Best of Philly

The Broad Street Ministry Menders

When the weather turned cold last winter, John, who lived on the street in Philly, realized that his overcoat lacked any buttons. So he turned to the Broad Street Ministry, where for the past 12 years, a crew of volunteers has replaced buttons, resewn zippers, mended linings and pockets, and otherwise served the sewing needs of the city’s unhoused. Their reward is the gratitude of those they serve, whose possessions may be old but are treasured. As volunteer seamstress Helen Cunningham told the Inquirer, “We try to be the people of yes.” Read More »

Philadelphia City Rowing

Pull out the old college crew tee (and your lats, if you still got 'em) for this worthy cause. Competitive rower and Wharton student Libby Peters started PCR, which aims to form a team for public high-schoolers this fall, and needs mentors and assistant coaches to pitch in each season. She's already commandeered a boatyard near Lloyd Hall, and signed up 100 kids who are itching to get out on the water. Read More »

450 Plymouth Road, Suite 305, Plymouth Meeting, PA Website

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

In case you missed it, biking is the new black. And nobody does more to make Philly (and the 'burbs) more bike-friendly than the 37-year-old Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. If you want to join the effort (they need help with everything from trail-cleaning to envelope-stuffing), the Coalition holds volunteer training nights the first Wednesday of each month. They're looking for 200 volunteers for their annual fund-raiser, September 13th's Bike Philly event. Read More »

1500 WalnutStreet, Suite 1107, Philadelphia, PA | 215-242-9253 | Website