BRANFORD, CT — 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 Branford. 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 Branford this November:
The Branford Food Pantry, at 30 Harrison Ave., is a 100% volunteer-run pantry that serves about 520 Branford households a month with free groceries.
Its ongoing needs include cereal, peanut butter, soup, stew and coffee. Non-perishable items can be dropped off Tuesday mornings from 8:30 to 11 a.m. or Friday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Residents can also donate online, organize a food drive or apply for volunteer roles such as van driver, client assistant and back-room helper. The pantry will deliver Thanksgiving holiday baskets to Branford residents who request one by Nov. 20, on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Learn more about ways to help the Branford Food Pantry.
The Community Dining Room, also at 30 Harrison Ave., serves free meals to people in Branford and surrounding shoreline towns, with a mission to end hunger and isolation.
Volunteers can help prepare meals, deliver meals to homebound residents or pick up donations from local stores. New volunteers must attend an orientation, held on the second Monday evening of the month. The Dining Room also accepts food donations and checks, and it encourages community food drives. Its website includes a healthy-food donation list.
Learn more about volunteering with and donating to the Community Dining Room.
Feed Branford Kids is a nonprofit that sends children home with weekend meals through a backpack program run with Branford schools. Each bag includes two breakfasts, two main meals, juice and snacks, and no income eligibility is required.
The group is funded entirely by private donations. Residents can sponsor a child for a year for $640, make a smaller gift or volunteer to help shop for and pack the bags.
Learn more about supporting Feed Branford Kids.
The town-run Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter cares for homeless animals from Branford and North Branford and relies on community donations. Residents can donate online, mail a check to the shelter or buy supplies from its Amazon wish list.
Learn more about donating to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.
The all-volunteer Branford Land Trust has protected open space in town since 1967 and owns more than 1,000 acres. The group says its work depends on volunteers.
Volunteers help with land stewardship, trail maintenance, membership, communications and fundraising, and no experience is required. Individual memberships are $20 and family memberships are $30. Donations can be made online.
Learn more about volunteering with the Branford Land Trust.
Not sure where to give? The Branford Community Foundation is a local charitable endowment that awards grants to area nonprofits. Its priorities include food and other basic needs, mental health, seniors, youth and the environment.
Residents can make a tax-deductible donation to support local giving. Donations can be made online.
Learn more about donating to the Branford Community Foundation.
The Branford Compassion Club is a nonprofit feline rescue and adoption center, founded in 1997, that cares for cats and runs a trap-neuter-return program for feral cats.
Residents can donate online, buy supplies from the club's Amazon and Chewy wish lists, or drop items in the big blue donation bin outside the shelter. Its wish list page lists items including paper towels, tall kitchen garbage bags, dish soap, unscented clumping cat litter, canned pâté-style cat food and Purina ONE dry food.
Volunteers must be 18 or older to work directly with the cats, and roles include feeding and cleaning shifts, socializing shy cats and fostering. Interested residents can email branfordcompassionvolunteer@gmail.com.
Learn more about the Branford Compassion Club wish list.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Branford. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.
This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Branford Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.