Make A Difference In Palm Desert: Where To Give Back This November

PALM DESERT, CA — 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.

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Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Palm Desert. 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 Palm Desert this November:

FIND Food Bank

FIND Food Bank, the desert's regional food bank, is based at 83775 Citrus Ave. in Indio and runs distribution sites across the Coachella Valley, including a mobile market at Palm Desert High School. Its website says $25 can provide up to 100 meals.

Residents can start a food drive or drop food off at the warehouse, and volunteers can help at food distributions, pack food in the warehouse or work in the office. Call 760-775-3663.

Learn more about volunteering with FIND Food Bank.

The Joslyn Center

The Joslyn Center, at 73750 Catalina Way, serves adults 50 and older in Palm Desert, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage. Its programs include the Joslyn Community Food Bank, Let's Do Lunch, a fitness center and wellness programs, and it serves as a Riverside County cool center.

Donations can be made online and can be designated to a specific need. The center has a volunteer coordinator to help match people with opportunities, including at the food bank. Call 760-340-3220.

Learn more about donating to the Joslyn Center.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, headquartered at 42600 Cook St., Suite 120, in Palm Desert, serve children and teens ages 7 to 18 at clubhouses and satellite sites across the valley.

Gifts can be made online, by check, through Zelle or by phone at 760-836-1160, ext. 107.

Learn more about supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Animal Samaritans SPCA

Based in nearby Thousand Palms at 72307 Ramon Road, Animal Samaritans is a no-kill shelter founded in 1978. It runs adoptions, low-cost veterinary care and an animal-assisted therapy program, and it is raising money for a new shelter.

Supporters can buy items from its Amazon wish list, give online or volunteer. Call 760-601-3918.

Learn more about supporting Animal Samaritans.

Friends of the Desert Mountains

Friends of the Desert Mountains, at 51500 Highway 74, is a land conservation nonprofit formed in 1987 and the official partner of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Volunteers can help with trail stewardship on the Ed Hastey Trail and other conservation work. They start with an orientation and an application. Donations can be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 1281, Palm Desert, CA 92261. Call 760-568-9918.

Learn more about donating to Friends of the Desert Mountains.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, at 47900 Portola Ave., is a nonprofit zoo and botanical garden focused on desert conservation.

Its website has donation and volunteer pages. Teens ages 14 to 18 can apply to its ZooTeens program, which asks for a full year of service and two shifts a month. Call 760-346-5694.

Learn more about the ZooTeens program.

Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley

Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley builds and repairs homes for low-income families and older homeowners, and its ReStore is at 72680 Dinah Shore Drive. The ReStore sells donated items to fund its work.

Donations are accepted at the ReStore Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For large items, call 760-770-3723, ext. 112, for pickup. Volunteers can work in the ReStore or join the A Brush with Kindness crew, which helps older and disabled homeowners with exterior projects. Email Volunteer@hfhcv.org.

Learn more about volunteering with Habitat.

This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Palm Desert. 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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