Groundhog Job Shadow Day
Each year Junior Achievement New York and ABC Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP) bring New York City students to ABC and give them an up-close look at the world of work and how the skills they learn in school can be put into action. Students go behind the scenes of a soap opera, a local newsroom and a live talk show.

Principal for a Day
In conjunction with PENCIL and the New York City Board of Education, ABC sends employees to become "Principal for a Day" within the five boroughs of NYC. This outreach program builds alliances with corporations and public city schools.

HABITAT for Humanity
ABC VIP volunteers participate with the HABITAT for Humanity of Bergen County, New Jersey in the construction of new homes for families in need. They paint, hammer, garden, etc. It's a real team effort.

Career Night and Make-Up Night
Each year ABC hosts "Career Night." More than 125 women from various non-profits come to ABC to hear about ways to build their self-confidence and self-esteem, interview tips, resume writing and dressing for success in the business world. In addition, ABC and Estee Lauder partner together to present "Make-Up Night" at ABC - women from area non-profit organizations come to ABC for an evening of make-up, hair, body and exercise, and dressing for success tips to help them look good on the outside which helps them feel good on the inside.

Sterling Forest
Each year numerous volunteers help clean up Sterling Forest. One of ABC's most amazing efforts has been its work to protect Sterling Forest, a critical 20,000 acre watershed which straddles a land area between New York and New Jersey. ABC began supporting a campaign to protect this special region in 1985 when it had been placed on the real estate market for potential development.

ABC Sports Day
ABC hosted Sports Day, a fun filled event in celebration of awareness of people and athletes with disabilities. In 2001, the ABC All-Stars competed in a benefit game of wheelchair basketball with the world famous L.I. Express team from the NWBA (National Wheelchair Basketball Association.) Hundreds of students from New York City Schools, non-profit organizations, and members of the ABC community were on hand to see the exciting action.

New York Disney Blanketeers
Through the workshops and individual giving, ABC VIP Disney Blanketeers have donated over 100 blankets for babies and children in the New York area and have recently extended donations all the way to Houston, Texas. Blankets were sent to KTRK, our owned station in Houston, to distribute in response to the recent flooding in their local community. Blanketeer volunteers have been working since October 2000 on blankets that bring smiles and warmth to both the children who receive them and to the volunteers who make them.

Special Olympics
ABC has a partnership with Special Olympics. Each year about 100 employees volunteer their time to help Special Olympics host their annual Tournament at Riverbank State Park. During the year, ABC VIP also participates in the Special Olympics' Duck Walk and Bowl-for-Gold events.

Take-a-Kid Fishing
ABC sponsors "Take-a-Kid-Fishing." Children from various non-profits including the Mary McDowell School and the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center go fishing off the waters of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn to learn how to fish.

New York City Parks Foundation and the City of New York Parks & Recreation
Each year cast members come out to volunteer at the Annual Central Park EGGstravaganza, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department of NYC. Thousands and thousands of children from New York City participate in a full day of fun including Easter egg hunts, basket making, face painting and arts and crafts. During the summer, ABC employees participate in various activities in New York City Parks including "Rock 'n Rollerblading Parties." In the Fall, ABC VIP sends volunteers to the Annual Great Halloween Party where thousands of New York City kids come out for a day of Halloween fun in Central Park.

Summer Camps
Each summer, ABC employees volunteer at summer camps including Camp Compass, a camping program for children living with HIV and AIDS and Camp Courageous, sponsored by Calvary Hospital for kids who have recently lost a loved one.

New York Cares Day
Volunteers clean up over 100 New York City Public Schools. Volunteers spend the day helping to reorganize school libraries, painting fences and wall murals, etc.