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

FARMINGTON, 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 Farmington. 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 Farmington this November:

Farmington Food Pantry

The all-volunteer Farmington Food Pantry, at Amistad Hall, 75 Main St., serves Farmington residents who are pre-qualified through Farmington Community Services. It uses a “Clients Choice” model and serves 273 households, or 494 residents. It is a partner agency of Foodshare.

Non-perishable, non-expired food can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Amistad Hall, or at the Main Street fire station, Stop & Shop in Unionville or Town Hall. Checks go to Farmington Food Pantry, Inc., P.O. Box 84, Farmington, CT 06034. Volunteers help with food drive processing, restocking, shopping assistance and pickups. Call 860-674-8694. The pantry also helps groups plan food drives.

Learn more about volunteering with the Farmington Food Pantry.

Farmington Community Services Holiday Programs

Farmington Community Services, at 1 Monteith Drive, runs holiday programs for residents in need. Donors can sign up to provide Thanksgiving or winter holiday meal baskets, or sponsor children in its Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Program for low-income families with kids under 18.

Sponsors receive a holiday wish list for each child. Complete the online donor registration form, or call 860-675-2390.

Learn more about the holiday donor registration.

H.O.P.E. Partners of Farmington

H.O.P.E. Partners of Farmington, at 321 New Britain Ave. in Unionville, was formerly known as Services for the Elderly of Farmington. It brings together volunteers to help seniors and people with disabilities stay connected to the community while living at home, including through Meals on Wheels.

Volunteers can apply on its website, and the nonprofit relies on donations to continue its work. Its 2026 newsletter is posted on the site.

Learn more about volunteering with H.O.P.E. Partners.

Farmington Land Trust

The Farmington Land Trust, established in 1971, protects more than 300 acres across about 70 parcels in town.

Volunteers can water and weed gardens, remove invasive plants, help with events, serve on committees, steward a property or adopt a parcel. Memberships start at $150, or $75 for students and young members, and donations can be made online. Email office@farmingtonlandtrust.org.

Learn more about volunteering with the Land Trust.

Farmington Valley Trails Council

The Farmington Valley Trails Council maintains the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and says it is always looking for volunteers for a variety of projects. Its Adopt-a-Mile program includes volunteers along the Farmington and Unionville section.

Call 860-202-3928 or email info@fvgreenway.org. Donations and memberships are accepted through its website.

Learn more about volunteering with the Trails Council.

Farmington Youth Services

Farmington Youth Services, part of Community Services, runs a substance-free Teen Center at 19 School St. in Unionville for ages 13 through 19, with professional social workers available. It also offers community service opportunities and positive youth development programs.

The town’s volunteer page directs people to Youth Services staff for opportunities. Call 860-675-2390.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Youth Services.

Rotary Club of Farmington

The Rotary Club of Farmington is a service club that supports local students and charitable, humanitarian and community organizations. It meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Five Corners Bistro & Craft Bar, 354 Colt Highway.

Its website invites people to donate food at its upcoming 5K Trail Race, and a past newsletter says the club has supported Farmington Community Services’ Holiday Giving Program. Visitors can contact the club through its website.

Learn more about the Rotary Club of Farmington.

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