Pickup Buddi is a New York City service that helps families manage the gap between school dismissal and the rest of the day. Its vetted student Buddis provide walking-only afterschool pickup, accompanying children home or to activities such as sports practice and lessons. Families can also request short-term care at home after a walk, including babysitting and homework help.

The service is designed around each family’s schedule. Parents set the school, destination and walking days, browse Buddis, and can arrange a recurring weekly routine with the same person or adjust days as needed. Families can prioritize support such as homework help, reading, instrument practice, snacks and simple meals, tidying, arts and crafts, or care for multiple children.

Pickup Buddi brings schedules, in-app messaging, walk updates, timesheets and payments together in one place. The company says every Buddi is background checked, interviewed in person, reference checked and approved. Founded by Mawena and Justin, Pickup Buddi aims to offer NYC families a safe, dependable way for children to get from school to home or their next activity.