New Yorkers want to make a difference in their community.

We give them a way to show up outside the workday.

A large room filled with many people gathered around tables covered with orange tablecloths. People are standing in line or working on items at the tables, engaging in an activity. The room has high ceilings, large windows letting in natural light, and purple curtains covering part of the wall. The atmosphere appears active and communal.

Group of women standing around a table looking at fabric or clothing items for a sewing or crafting event.

Women sit at a table organizing colorful items in clear plastic pouches during an event, with a large screen behind them displaying text and graphics.

Group of five women sitting around a small table in a restaurant, holding Halloween-themed handwritten signs.

Looking to volunteer?

A group of people sitting at a long table in a meeting room, engaging in an activity with various supplies, with some chatting and some focused on their tasks.

Bright Light was created for New Yorkers who want to give back but can’t find volunteer opportunities that fit around work and real life. We host free, flexible events outside the traditional workday, making it easy to show up and make a tangible impact in the city we all call home.

No long-term commitment. No experience required. Just one hour, together.

People wearing gloves preparing sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly on a long yellow table.

Our Impact

Over 1,050 volunteers have joined us spending 2,830+ hours serving others.

We have made 13,000+ sandwiches & assembled 4,000+ care kits.

New Yorker’s don’t just hustle, we show up!

Bright Light

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“Bright Light has made it much easier for me to find volunteering events. There are so many options in NYC, and it can be overwhelming finding a place to volunteer. Ever since I found Bright Light, whenever I want to volunteer, I can find something easily. As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to get caught up in our lives, but volunteering gave me another level of purpose. I feel that I am now able to uplift my community even more and use the privileges that I have.” - Sadia B

“Bright Light has made volunteering a consistent part of my life. I know I’ll have at least one event each month to look forward to, and I’ve grown more aware of both the resources available to New Yorkers in need and the scale of food insecurity in the city.” - Morgan F