Volunteers play a crucial role in helping New York Blood Center (NYBC) save lives each and every day. NYBC volunteers provide care, attention, and assistance to the many dedicated blood donors who roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life.
NYBC volunteers serve to educate and encourage the public to donate at schools, businesses and community organizations. High school and college volunteers can receive community service hours by hosting and volunteering at blood drives. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities.
You’ll volunteer in a supportive, friendly environment, meet new people, and attend an annual recognition event to thank you for your hard work!
We have diverse volunteer opportunities that fit any schedule. Learn more about some of our available volunteer positions and apply today!
Canteen
Purpose: Provide a positive, welcoming experience for blood donors at Donor Centers and Blood Drives. Help ensure donor safety during the post-donation recovery period.
Activities: Welcome donors and answer general blood donation questions, referring medical and eligibility questions to staff. Assist donors in the canteen by offering refreshments, monitoring donors for adverse reactions, and alerting staff if a donor requires assistance. Engage with donors and help maintain a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere in the canteen. If requested by onsite staff, volunteers may also escort donors from the donation area to the canteen.
Qualifications: Friendly, dependable, and attentive with a desire to help others. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain standing for extended periods while monitoring donors. Ability to remain calm in urgent situations. Commitment to volunteering at least two shifts per month, with shifts ranging from three to four and a half hours.
Administrative Support (Project-Based Opportunities)
Purpose: Provide administrative support for special projects that help NYBC
programs and departments operate efficiently. Opportunities are available on an as-nceeded basis.
Activities: Assist with projects that may include filing, assembling packets, data entry, mailings, and other clerical tasks. Opportunities are available as needed at select New York and New Jersey locations.
Qualifications: Detail-oriented, dependable, and able to work independently or as part of a team. Basic computer skills are helpful.
Community Educator (As-Needed Opportunities)
Purpose: Support NYBC’s community outreach efforts by promoting the importance of blood donation and engaging with potential donors and volunteers.
Activities: Participate in community events, volunteer fairs, and other outreach opportunities as needed. Share information about the importance of blood donation, answer general questions about blood donation, encourage community involvement, and assist with volunteer recruitment and blood drive sign-ups at designated events.
Qualifications: A desire to educate and engage the community. Excellent communication skills, friendly and approachable, comfortable speaking with individuals and groups, dependable, and able to represent NYBC in a professional manner.
Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteer candidates must be at least 16 years old.
- NYBC cannot accept court-mandated community service volunteers.
- Volunteers cannot perform, shadow, or observe technical or clinical procedures, including blood collection, testing, or processing.
- All volunteer candidates must attend a volunteer orientation and complete all required paperwork, background screening, and training before becoming an active volunteer.
- The required background screening is provided at no cost to the volunteer.
- Volunteers must be able to complete the tasks and responsibilities outlined in their assigned role and follow all role-specific guidelines.
- Volunteers must arrange their own transportation to and from their volunteer assignments.
- Volunteers must be reliable, dependable, and committed to providing a positive experience for donors, fellow volunteers, and NYBC team members.
