"Your Community Needs You"

Jerry Nurse first volunteered with NYRR at the 2015 Brooklyn Half. He loved the experience and was soon volunteering regularly at races—stocking fluid tables, handing out bagels, and staying to clean up.

“I was inspired to volunteer with NYRR,” said Jerry, who lives in Brooklyn. “The runners were friendly, thanking me for my service. I appreciate the gratitude because I am not doing it for the +1. I just enjoy volunteering.”

Jerry has received seven Presidential Volunteer Service Awards—each one earned by volunteering at least 100 hours in one year—for his service to NYRR and other organizations. In 2019, he was inducted into the New York Cares High Risers, a select group of volunteers who’ve completed 1,000 projects.

“I look at the awards as the organizations’ way of saying thank you,” he said. “My hard work and outstanding community service are recognized and appreciated.”

He draws inspiration from fellow volunteers. “I started volunteering on multiple projects after meeting a team leader who at the time had over 5,000 projects. He would volunteer on multiple projects a day, seven days a week,” he said.

Since the pandemic paused NYRR volunteer opportunities last year, Jerry has stepped up his volunteering with other organizations. A typical day might find him serving meals in a soup kitchen, assisting shoppers in a client-choice pantry, helping seniors with computers, or “rescuing” food from restaurants.

“I joined In It Together NYC during the pandemic,” he noted. “They use your Zip code and availability to match you with projects. They text me food pantries close to my house a few times a week that need volunteers.” Jerry has helped more than 30 organizations with unloading deliveries, restocking tables, packing and distributing food bags, and more.

He’s seen an increase in the number of people experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. “The food pantry lines are twice as long and sometimes families are turned away because there is no more food,” he said. “Families have to depend on multiple pantries to have enough food until their next visit. With people still losing their jobs, more families will turn to food pantries to feed their children.”

Health-care issues—especially among low-income people—are another concern, he said. “Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs are too high for some people to afford. A worker making less than $30,000 a year may have a monthly premium of $700. The need for health care is important because anyone can get hospitalized for catching the virus and developing symptoms.”

Jerry urged those who have time and resources to volunteer in these challenging times. “This is the perfect time to start,” he said. “Find an organization in your neighborhood that is following social distancing rules, practicing good hygiene, and has everyone wearing masks and gloves,” he said. New York Cares is a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities citywide.

He noted that volunteering—even just once—is a commitment. “If you sign up, make sure you show up on time because your community needs you,” he noted. “If you can’t make it, notify the organization at least 24 hours in advance so they can try to fill your spot.”

A great volunteer, he said, “is able to learn quickly, follow instructions, communicate with a diverse group of people, work on a team, and get tasks done efficiently.”

Jerry misses volunteering at races, though he applauds NYRR’s decision to cancel in-person events early in the pandemic and to bring them back gradually. “The health and safety of staff, volunteers, runners, sponsors, and spectators is top priority,” he said. “By canceling races early, NYRR prevented the virus from coming into the running community.”

He optimistically looks forward to volunteering at the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. “The runners will need all the cheering, support, and energy that volunteers bring,” he said. “The volunteers can motivate the runners and keep it positive all the way to the finish line.”

NYRR volunteer operations remain on pause due to the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming volunteers again soon!

Interested in volunteering in NYC? New York Cares can help match you with projects citywide.