Give Back this Season in Lincoln Square

Perhaps more than any other time of the year, the holiday season leads many of us to give thanks for what we have and to give back to our communities in whatever way we can. For those looking to contribute in some way, look no further than the many local businesses and nonprofits in Lincoln Square that make it easier than ever to give back.

One simple way to give back this season—check if your favorite business is teaming up with a charitable organization! Right now, J.Crew is partnering with One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides children and adults in need with free coats. Now through December 31, bring a gently worn coat to J.Crew (The Shops at Columbus Circle), and you’ll receive $25 off your next purchase of $125 or more. At Starbucks (located at 1889 Broadway at West 63rd Street and 141 Amsterdam at West 66th Street), for each protein box purchase through January 2, 2025, Starbucks will give a meal to Feeding America to support hunger relief.

At several stores, including West Elm (1870 Broadway between West 61st and West 62nd Street), Tumi (The Shops at Columbus Circle), Williams Sonoma (The Shops at Columbus Circle), and Pottery Barn (1965 Broadway at West 67th Street), shopping their St. Jude collections will mean supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Since 1999, Target (1863 Broadway at West 61st Street) has also partnered with St. Jude, including building and maintaining a special long-term residential facility for the hospital. Meanwhile, Kiehl’s (154 Columbus Avenue between West 66th and West 67th Street) will host a Toys for Tots event on Saturday, December 7. Stop by the store and drop off unwrapped toys from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

For those who can find the time, volunteering at a local nonprofit is another invaluable way to give back. Goddard Riverside (593 Columbus Avenue at West 88th Street) frequently seeks volunteers to help with everything from packing meals for Meals on Wheels to tutoring students. Project FIND (160 West 71st Street at Broadway), a local nonprofit that provides low- and moderate-income and homeless seniors with the services and support they need to enrich their lives and live independently, is also looking for volunteers for their Christmas celebrations. Sign up to serve meals, to deliver dinners to home-bound elders, or to share your specific skills at one of their centers. You can also volunteer for DOROT (171 West 85th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Columbus Ave), which organizes in-person and virtual opportunities to connect with older adults.

Still not sure how to give back this season? Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to make an impact by donating to organizations you care about. In Lincoln Square, cultural institutions like Lincoln Center, Kaufman Music Center, American Folk Art Museum, and The New York Public Library (which will be matching donations through December 1) are able to continue their missions thanks to donations. Check their websites on Giving Tuesday in case additional opportunities for donation matching exist. You can even contribute to keeping city history alive with a donation to the City's Municipal Library and Archives. 

Between shopping for holiday presents, meeting friends and loved ones for a meal, and cozying up indoors, the end of the year is a busy time for many. Whether it’s through donating time, money, or both, we hope you find a meaningful way to connect with others this holiday season.

Photo Credit: Project Find