Friends Seminary Deepens Community Impact Through Charitable Donations and Sustainable Practices

Friends Seminary continues its long-standing commitment to community support by connecting with local charities and educational organizations to donate a wide range of materials. For many years, the School has worked to ensure that items no longer in use are shared rather than wasted, benefiting communities in New York City and beyond. Thanks to the discovery of donatenyc.org in 2021, Friends Seminary has broadened the scope of its efforts to reach more individuals and organizations in need.

Every school day, the Friends Seminary cafeteria provides meals to guests and volunteers of the Friends Shelter, which is located in the School’s Common Room (small gym) and hosts up to 14 unhoused individuals every night of the year. The School has also made significant contributions of food to community organizations, including the Chelsea Food Pantry and community fridges on 14th St. and First Ave. In addition, protein bars stocked in case of emergencies are donated several months before expiration to shelters and other organizations, benefitting over a thousand individuals each time the School replenishes its stock.

During the pandemic, Friends Seminary acquired protective screens to enhance safety on campus. When these were no longer needed, the School donated over 100 screens (along with surplus PPE like isopropyl alcohol, face shields and surgical gowns) to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn where they were welcomed with gratitude and used for patient separation during cancer treatments. The School has donated classroom technology and furniture to other schools, including a significant contribution of Annex furniture this past spring to Storefront Academy, a longstanding partner in the Bronx and Manhattan. Used laptops in good condition have also been donated to support students in Haiti.

With donatenyc.org’s network, Friends Seminary has extended its reach to organizations like Children of Promise NYC and a school in Queens serving children in family shelters, providing books, after school materials, lockers, and cafeteria equipment. These efforts often occur during the summer, quietly impacting communities even when most faculty and staff are off campus.

“Our aim is to share our resources whenever possible,” says CFO/COO Sisi Kamal. Director of Operations Ayson Evans adds, “Many of us work hard to make sure nothing goes to waste and that what we have can serve the greater good.”

Through thoughtful, consistent donations, Friends Seminary exemplifies its dedication to service, positively impacting communities and fostering connections with organizations that share its values.