People don't have to leave their homes if they are looking to lend a helping hand.

A new initiative campaign by Volunteer New York is making it possible for people to volunteer - without leaving their homes.

The group created a virtual volunteer center that allows anyone who wants to get involved to find a project at a local nonprofit in need of help. 

News 12 met one volunteer Monday, a Pace University junior who has been writing inspirational letters to seniors at the United Hebrew Nursing Home in New Rochelle. 

"I was just using this an opportunity to try and reach out to those like me who need a friend right now and who are really lonely. These people at nursing homes don't have visitors or volunteers because of the outbreak that is happened" says Akhila Ramesh.

Officials at Volunteer New York say they've seen a 160% increase in the number of people seeking volunteer opportunities since it launched its campaign two weeks ago.

 

PHOTOS: Your coronavirus heroes