Ten Places to Volunteer Your Time in Massapequa

It's the season of giving and there's no better gift that you can bestow on others than the gift of your time and talent. 

In a world full of problems everyone has the potential to be part of the solution and you don't have to travel far to lend a hand. There are plenty of organizations that need your support here in Massapequa.

So if you've ever thought about being a volunteer but don't know where to sign up, here's a list of ten places where you can volunteer your time.

1. YES Comunity Counseling: The  provides a variety of services to families, at risk youth and others in need. While most of their community support comes from trained professionals, YES executive director Jamie Bogenshutz says volunteers are welcome at their food pantry. Call them at 516-799-3203. YES is located at 75 Grand Avenue, Massapequa.
2. Drug Free Massapequa: An  dedicated to creating a safe drug free environment in our community is looking for help during the holiday season. They need help distributing flyers to local businesses and hospitality assistance at meetings. Families are welcome. Contact president Janice Talento at Janice@DFMLI.org or 516-308-4068.
3. The Federation of Organizations for the New York State Mentally Disabled: The organization runs a volunteer program in Massapequa called the Retired and Senior Volunteer Porgram for Nassau County, which is located at 5378 Merrick Road.  To sign up, go to their website and go to the lower right hand corner of the website to fill out a volunteer form.
4. Heart and Soul of Long Island:  An all-volunteer group who helps abandoned animals find homes with loving families. The at 5500 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa allows Heart and Soul to have a space in their store for several adoptable cats and their cages. However, Heart and Soul needs volunteers to help care for these animals until they find their "forever homes." Care needed includes feeding the cats, as well as cleaning their cages and litter boxes. If you're interested in volunteering, you can go down to Petco and fill out an application, or send Heart and Soul of Long Island an email at adoptionfirst@aol.com. Please specify the Massapequa Petco location when applying.
5. Parkview Nursing Home: The senior facility locted at 5353 Merrick Road accepts volunteers to assist with activities like bingo or to make one on one visits with residents. Potential volunteers will be given a tour of the facility and must provide the home with medical records.  Those who wish to volunteer should drop by the home's front desk for information or call 516-798-1800 and ask for Director Sheila Thomas or Volunteer Coordinator Alissa Kasper.
6. Massapequa Coast Little League: The  is an all volunteer program according to their president Craig Garland. No board members or coaches are compensated. At registration, parents can check off a section of their registration form if they want to manage or coach or volunteer as a team parent. The league also surveys their membership to see who is interested in joining their board when there is an opening.
7. Congregation Beth El: The  operates a kosher pantry that accepts volunteers. If you're interested in joining, contact Congregation Beth El at 516-541-0740.
8. St Rose of Lima: The  is looking for volunteer catechists (teachers ) that have specialized training with children with special needs. They also are looking for assistance with their Respite program on one Friday evening per month which also benefits children with special needs. The parish has also started a new men's group that meets regularly and serves all men and women in the parish and is open for new members to join. The youth ministry program is also looking for quality volunteers to help out with different roles mostly helping teens and young adults. St. Rose of Lima is also sponsoring a toy drive and a walk-a-thon to  raise money to help pay parishioners heating and lighting bills.  Anyone interested in helping can contact Danilee LaRose at parish outreach at (516) 798-4954 or daniellel@stroseoflimaparish.org
9. The Massapequa Fire Department: The nearly 300 members of the  serve 19,000 residents 365 days a year. If you want to become a member, you must be over 18 and in relatively good physical health and be able to pass a physical exam. You must have no prior arson arrests or any arson or felony convictions.  Applicants must also pass a background check. Potential volunteers can contact the fire department at 516-798-9849 or fill out a form on their website.
10. Friends of Massapequa Preserve: The organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the preserve does a large part of their work during warmer whether. But they do from time to time refer volunteers to Nassau county, which manages the preserve. Anyone interested in volunteering should call 516-541-2461 or email them at friendsmp@longislandnn.org .