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 an intro to our mission and the impact students will have.
PACKING WITH A PURPOSE
The Experience
Students work together to assemble and personalize care packages for neurodivergent children, and families in the Friendship Circle community. Projects can include holiday-themed kits, sensory packs, activity kits, or self-care gifts for parents. Through this hands-on experience, students learn about inclusion while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local families.
Partnership Model
Your school sponsors and assembles the care packages, while Friendship Circle provides all materials, project guidance, and coordinates distribution to the families we serve. Schools may also choose to make an additional contribution to support Friendship Circle's year-round programs and services.
Sponsorship: $2,500+
Amount may vary based on group size and project scope.
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 fun, hands-on baking experience, preparing homemade treats that will be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults with special needs at upcoming Friendship Circle programs. Along the way, students learn about inclusion while making a meaningful contribution to our community. They can also decorate personalized cards or gift tags to accompany their baked goods.
Partnership Model
Your school sponsors the baking experience, and Friendship Circle provides all ingredients, supplies, packaging materials, kosher and allergy-friendly guidelines, and facilitation. We handle the distribution of the baked goods through our programs, where they are enjoyed by the children, teens, and adults we serve.
Sponsorship: $2,500+
Amount may vary based on group size and project scope.
Duration: 60 minutes
Group Size: Up to 50 participants
Location: Friendship Circle NYC, 419 East 77th Street
Walk Day Wonder Tent
Prospective Date: May 23, 2027
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 23, 2027
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!