Volunteering to make a difference
Here’s a simple statement we can all agree on: Volunteering for causes that assist those in need is both good for one’s community—and even better for one’s soul.
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose, belonging, and togetherness. It teaches professional skills and enhances empathy; it can connect one with new friends and introduce new insights that can expand one’s worldview. It can make a significant difference in the lives of those helped by the cause and transform the lives of those selfless enough to donate their time and energy.
These are all things to consider throughout and after April’s National Volunteer Month, and good news: many individuals across the U.S. already agree. Based on recent polls, Forbes has reported 54% of the population had donated their time to philanthropic causes over the previous year; and when they do volunteer, individuals spend an average of six hours per month working to better their community.
In that same poll, 66% of respondents stated a very practical reason for volunteering: They wanted to make a positive impact.
At The Martin Group, our work with charities and nonprofits—whether as clients or in our team’s free time—mirrors a similar rationale. We want to have an impact on the people we live beside and the communities we represent. This ethos defines us as an agency and helped launch our “the difference is making one” (DIMO) mindset. This way of thinking is rooted in service to others, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done—and continue to do—with organizations across New York State and beyond.
But while satisfying to us and helpful to others, there’s still so much more to do—and so many opportunities for volunteers. Nonprofits not far from our Albany, Buffalo, New York City, and Rochester offices all need continued support and could provide a connection between those in need and those who yearn to make a difference.
Here’s an introduction to some of the organizations to which our team volunteers its time; a brief synopsis on how each serves their communities; and a link to volunteer info for those who’d like to aid each organization’s ongoing efforts.
The Capital Region-headquartered organization collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to more than 1,000 partner agencies and need-based programs throughout 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month; and in 2024, the organization distributed more than 54 million pounds of food—enough for 45 million meals for individuals and families in need within its regional footprint.
To volunteer, click here.
Established in 2011, the initiative operates as a store where teachers throughout Western New York can shop free for school supplies and classroom resources. Its mission is to distribute free school supplies to students in need, to equip teachers to be at their best, and to provide purpose through volunteerism to those interested in aiding the cause. The organization distributes over $8,500,000 in new school supplies annually to 6000 teachers across 250 schools serving 150,000 students throughout its communities.
To volunteer, click here.
The WNY-located organization’s stated mission is to offer dignity, hope, and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship, and skills training to its area neighbors in need. In 2024, FeedMore assisted more than 165,700 individuals experiencing food insecurity throughout Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Its food bank program distributed more than 15.8 million pounds of nutritious, shelf-stable foods to food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other hunger-relief partners throughout its service area; and through its prepared meals program, the initiative delivered nearly 1.5 million meals to our homebound neighbors and to various community dining sites.
To volunteer, click here.
CAPTAIN Community Human Services
The Albany-area CAPTAIN operates four separate programs—including its Street Outreach, Safe Harbour Anti-Human Trafficking, Supportive Housing, and Youth Shelter programs—that focus on supporting homeless and runaway youth. Some of our team members have specifically assisted within the organization’s Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter, a temporary shelter serving youth under age 18 who are homeless, runaway, or in an otherwise unsafe situation. Youth can stay for up to 30 days or as long as necessary—and know they can find refuge in a safe, home-like environment.
To volunteer, click here.
Victor Farmington Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard began as a grassroots effort to share food resources to a few dozen Rochester-area families and individuals in the early 1990s, operating out of a small house in suburban Victor. In the decades that have followed, the operation has expanded to serve more than 600 families a month. This led the organization to move to much bigger headquarters in Victor—but the added space hasn’t shifted their focus. They’re still committed to being a source of food insecurity assistance, providing days’ worth of food to families who live in Ontario County as they continue to evolve their food pantry model to best serve those in need.
To volunteer, click here.
The Schenectady-based operation provides career education and coaching programs designed to help entry-level professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs challenge the status quo, train for success, and find their place and voice in the business world. Some of our team members have been able to serve as subject matter experts for interested students or like-minded partners. Such industry-based experience—and our passionate interest in what we do—has helped empower those just beginning their professional journey to find confidence in their pursuits and chase their career goals with certainty.
To volunteer, click here.
Established as America’s first independent healthcare hospitality house, the initiative has provided comfortable, supportive lodging for patients and families traveling to receive state-of-the-art healthcare in Buffalo for more than 50 years. More than 60,000 guests have stayed at KGH since its inception, mostly originating from Western New York and the Southern Tier, but also including guests from 49 states, Canada, and 11 other countries. Patients and their families are welcome regardless of age, medical condition, or healthcare provider, and within its accommodations, can find comfort during trying times.
To volunteer, click here.
If you want to learn more about our team and what we’re up to inside (and outside) The Martin Group, click here.