Volunteer Opportunities Of The Week: Soul Ryeders Half Marathon and 5K Race Volunteers

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Each week, Patch will be highlighting volunteer opportunities in the Lower Hudson Valley, courtesy of Volunteer New York!. This is a chance to help your community and be an opportunity to give back — perhaps in a way you didn't consider before.

This week, we are putting the spotlight on some opportunities in the Hudson Valley.

Annual Plant Sale

Green thumbs are needed to help with this annual plant sale! Tasks include sorting, organizing, watering, labeling, and grooming plants. On sale days, volunteers can assist shoppers, water and organize plants, and tally plant orders. All volunteers who contribute at least two hours will receive $25 off their purchase at check-out during the sale on May 16 and 17.
Date: 5/11-5/17; multiple opportunities
Organization: Friends of Lasdon Public Gardens
Location: Katonah

Intergenerational Chess Pop-Up (Teens Only)

Calling all teens! This three-session event is based on DOROT's popular intergenerational chess program, which mixes chess instruction with opportunities for adults aged 60+ and high school teens to get to know one another. All experience levels are welcome, including those new to the game! A Chess Master provides instruction and support and snacks are served. Volunteers must attend all three sessions.
Date: 5/12, 5/19, and 5/26 from 4-6:30 p.m.; teens MUST attend all three sessions
Organization: DOROT Westchester
Location: White Plains

NAMIWalks

NAMI Westchester's annual NAMIWalks event is the largest mental health walk in the Hudson Valley. Volunteers are needed to help set up, oversee the registration table, take photographs, paint faces, and assist with cleanup. All volunteers are provided with refreshments. Teens 13+ are welcome as part of an adult volunteer's team.
Date: 5/16 from 6-11:30 a.m.; multiple opportunities
Organization: NAMI Westchester
Location: Hartsdale

Soul Ryeders Half Marathon and 5K

Soul Ryeders is looking for volunteers to assist with its fourth annual Half-Marathon and 5K. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt during volunteer check-in the day before the race. Volunteers as young as 10 can help so long as they register as part of an adult's team. Activities include distributing packets and refreshments to runners and walkers, serving as a course marshal or cyclist, and taking photographs of the event.
Date: 5/16 and 5/17; multiple opportunities
Organization: Soul Ryeders
Location: Rye

GARNER Arts Festival

GARNER Arts Festival returns to the historic hamlet of Garnerville for its 25th anniversary! This weekend-long event offers world-class art exhibitions, large-scale installations, open studios, artisan demonstrations, live music, crafts, performances, craft beverages, food and more. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities, including the kids' arts workshop, gallery exhibitions, and concessions. All volunteers will be given a lunch break and a meal, GARNER Arts Festival T-shirt, and a free ticket to the day opposite their volunteer shift (i.e. volunteers who help on Saturday will get a free ticket to Sunday's event, and vice-versa). Volunteers are needed for:
Date: 5/16 and 5/17 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Organization: GARNER Arts Center
Location: Garnerville

Find a full list of opportunities at https://www.volunteernewyork.org.