Things to do THIS weekend

So, my goal is to make this a regular mid-week post, a list of things you might do on the weekend if you wanted to squeeze in a bit of community work with child in tow.  I am gradually building my list of  contacts, and hope that soon this list will be longer and more various, but as tell my daughter, more times than she would probably like, you have to start somewhere.  If you have ideas, either for this weekend, or for on-going or future activities post in the comments or shoot me an email.

The big thing we're looking at this weekend is....

Hurricane Relief

• When I last touched base with the Occupy Sandy folks, they (to the extent there is a 'they' there) confirmed that the two main distribution hubs, at 520 Clinton Ave. and 5406 4th Ave., will still be fully operational.  Kids are definitely welcome, they help sorting stuff, making sandwiches, moving stuff around, and even making art to be sent off with bag lunches.   It was suggested that if you haven't volunteered yet, you go to 520 Clinton Ave.  They are open from 9 a.m. on, every day.  
• On Saturday, you can help the Red Hook Community Farm, which has volunteer hours starting at 10 (and if you can get there then, that's helpful, I think for orientation).  Check their website or facebook page for any last minute updates.  I did this last Saturday (see Nov. 13 post) and thought it was a great, hands on activity to do with kids.
• You can sign up to volunteer through the Public Advocate's office.  It's not clear from their site what the activities are, and whether kids are welcome (you can't get the list of activities without filling out the form, still in process as I write this).  Will investigate some more and post more info when I get it.
• If you can get out to Coney Island, you can join Coney Recovers at 1904 Surf Ave, which is their "relief village".  Activities involve giving out food, clothes and supplies, generally kid-friendly activities.
• In New Jersey, Occupy has a list of relief sites taking donations and doing distribution here.  Check that page for regular updates.  The site is good about identifying which sites don't want children because they're doing demolition.

Currently, I'm also looking into opportunities, immediate and on-going with parks, and will post shortly about Thanksgiving.  It looks like there will be a big drive to prepare Thanksgiving meals to get out to people in the Rockaways, etc.  Would be a great activity to share with kids (assuming you like to have them in the kitchen with you) because you can do the work at home and bring it in.  More updates on this soon.

Please let me know if I've missed something, or if there something you want me to look into.