It's National Volunteer Week!

This week is National Volunteer Week (April 22- 27) and the best time to pay tribute to our committed volunteers who dedicate so much of their time and effort aiding our clients. Met Council is honored that hundreds of volunteers each month come through our doors eager and willing to help fight poverty in New York City with us. We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the thousands of hours volunteers have donated, we truly appreciate your hard work. Here are a few highlights:

• The efficient and hardworking teenage scouts from the Tzofirm Shnat Sherut Program without who we could have never completed the 200 Passover food packages for the New York Board of Rabbis. They made quick work of the task at hand and made it possible to send out the packages in time for Passover celebrations. We are honored to nominate them as April 2013 Volunteer of the month!
• Senior Lunch Program volunteer turned leader, Geoff Cutler has always stepped up when we put out a call for action and are in need of volunteers. He has left a lasting impression on the residents and participants of the Senior Lunch program who rely on his commitment and enthusiasm.
• Sandy relief volunteers Elisabeth Norment and Bella Wolf who have participated in countless recovery projects in the Rockaways. They have both shown incredible initiative and commitment to the tasks at hand. Elisabeth was a tireless volunteer, sanding down a large section of the house as well as cleaning up the waste under the house (no small feat!). Bella assisted two families with their Passover cleaning and took part in painting the Sandy-damaged hallway of the JCCRP ahead of their press meeting.

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with us based on your interests and availability, we work to find the best fit for you! Here are just some of the volunteer programs we are actively recruiting for:

• Just the Boys- Create lasting and meaningful relationships with boys affected by family violence by volunteering to mentor and play sports each month.
  
• Wellness Workshops- Share your positive energy and knowledge of nutrition and fitness with our low-income residents throughout the 5 boroughs. We have an open-house orientation you can attend to find out more without committing on May 2^nd or 7^th at 6:30pm.
• GED Motivational Mentors- Volunteer from home to help engage participants of the 2013 GED Campaign to Finish through weekly phone conversations to keep them going and achieve their GED!

If you would like more information on any of the listed opportunities or want to get involved in any of our other ongoing programs, please email volunteer@metcouncil.org or call 212-453-9508.