A Truly Extraordinary Place When Families Need It Most…read more There are some organizations that deserve five stars, and then there are organizations that deserve far more than five stars could possibly express. Ronald McDonald House Long Island is one of those places. When a child is seriously ill, a family's entire world can suddenly turn upside down. The fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, and emotional strain are almost impossible to put into words. What Ronald McDonald House does is provide something incredibly important during that nightmare: a place where families can breathe, regroup, and stay together. Located right near Cohen Children's Medical Center, the House provides families with so much more than a place to sleep. It provides comfort, meals, support, kindness, and--perhaps most importantly--the feeling that they are not facing this incredibly difficult journey alone. The staff and volunteers understand that the families walking through those doors are dealing with circumstances they never imagined they would face. What makes this place truly special is the humanity behind everything they do. Every meal prepared, every room made comfortable, every kind word, and every act of compassion makes an enormous difference to a family whose only concern should be getting their child better. The fact that this organization has been serving Long Island families since 1986--and continues to grow to meet the needs of even more families--is a testament to the incredible people who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to this mission. Ronald McDonald House Long Island isn't simply providing a "home away from home." They are providing hope, dignity, compassion, and a sense of normalcy during some of the most difficult moments a family can ever experience. To the staff, volunteers, donors, and everyone who contributes to this remarkable organization: thank you. What you do matters more than you probably realize. You aren't just helping families--you are helping them get through some of the hardest days of their lives. An absolutely exceptional organization and one of the most deserving causes on Long Island. If you have the opportunity to volunteer, donate, prepare a meal, or simply support their mission, I can't recommend it highly enough. Five stars doesn't even come close.

The Ronald McDonald house staff was very friendly and accommodating during our stay. The room was…read moregreat for our family, it was so convenient for us to be able to stay next door to the hospital while our son was hospitalized. They offered dinners nightly, which was helpful. Each family has kitchen space with a pantry and refrigerator on the main floor, there's pots and pans for cooking and baking, makes you feel at home away from home. We are so thankful for the RMH!

Formerly Incarcerated Who've Turned Their Lives Around…read more I've been volunteering at Exodus for about half a year now. It is absolutely full of inspiring stories. The concept is that it is a transitional community for people who have been recently incarcerated. It claims to be the only faith-based such community in New York. The philosophy is that when someone gets out of prison, they already have all the tools they need to go right into society -- into the workforce, housing, medical care, etc. The "transition period" is relatively short, and Exodus never makes the assumption that one of its clients doesn't have the capacities to start making an immediate social and economic contribution. It's run almost entirely by formerly incarcerated people. My superior was in prison for 24 years. The guy who founded the place was locked up for 11 years. They know what it means to be in prison and the challenges that other ex-cons face. So they can really tune their counseling to the needs of the particular client. Exodus is the kind of place where you feel proud to work. It's real, non-stop, practical help for real people, with no pie-in-the-sky philosophical sayings or useless aphoristic niceties. Exodus gets the work done on a day-to-day, hour-to-hour basis, without worrying about what it looks like or how people perceive it. As social service agencies go, it's very efficient. So I feel like my volunteer time is going to direct, practical use. If you know someone in prison or who just got out, a referral to Exodus is always an excellent choice. They're at 123rd and 3rd in Harlem -- the area known as "the block of convicts" because, I've been told, literally thousands of formerly incarcerated live within, like, four square blocks. But I've never felt unsafe there; indeed, my experience at Exodus has taught me that formerly incarcerated people are not to be feared, and in many cases, serve as role models for the rest of us, in their ability to endure and turn their lives around in the face of horrible stigma.

Wow. Never again. Who would have thought a nice deed first thing in the morning would leave a bad…read moretaste in my mouth. I spoke with Oscar the week before to confirm I could drop off this Wednesday 9am-1pm. I arrive at the building (930) and ask the doorman (Juan) if the bottomless closet was in this building. He said yes but that no one was there. I explained that I confirmed the day and time. I put the bags down to call and see if I can get someone on the line. He immediately said NO YOU CANNOT WAIT HERE and grabs his radio as if he was going to call someone else for backup?? Extremely rude and hostile. I live in a doorman building in midtown and have never seen them act like this when receiving guests. I understand the need to keep the space open with covid but it took me less than 5 minutes to contact Oscar. I walked all the way from 10th for this reception. Never again. I'll be looking for other places to donate clothing and will make sure to pass along the message.

