HAMDEN, 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 Hamden. 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 Hamden this November:
The Hamden Food Bank, run by the town's Community Services Department at the Keefe Community Center provides Hamden residents by appointment with shelf-stable non-perishable foods, frozen meat, fresh produce and meal kits when available.
Residents can donate online to support the food bank or give to the Community Services Gift Fund, which also supports the town's Diaper Bank and other social service needs. The town also runs an annual Thanksgiving basket drive. Call Community Services at 203-562-5129 to ask about this year's needs.
Learn more about Hamden Community Services.
Every other Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., a Connecticut Foodshare truck distributes free food in the St. Paul's Parish parking lot at 306 Circular Ave. The pantry is managed by United Way of Greater New Haven, which also coordinates the Hamden Food Collaborative. (Dates and locations are subject to change.)
Volunteers help set up the pantry, distribute food and break down afterward. The pantry runs rain or shine, and volunteers can sign up online.
Learn more about volunteering at the Hamden Mobile Food Pantry.
The Hamden Diaper Bank, at the Keefe Community Center, provides diapers, menstrual supplies and incontinence products to Hamden residents. It's run in partnership with the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and diaper or menstrual product drives are welcome. Items always needed include diapers of all sizes, pull-ups for children and adults, wipes, canned baby food and formula, new and unwrapped baby toys, children's books, baby blankets and gift cards. Call 203-562-5129, ext. 1126, before dropping off.
Learn more about donating to the Hamden Diaper Bank.
Where the Love Is Animal Rescue is a no-kill nonprofit in Hamden that has been rescuing abandoned and surrendered dogs and giving them a second chance since 2013. Volunteers run the rescue and rely on foster homes and a sleepover program to get dogs out of the building.
The rescue can house only about a dozen dogs at a time. It received a $162,000 grant to build a larger shelter with climate-controlled kennels, and it reported a sharp rise in surrender requests last year. Residents can donate through its website. Check the site for current volunteer needs.
Learn more about volunteering with Where the Love Is.
The all-volunteer Sleeping Giant Park Association, founded in 1924, is dedicated to protecting and caring for Sleeping Giant State Park at 200 Mt. Carmel Ave.
Its Trail Crew has welcomed new volunteers on Sunday mornings from spring through late November in recent years. Typical work includes clearing fallen trees, removing litter, repainting trail markers and building features that prevent erosion.
Residents can also donate or give memberships and gift memberships online.
Learn more about volunteering with the Sleeping Giant Park Association.
The all-volunteer Hamden Land Conservation Trust, founded in 1969, works to protect open space in Hamden and educate residents about environmental issues. Its volunteers serve on committees for land stewardship, education and acquisitions.
Memberships support open space protection, hikes and educational programs. The trust suggests a minimum annual gift of $30, and donations can be made online or by mail.
Learn more about supporting the Hamden Land Conservation Trust.
The town's Miller Senior Center, at 2901 Dixwell Ave., serves Hamden residents 60 and older with activities, a senior community café that serves lunch Monday through Friday, mini-bus rides to appointments and errands, and free income tax help from February through April.
Residents who want to volunteer can call the center at 203-287-2547 to ask about current needs.
Learn more about Hamden Elderly Services.
Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers of Greater New Haven is based in Hamden and helps older adults stay independent with volunteer-powered services, including rides to medical appointments and grocery delivery. It serves people of all faiths.
The group says it has more than 250 volunteers. Residents can sign up to volunteer or donate through its website.
Learn more about volunteering with Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Hamden. 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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