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Volunteer Today

You Can Make a Difference

Are you interested in volunteering with Catholic Charities?

We are a multifaceted agency with programs and services across the 14 counties of the Diocese of Albany. We work to create safe environments in all our programs and agencies. All of our volunteers are required to complete an application. Some positions may require VIRTUS training (sexual abuse awareness training) or other specific training and a background check.

If you have found a program you are interested in or have any questions about any of our volunteer programs, please call 518-453-6650 or contact us using the online Volunteer Inquiry form.

When you volunteer with Catholic Charities, you will help those in need feel a sense of importance and that they are cared for. Especially if you choose an opportunity where you can interact directly with the people, you will enhance their lives by initiating social relationships. This is incredibly important to people who are often "invisible" and "avoided." Friendly interactions boost self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and happiness. Also, you will help create a connection between the poor and vulnerable and the broader community.

As an individual, you may be inspired to help your neighbors in need for a variety of reasons – desire to do good, need to do service hours, faith commitment, to learn new skills, or the opportunity to try something new! If you have an idea of how you would like to volunteer, fill out and submit the Volunteer Inquiry form below, and we will contact you as soon as possible.

If you have questions, please contact Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, Director of Community Partnerships, by phone at 518-453-6650 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Individual Volunteer Opportunities by County

As an individual, you may be inspired to help your neighbors in need for a variety of reasons – desire to do good, need to complete service hours, faith commitment, to learn new skills, or the opportunity to try something new. The following list is not exhaustive, but will begin to give you a sense of some of the areas of need and the opportunities available to you.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

The following list is not exhaustive, but will begin to give you a sense of some of the areas of need and the opportunities available to your group.

Food Drive for a Food Pantry or Residence

  • Items often needed include peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, cake mixes, frosting, and Christmas or Thanksgiving meal items for the holidays.
  • A monetary drive through the Regional Food Bank (we can purchase food at sixteen cents a pound).
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

Baby Items Drive for our Community Maternity Services or Mercy House and Family Apartment Programs

  • Items often needed: diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, Desitin, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

Supplies that Can't be Obtained with SNAP

  • Items often needed: toilet paper, shampoo, soap, tampons and pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hair products, tissues, laundry detergent, razors, and shaving cream.
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

Welcome Packets for Domestic Violence shelter residents in Schoharie County

  • Packets include towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, soap, and razors.
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

Spruce Up Days

  • Help is needed to clean up (paint, rake, organize, etc.) at our residences, Sunnyside Center, and Camp Scully.
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

Sister Maureen Joyce Food Pantry in Albany

  • Help sort, stock, clean, organize, etc. Contact: 518-465-8262.
  • Can be done with any size group, at any time of the year.

College Campus Activity for Kids

  • Group of 5 - 10 individuals to organize an activity, outing, or event on their college campus for children in the Youth Enrichment Program that meets on Saturdays.

In Our Residences

Catholic Charities manages multiple emergency shelters and affordable housing residences for formerly homeless individuals and families. Homelessness is neither a disease nor a failure of character, nor is it a "choice." For the vast majority, homelessness is a symptom of poverty, and below is a sampling of things that might make homelessness and poverty just a little more tolerable.

  • Make a Meal/Monthly Meal: Meals are served three times a day in our residences. Perhaps your group would like to bring a meal or come and prepare a meal that is scheduled. Small (2-5) or Large (10+).
  • Read a story to children at Mercy House: this family shelter often has small children who would love to have another adult or older young person read and tell them stories.
  • Monthly Birthday Party: to recognize shelter residents who have a birthday that month.
  • BINGO volunteers: host monthly games for residents and provide prizes. Prizes are the key!
  • Seasonal or Holiday Decorating: pick one.
  • Clothing room organizing at Mercy House: this very busy shelter has a clothing room for folks to "shop in" while in residence there. It needs to be regularly straightened, sorted, and organized.
  • Music concert: play music for the residents during dinner.

Interested in volunteering? Please contact 518-453-6650 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..