Bottomless Closet is a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women in NYC get…read moreprofessional jobs. They are a woman led organization that offers help in interviewing skills, allows women to get free business clothing for interviews and helps them learn how to function in a professional workplace. The goal is for the women to become self-sufficient, an aim I can certainly get behind. One of the things Bottomless Closet does is take clothing donations for women from the general public. I recently stopped by here to donate business clothing that was too big on me. There are a number of things I like about this organization: 1. They have their public records available online so you can review where any financial donation you give goes to. I did not see corporate greed when I investigated. 2. They are a local charity helping local women. I firmly believe charity begins at home & for those who feel likewise, this seems a good place to take respectable business clothing that no longer fits. 3. The staff I dealt with were polite, friendly and informative, particularly the woman I spoke to on the phone before dropping off my clothes. I did not get the attitude that my clothing donation meant nothing to them & they just wanted to get money. They have a high demand for plus sizes but the woman I spoke to said my size 5-7 items would be appreciated. 4. They have evening hours on Tuesday evenings so if you do not have time to do their regular clothing drop off (Monday-Thursday from 9-5 p.m.), you can call and arrange a drop off then. Now, it IS a little tricky to get here but all you have to do is go into the Hotel Pennsylvania and take the elevator to their suite (a lower level from the main floor). They have tax forms right at the front desk and they will let you leave the clothing right there. Another important detail: you can NOT get clothing here unless you are one of their clients. This means whatever you donate will actually go to a woman in NYC who needs it. They also DO NOT take men's clothing. This is STRICTLY women's business clothing. I may end up donating more items here if I can't get alterations on some things that I've never or rarely been able to wear.

Walked in to acquire NY ID. I was in and out in ten minutes. Andy was super efficient. The lady…read morewho input my data and scanned my identification card was helpful too. I found it pleasant and would recommend others visit. Just stand in the line all the way to the right. I made the mistake of standing on the other line. I guess you live and learn! :)

This organization definitely does a lot. They vary from employment to work place justice to even…read moreyouth development. They are from my first meeting an outstanding organization that is trying to achieve great things for not only Latino and Africans, but overall low income people. They have definitely achieved a lot and seems like more things are just around the corner. When I entered it was kind of hectic due to their program called fifteen for fifteen. Which was a rally that they were going to do on April fifteen to raise the wage of commercial fast food chains workers to fifteen dollars. Hey if Chicago can do it why not here? Maybe overall as a whole nation? They had for the rally free food that they were bringing in so that they can box it to give out to the people coming. But that is not even the tip of the ice berg, one of the workforce personal I met even told me they do things such as try to fight to lower the medical bills of their members if it is that bad. They are really doing all they can to help immigrants do better here in the US. Now their building is pretty cool. It is bright and full of stuff. As soon as you enter you see good amounts of South American flags which adds a pop to the sign they have. You see cut out pages of Hispanic papers, that I am assuming shows headlines of something significant they did, on the walls that are framed. There rooms are not that big which is saying a lot because from what it looked like at least three co workers are in a room. The craziest thing is for all the different programs they have all the rooms are the same size. That is saying a lot for what they have accomplished with such minimal space. They had on some rooms adults learning English, or at least I an assuming that; while what looked like to me a little kids education center. They had a presentation room where I was sitting that was big and spacious. The place was chaotic but you expect nothing less from such a big organization.

This is an excellent furniture rental company that I used when I first went to New York. They…read moreprovided excellent service. They even used to sell used records and 8 tracks of Japanese music. I was very happy I used them. (They were also known as Kawasaki-ya years back.)　I will never forget their TV commercial on Japanese TV years back (UHF): 「お住まいのことならコーシングループ」。大変お世話になりました。

I started going to this store 11 years ago. I have bought various pieces of furniture throughout…read morethese years and all the furniture was very reasonable in price and I still have. The furniture is well made and has lasted. I bought a small table and chair set a few years back for my parents. They even polished the wood and cleaned up the fabric for me. Such pleasant staff and they really want to please you. I mention this now because I just went there today looking for new items. Thank you Koshin! Lori

I've been a client of CIDNY for many years; they've helped me navigate the maze of services…read moreavailable to the disabled--if they only knew their rights. CIDNY (Center for the Independence of the Disabled of New York) serves the disabled in the lower part of the borough of Manhattan; the Harlem ILC (independent living center) takes care of upper Manhattan. It's one of many ILCs around the country and one of a few in the five boroughs. People with all disabilities, including invisible disabilities, are welcome to take advantage of the services offered here, including counseling, advocacy, and assistance with employment or daily living skills. The main drawback is that the counselors are often overwhelmed by their caseloads. This is not surprising, since they're about the only game in town; it's extremely hard to navigate the system alone, and CIDNY provides a supportive environment for anyone who has questions.

I can't speak about every staff member but I can say of two members; one was lovely but the able…read moreone was rude to almost coming out a tag racist. Funny the company itself has a diverse staff not much Asians but diverse enough. On Google review same comments made. I am sure only elected few staff and we got unlucky but they really should train their educators to be more open minded or don't hire them.

I am heavy into thrift stores. Although small, they have so so so much stuff. Great prices and…read morelocal in fresh meadows. Love the vibe and got vintage stuff like chairs, postcards, clothing, jewelry, lamps, maps and glassware! Must visit!

Perfect little hole in the wall! There's a little something for everyone. Awesome jewelry, books,…read morerecords, and housewares. The owners were so lovely and helpful too!

I know this charity from Florida and it is first-class in terms of service and merchandise. I just…read moredropped of some clothing that is now too big for me at the Jamaica, Queens, location, and could not have had a more pleasant experience...one can park in the lot, bring the merch inside and be greeted by a courteous and smiling staff member. Don't think twice: just go here to shop or donate your stuff. You won't be sorry!