How about working with a newcomer to get them out and about and show them the inside scoop of life in NY? I was looking for volunteer work to do recently and it took months to get through the interview, the reference check, matching me with a job, various training sessions, etc, etc ad nauseum... When I was younger, you volunteered because there was work to be done - you showed up and you were put to work right away. Now it's like a job and there seems to be more volunteers than work that need to be done. I know risk mgmt plays a role in slowing down the process of bringing people into an organization and these days everyone is looking to "network" so organizations are inundated with volunteers. Actually, here in my province high school kids have to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate. Do other places have that rule? Anyhow, if you want to just GIVE of yourself I think anything to do with helping seniors, especially those in residential situations. How lonely is it to be left alone and bored to tears in an institution? I think you get lots of love in exchange for just a little time when you work with seniors. And these places seem to have trouble finding good people to come and spend time with their residents so that'd be my two cents.

good luck... (is there a class you could run for seniors based on your acting and theatre skills?)