It feels good to lend a hand during the holidays — especially when it’s for yourself. And luckily, New York has plenty of volunteer groups — which are always looking for more help from the general public — that will reward your noble efforts with benefits beyond just a warm, fuzzy feeling. Take a look:
1. PLAY WITH KITTENS!
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 E. 92nd St.; 212-876-7700, aspca.org
Animal lover? Enjoy pets at their absolute cutest — no strings attached — by signing up for kitten socialization sessions at the ASPCA, where you can spend as long as you like — whenever you like — playing with furry felines. The playtime helps the kittens become more comfortable around humans, says Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the ASPCA adoption center. “It’s a very social experience for both the animals and the people,” she says. The friendlier the kitties become from the one-on-one interactions, the more desirable they are to potential adopters.
2. WIN A VACATION!
Cabot Cheese Reward Volunteers App; rewardvolunteers.coop
There’s no better incentive to help out than a slew of lavish prizes waiting on the other end. With Cabot’s Reward Volunteers App, hundreds of users record their volunteer efforts with more than 1,100 qualified nonprofit organizations such as the Red Cross, and the app posts volunteers’ logged time on their social media profiles. The user with the highest number of hours logged on the app or the most Facebook likes during a monthly cycle wins a donation from Cabot to a charity of their choice — and, more importantly, a grand prize such as an Alaskan cruise. The 10 lower-ranking rewards range from $500 cash prizes to cheddar gift baskets.
3. GET A WORKOUT BUDDY!
Achilles International, 9 E. 89th St.; 212-354-0300, achillesinternational.org. Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.
It’s tough to find the extra push to work out, especially during the gut-busting holiday season. But Achilles International pairs physically disabled athletes with volunteer workout partners for support and encouragement as they reach their fitness goals.
“You don’t have to be an iron man to join us,” says Russell Koplin, director of event volunteers. “Everyone needs a little help sometimes.” Achilles’ athletes have varying needs and capabilities, making it easy for volunteers of all fitness levels to find a workout buddy.
4. SHOOT HOOPS WITH A CELEBRITY!
iStar Charity Shootout 5-Borough Basketball Tour; 212-684-1110, istarcharityshootout.org
Improve your jump shot with a celebrity — all while helping city kids. The iStar Charity Shootout, founded by Knicks assistant general manager Allan Houston, encourages people to play ball with children. The monthly shootouts, which rotate through the five boroughs and are attended by at least two boldface names, promote mentorship and fatherhood for New York families, and can raise up to $10,000 (through spectator admission).
“This community event encourages 6-year-olds to 60-year-olds to ‘change the game,’ ” says tour co-director Chantel Peters. Past celeb participants include the New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert and director Spike Lee.