By Shanice Punnett
New York Cares is offering volunteer opportunities to rebuild homes and assist community organizations in the Sandy-ravaged communities of the Rockaways until May 1.
Two programs are rebuilding the Bethel AME Church Food Pantry, which serves more than 750 families per month in the Rockaways and Brooklyn, and working with Friends of Rockaway to repair storm-damaged residences on the peninsula.
Volunteers for rebuilding projects could be assigned to work on insulation, hang drywall, install subfloors and other tasks to buildings back in working condition.
Participants can also hand with the Police Athletic League’s Art Explorers at the Goldie Maple Academy. The project encourages creativity with first- and second-grade children from the Rockaways, and aims to promote children’s positive self-esteem, team building and communication skills.
Another opportunity is to assist at the Action Center for Education and Community Development, at 57-10 Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway, by unloading supplies, making care packages and sorting and serving families and individuals in the Rockaways affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The center caters to at-risk youth and offers after-school programs and supplemental education services.
By completing these five service days at these projects, volunteers have a chance to win a $15 MetroCard or Dunkin Donuts gift card, or a $20 MetroCard or Dunkin Donuts gift card by helping out 10 times.
For more information, visit New York Cares’ website.
