At Friendship Circle NYC, we believe in the power of young people to make a difference. We bring together children, teens, and adults with diverse abilities in a joyful, inclusive community - and students play an important role in making that happen.
Many schools approach us looking for meaningful volunteer experiences for their students. That’s why we’ve created a range of hands-on, heart-filled projects that give students the chance to give back, connect, and grow - while supporting real families in the special needs community.
Whether students are packing holiday kits, preparing care packages for parents, or joining our Friendship Walk, these projects help build empathy, teamwork, and a more inclusive world - one act of kindness at a time.
Each session includes a short intro to our mission and the impact students will have.
Packing with a Purpose
The Experience
Students come together to assemble and personalize care packages for neurodivergent children and families in the Friendship Circle community. Whether it’s holiday-themed kits, sensory packs for children, or self-care gifts for parents, each package is designed to uplift, connect, and show love where it’s needed most. It's a fun, feel-good way to celebrate giving through hands-on teamwork.
Partnership Model
Your school sponsors and packs the kits. Friendship Circle provides packing templates, guidance, and takes care of delivering the packages to families. There is also an option to include a class or school donation to support broader Friendship Circle programming.
Sponsorship: $1,000+
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Location: At your school or at Friendship Circle NYC, 419 East 77th Street
Bake a Difference
The Experience
Students roll up their sleeves for a joyful baking session, creating sweet, homemade treats that will be served with love to children with special needs and their families at an upcoming Friendship Circle program. No matter the recipe, the focus is on sharing kindness, creativity, and care - one treat at a time.
Partnership Model
Your school sponsors the baking session. Friendship Circle provides supplies, packaging templates, kosher and allergy-friendly guidelines and coordiates safe delivery to the program. Students can also decorate cards or tags to add a personal touch.
Sponsorship: $1,000+
Duration: 60 minutes
Group Size: Max 50 participants
Only available at the Friendship Circle Location: 419 East 77th Street
Walk Day Wonder Tent
Prospective Date: May 17, 2026
The Experience
Get involved in one of our biggest events of the year - the Friendship Walk & Carnival! Students help design and run a themed craft or sensory booth that brings joy and calm to participants with special needs and their families.
Partnership Model
Your school sponsors, plans, and staffs the booth, with support from Friendship Circle. We provide activity ideas and help ensure everything is accessible, inclusive, and fun for all participants.
Location: 77th Street between 1st & York Aves
👟 Walk for Friendship
Prospective Date: May 17, 2026
The Experience
Join us for a citywide celebration of friendship and inclusion! Students will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals of all abilities, showing up in support of kindness, unity, and community.
Partnership Model
Your school forms a Walk Team and participates in the Opening Ceremony and full Walk route. We’ll provide Friendship Walk t-shirts and give your group the option to make school signs and banners to show their school spirit. Your school will also have the option to create a team page leading up to the event to raise awareness and funds.
Location: 77th Street between 1st & York Aves
Please contact office@friendshipcirclenyc.org to arrange a meaningful project for your school!