At Friendship Circle NYC, we create an inclusive community for children, teens, and adults with diverse abilities - and students can play a meaningful role in supporting our members and programs.
Our school volunteer opportunities give students a hands-on way to give back while learning about inclusion, empathy, and the impact they can make in their own community.
From assembling care packages and baking for our programs to participating in the Friendship Walk, each project gives students the opportunity to make a real difference for children and families in the Friendship Circle community.
Each session includes an introduction to Friendship Circle and helps students understand who they are supporting and the impact of their volunteer work.
Explore our school volunteer opportunities below - we’d love to partner with your school!
PACKING WITH A PURPOSE
The Project
Students will assemble and personalize care packages for neurodivergent children and families in the Friendship Circle community - a meaningful, hands-on way to give back and directly support our members.
Packages will be created around a specific need, theme, or upcoming holiday. Past projects have included Thanksgiving packages, birthday boxes, sensory kits, and gifts for parents.
How It Works
Your school sponsors the project, and Friendship Circle coordinates the packages based on the current needs of our members and programs. We’ll provide the materials and everything students need for the project, and coordinate distribution of the completed packages to our community.
Sponsorship:
• Up to 40 students: $2,500
• Up to 50 students: $3,000
• Up to 60 students: $3,500
For groups larger than 60 students, please contact us to discuss options.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Location: One of our Upper East Side locations - 419 East 77th St or 163 East 67th St. Options available to bring the project to your school.
Bake a Difference
The Project
Students will bake and package treats for upcoming Friendship Circle programs and events - a fun, hands-on way to give back and directly support our community.
Students will also create personalized cards to accompany the treats, adding a special touch for the Friendship Circle members receiving them.
How It Works
Your school sponsors the project, and Friendship Circle provides the ingredients, supplies, packaging materials, and everything students need for the session. The completed treats and cards will be shared with children, teens, and adults with diverse abilities through upcoming Friendship Circle programs and events.
Sponsorship:
• Up to 40 students: $2,500
• Up to 50 students: $3,000
• Up to 60 students: $3,500
For groups larger than 60 students, please contact us to discuss options.
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 Project
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.
How It Works
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 Project
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.
How It Works
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 volunteer project for your school!