Make A Difference In Tucson: Where To Give Back This November

TUCSON, AZ — Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1 this year, but you don't have to wait until then to make a difference close to home.

Throughout November, local nonprofits, food pantries, animal rescues, community organizations and other groups are looking for donations, volunteers and other forms of support. Whether you have a few hours to give, items to donate or simply want to support a local cause financially, there are plenty of ways to help.

Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Tucson. Needs and volunteer opportunities can change, so check directly with each organization for the latest information.

Here are some ways to make a difference in Tucson this November:

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, at 3003 S. Country Club Road, is celebrating 50 years of fighting hunger. Based in Pima County, it also serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties.

Its events page lists a Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Bashas’ at 2000 W. River Road. The food bank says every $1 helps provide three meals, and it has a searchable map of food drop-off sites. Checks go to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona at its Country Club Road address, and volunteers sign up for shifts through an online calendar.

Learn more about volunteering with the Community Food Bank.

Interfaith Community Services

Interfaith Community Services runs food banks and emergency help at its Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road, and its Central Office, 122 N. Craycroft Road. Its Eastside Office, at 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail, takes food donations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Fall Food Drive is listed on its 2026 events calendar. It asks for canned meats, peanut butter, soup, whole grain pasta, canned spaghetti sauce (no glass), canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, diapers, wipes and travel-size hygiene supplies. Its volunteer orientations are Nov. 11 (online), Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 (online), and its offices close on Thanksgiving. Call 520-297-6049.

Learn more about volunteering with Interfaith Community Services.

The Primavera Foundation

The Primavera Foundation, at 151 W. 40th St., provides shelter, housing support and job training for people experiencing homelessness. Its Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Drop-In Center is at 702 S. 6th Ave.

Volunteers can pass out hygiene kits and mail at the drop-in center, make sack lunches or join a meal team that shops for, prepares and serves breakfast, lunch or dinner at its shelters. Email volunteers@primavera.org. Its donation requests have included toiletry kits, scarves, gloves and hats, and non-perishables such as canned protein, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and canned fruits and vegetables. Online gifts go through its Give page.

Learn more about donating to Primavera.

Humane Society of Southern Arizona

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, at 635 W. Roger Road, has served Tucson pets and their families since 1944. Its Pet Pantry gives pet food to owners in need, and its calendar lists a Pet Pantry on Nov. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Donors can drop off pet food at the Adoptions Lobby, shop from its Amazon or Chewy wish lists, or give online. Volunteers can help pack and distribute pantry food. Mail checks to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85705.

Learn more about donating to the Humane Society.

Pima Council on Aging

The Pima Council on Aging, at 8467 E. Broadway Blvd., runs Pima Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. Drivers also do wellness checks.

Residents can donate through the council’s website. Partner programs such as Interfaith Community Services’ Mobile Meals also seek volunteer drivers for special-diet meals, and the council’s Meals on Wheels phone number is 520-790-7262.

Learn more about donating to the Pima Council on Aging.

Tu Nidito Children and Family Services

Tu Nidito, at 3922 N. Mountain Ave., offers free grief support for children, teens, young adults and families affected by a death or serious medical condition. It marks 30 years of service this year.

Volunteers can facilitate support groups, help with outreach and events, join its Therapy Dog team or serve on its board. Donations can be made online or by check payable to Tu Nidito. Donors may also qualify for an Arizona Charitable Tax Credit of up to $506 for single filers or $1,009 for married couples filing jointly in 2026. Call 520-322-9155.

Learn more about donating to Tu Nidito.

Habitat for Humanity Tucson

Habitat for Humanity Tucson builds and repairs homes for local families. Its volunteer page lists opportunities on build sites, at its ReStore and in administrative support.

Residents can register to volunteer through its website.

Learn more about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Tucson.

This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Tucson. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.

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