DORÉ

This year, to get into the holiday spirit here at the studio, we focused on what we could do for others. 2017 has been a trying year for many, and we’re constantly reminded of just how fortunate we are. So for the next few days, while we’re out of the Atelier spending time with family, friends and loved ones, and taking a little break to recoup for 2018, we wanted to share a few things we’ll be doing this holiday season and into next year to give back to others. We hope this post will be a helpful resource for you to also give back, and we look forward to rejoining you here on the site in 2018.

Cleaning out our closets.
This holiday season we’ll be simplifying our wardrobes and donating our clothes and other home textiles to those in need, especially those who have lost their homes and possessions in the California fires this fall. Or, you could also sell your clothes through sites like The Real Real and donate your profits to charity. You can also consign through Crossroads and they will donate any items they cannot take to charity.
New York Cares Donation Centers
Dress for Success
Clothes 4 Souls
Goodwill

Donating blood.
For those of us who are fortunate to be in good health, donating blood is another wonderful way to help others.
Red Cross Blood Donations
New York City Blood Center

Volunteering with kids.
Spending time volunteering with children is so fulfilling. There’s no better way to feel so wholly appreciated. And for those of us who aren’t able to donate our time, there are children-specific items always in need for families, like diapers and formula.
Children’s Hospitals
New York Center for Children
Baby 2 Baby
iMentor
Boys and Girls Club

Spending time with seniors.
Time spent with seniors not only brightens their day, but there’s a lot we can learn from them. So many seniors are a wealth of knowledge and stories, all it takes is going for a walk or just spending time sitting and talking with them.
Hospice NYC
Local religious centers, senior living communities, hospice care facilities and hospitals often have senior volunteer opportunities.

Feeding the homeless.
Giving a warm meal to help nourish those less fortunate this holiday season is a wonderful way to help.
Food Pantries Organization
Homeless Shelter Directory
City Meals
Bowery Mission
Coalition for the Homeless

Helping the animals.
Spending time with animals is just outright fun and full of love. Many local animal shelters rely on volunteers to operate, and can also use donations of old leashes, collars, etc. to help their furry friends.
ASPCA
Humane Society
International Animal Rescue

Helping each other.
There are also so many programs to help those who have been challenged by environmental, political and social circumstances. Here are just a few that could use your help.
Thomas Fire Fund
Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Human Rights Campaign
The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Everytown for Gun Safety
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Black Lives Matter
ACLU
Planned Parenthood
Hope for Relief and Development Foundation

Volunteer Match is a great resource for matching you with volunteer opportunities worldwide.

Of course these are just a few ways to get involved—but there are countless organizations, efforts and opportunities all around the world. Please share those organizations that are important to you in the comments so we can support each other’s efforts. We’ve also started a donation fund on our Facebook page that will be accepting donations through January 1st. We’ll be donating the funds from this effort to Women in Need. Happy holidays!