YNN, Your News Now
December 13, 2010
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — A new poll from the Siena Research Institute shows that three-quarters of New Yorkers have donated to charity over the last year.
The poll on community participation and involvement also shows that just over 60 percent of New Yorkers have volunteered for a community organization over the last year. One in four say they volunteer once a month, while 39 percent never volunteer.
"In these difficult economic times, some will read charitable giving and volunteering as half empty, others as half full," said Dr. Don Levy of the Siena Research Institute. "Many New Yorkers generously give of their dollars and time. Still it seems that when we look at ourselves and see that a majority seldom at most give time, a small donation or a check to help others, there is room for us to do more."
The poll also asked New Yorkers about trust. While a majority of New Yorkers and 62 percent of young people are more inclined to be wary of others, in general, a majority do trust the people in their community, their local police and the people who work in their local stores either somewhat or a lot. Only 9 percent trust their local government.
Just over three-quarters said they attend religious services at least a few times a year, and just under one fourth said they’re deeply committed to a club or organization.