Long Island's 500 Senior Volunteers Power Local Nonprofits

Marie Biggiani traded her international tax consulting career for something that fills her days with even more purpose: volunteering with others who need her time and care.

The Oyster Bay retiree is one of 500 AARP volunteers on Long Island who form the backbone of nonprofits bouncing back from pandemic losses. Across the region, about 2,500 volunteers help Northwell Health alone, visiting patients, running library carts, and bringing joy through pet therapy programs.

"After Covid, we lost some volunteers," said Lisa Breiman, advisor for volunteer experience at North Shore University Hospital. "Now we're seeing a comeback."

The numbers tell an encouraging story nationwide. Formal volunteering rebounded to 28.3% in 2025, with over 75.7 million Americans age 16 and up donating their time. Their contributions equal $167.2 billion to the economy at $34.79 per volunteer hour.

Long Island's older volunteers bring something money can't buy: decades of professional experience and genuine passion for their causes. "They're experienced," said Bernard Macias, AARP New York's senior associate state director for Long Island. "We wouldn't be able to do the work without them."

At North Shore University Hospital, volunteers range from age 15 to 92. They read to patients, greet visitors, and even recruit new helpers from families who stop by and ask how they can join. "We have a lot of family members visiting their loved ones who see our volunteer department and stop in," said Alyssa McCready, the hospital's senior manager for patient and customer experience.

The rewards go beyond the people they help. Volunteers build friendships over shared lunches, stay physically and mentally active, and find community connection. "It's a sense of purpose and joy," Biggiani said.

The Ripple Effect

These volunteers aren't just stuffing envelopes. Nearly 50 AARP members recently rode a bus to Albany to lobby legislators on Social Security and consumer protection. Hospital volunteers helped raise funds to build facilities before doors even opened. Their work touches nearly every sector: food security, housing, education, environment, health, and more.

"Volunteering isn't nice, it's necessary," said Diana O'Neill, acting executive director of the Long Island Volunteer Center, calling volunteers "the backbone of the nonprofit sector."

The internet has opened new volunteer paths too, with 13.4 million Americans now doing at least some virtual volunteering from their armchairs.

When Macias asks his volunteers why they show up, the answer stays consistent: they want to help people and impact their communities, proving that the best things in life really aren't about the paycheck.