How to Help

The Bard Student Support and Relief Fund
Photo by Scott Barrow

The Bard Student Support and Relief Fund

The Student Support and Relief Fund (SSRF) provides relief from undue financial stress so that students and their families can remain engaged in their Bard College careers. SSRF was created in March 2020 as a result of faculty and staff joining together to support students facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is available to any matriculated Bard College student. Please consider making a gift today.
Make a Gift →

Volunteer Opportunities

Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative
Visit the Website to Sign Up

The Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative needs delivery drivers for shifts every week. The following shifts are available each week.
 
Prepared Meal Delivery
  • Monday through Friday, 12:30–3:00 pm
    Hodge Center, 15-21 Franklin St, Kingston
Grocery Delivery (must be able to lift 30 lbs)
  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (or) 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
    People’s Place, 17 St. James St, Kingston
  • Wednesday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
    Catholic Charities, 6 Adams St, Kingston
Kingston Mutual Aid Network
The Kingston Mutual Aid Network is a place for community members to come together and support one another. We all have needs and we all have ways we can support one another (such as a car to deliver groceries, meal prep skills, or emotional support). Here’s how to get involved:
  • Another big need for the KMA Network is for volunteers to take on shifts as moderators. During their shift, moderators will review incoming requests from a Google form and pair this with volunteers who have filled out a separate Google form based on the specific needs and offers. Training will be provided.
    Click to learn more and sign-up for the Moderator role
Project Manna
Shopping Support for Seniors and Others
Volunteer for Project Manna

Project Manna was conceived by three nonprofit organizations working together to help coordinate grocery shopping; delivery and prescription pick-up; and delivery for senior citizens, disabled, and immunocompromised people in and around Kingston so as to keep them safe at home. Hand in Hand, Jewish Family Services, and Jewish Federation of UC want to keep our vulnerable population at home during this pandemic by providing a way to receive groceries without them needing to venture out and possibly contract the COVID-19 virus.
 
Project Manna needs volunteers for: 1) grocery shopping/delivery, 2) curbside pick-up/delivery of groceries, 3) pick-up/delivery of prescriptions, 4) placing orders online for those who do not have an internet connection, 5) helping to coordinate volunteer shoppers.
Join the Volunteer Campus Delivery Crew

Join the Volunteer Campus Delivery Crew

Students have organized a volunteer crew to help deliver packages and meals to those in self-isolation. Those in the Bard community interested in helping should email [email protected].

Photo: Campus work scene, 1948. Gloria Milgrim ’48 stands beside a work truck parked next to Stone Row. Bard College Digital Archives.

Virtual Civic Engagement

Community Needs and Opportunities
The Center for Civic Engagement is working to organize virtual volunteer opportunities with local organizations such as nursing homes, so students can Skype in musical performances to residents and engage remotely in other ways. If you’re interested in participating in virtual civic engagement, please fill out this brief form regarding community needs and opportunities to help or email [email protected]. 
Complete the Form →