardens, and homes around New York City. Consider this your call to action: the season of giving begins with you.
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