NOHO — If you're moved by the holiday spirit to donate or volunteer your time, there are places and people in need right in Greenwich Village and SoHo.
Here are some local organizations that would welcome your neighborly generosity.
GOD'S LOVE WE DELIVER
166 Sixth Ave., SoHo
God's Love We Deliver brings meals to people who are too sick to grocery shop or cook for themselves. It began as an HIV/AIDS organization, but now serves clients with many different types of illness.
The organization expects to cook and deliver 4,500 "Winter Feast" meals on Dec. 24, but it needs volunteers with cars to help deliver the meals that morning. Deliveries start at 9:30 a.m. and end by noon, organizers said, so there's still plenty of time for last-minute Christmas shopping afterward.
Volunteers can sign up online, and select the pickup location that is best for them. If you can't volunteer on Thursday, but are interested in doing so next year, God's Love has information on year-round opportunities online. And if you don't have a car, but still want to do something nice for the holidays, you can "sponsor" a meal for $10 (or multiple meals, if you want to throw in a little more).
THE DOOR
555 Broome St., Hudson Square
Just a few blocks away from God's Love We Deliver is The Door, a drop-in center for runaway and homeless youth. The Door welcomes donations of clothing year-round. The Door is particularly in need of men's clothes (pants and shirts) at the moment, but also could use women's clothing and shoes. The group also accepts donations of new toiletry items (deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste).
Clothing and other donations can be dropped off at The Door from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.
CUCS WOMEN'S SHELTER
350 Lafayette St., NoHo
The last women's shelter in NoHo — one of the city's most highly praised facilities — is itself in the process of looking for a new home, since their building was bought by developer Aby Rosen. (Rosen plans to redevelop the site for large-scale retail.)
But they're still operating on Lafayette Street for now, and will eagerly accept any donations of women's clothing. They are most in need of shirts, pants, winter jackets and sweaters, but can use "really any kind of clothing," their program director said. They provide the women with toiletries, but in the past the women they serve have really enjoyed when companies donated new makeup and nail polish.
ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
81 Christopher St., West Village
The Lutheran church on Christopher Street is famous for its acceptance of people from all walks of life. They hold "Rest Stop" hours during the week, where they keep the church open for anyone who wants to come and just sit, but they need volunteers to "host."
New Alternatives also hosts a drop-in center there on Tuesdays, which includes lunch that requires volunteer help. Anyone interested in these opportunities should contact Pastor Mark at pastor@stjohnsnyc.org. St. John's is also seeking computer help from anyone who is tech savvy. If that piques your interest, email Vicar Joe at vicar@stjohnsnyc.org.
