Growing numbers of newly unemployed professionals have been streaming into the offices of nonprofits since the recession hit looking to do some good, to network, or simply to fill the hours they used to put in at their former jobs, the New York Times reports.

In New York City, newly jobless professionals have searched for volunteer opportunities on the volunteernyc.org matching site, which last month recorded 30 percent more visitors than in February 2008, and caused New York Cares to add new-volunteer orientations that are booked an unprecedented three weeks in advance. Similarly, the San Francisco-based Taproot Foundation, which places skilled professionals in volunteer positions, had more people sign up on a single day earlier this year than during any single month in 2008. And in Philadelphia, Big Brothers Big Sisters has seen a 25 percent year-over-year increase in inquiries from potential mentors... Read more