EAST HAVEN, 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 East Haven. 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 East Haven this November:
The East Haven Food Pantry, at 39 Park Place, was started in 1985 by a small group of volunteers at the Old Stone Church. It serves more than 350 East Haven families and gives each household a three-day emergency food supply.
Its website lists several ways to help: volunteering, collecting food at schools and churches, organizing a neighborhood food drive, and using your vehicle to move groceries from pickup spots to the pantry. Food drives can also be set up through GiveHealthy. Its Kindness for Kids program supports school-age children facing food insecurity, and questions can go to Annarose at 203-468-6611. Call 203-467-4668 for drop-off times.
Learn more about the East Haven Food Pantry.
Based in Branford, the Community Dining Room serves the shoreline from East Haven to Old Saybrook. In East Haven, it partners with the Senior Center on free weekend meals for residents 55 and older, picked up every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 91 Taylor Ave. It also holds a Wednesday evening family night and an every-other-Saturday breakfast club at East Haven High School.
Volunteers fill out an application and attend a one-hour orientation on the second Monday of the month. Email volunteercoordinator@communitydiningroom.org or call 203-488-9750, ext. 1. Checks go to 30 Harrison Ave., Branford, CT 06405.
Learn more about volunteering and donating.
The town's Social Services Department is asking residents, churches, schools and senior groups to help collect 100 new, handmade scarves this winter. The scarves will go to East Haven residents facing financial hardship, including Senior Center participants, older adults living alone, veterans and food pantry clients.
Scarves can be dropped off at the East Haven Senior Center, 91 Taylor Ave., from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. The town asks for adult and youth sizes made with soft, washable yarn, preferably in neutral or unisex colors and free of strong smells or pet hair. Call 203-468-3277 for details.
Learn more about the Crochet for a Cause challenge.
The municipal East Haven Animal Shelter, at 183 Commerce St., cares for lost and stray animals and serves East Haven and North Branford. The town invites residents to volunteer by contacting the shelter.
Call 203-468-3249 to ask about volunteering or other ways to help.
Learn more about volunteering at the shelter.
Tail to Paw Animal Support is an all-volunteer East Haven nonprofit that helps low-income families and families in temporary hardship keep their pets. It provides food, supplies, medicine and basic medical help so pets aren't surrendered to shelters.
Email tailtopaw@gmail.com to ask about volunteering, including fundraising and event help, or to ask about fostering. Donations can be made through the organization's website.
Learn more about getting involved with Tail to Paw Animal Support.
The all-volunteer East Haven Land Trust protects open space in town and owns about 130 acres. It accepts donations of land, conservation easements and money to buy land.
It says the work depends on gifts and its volunteers. To get involved, email admin@easthavenlandtrust.org.
Learn more about getting involved with the East Haven Land Trust.
The East Haven Rotary Club, organized in 1939, has long provided free Thanksgiving dinners to residents in need, delivered by Rotarians. It also runs holiday children's events and a Clothe the Children campaign.
Donations can be made through the Donate page on its website, or by mail to the East Haven Rotary Club, P.O. Box 120598, East Haven, CT 06512. Check the site for this year's Thanksgiving dinner details.
Learn more about the East Haven Rotary Club.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around East Haven. 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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