MANCHESTER, 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester this November:
MACC Charities, also known as the Manchester Area Conference of Churches, is a Manchester nonprofit working to break cycles of poverty. Its Community Kitchen serves hot lunches Tuesday through Thursday and bag lunches on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Its Community Emergency Food Pantry is at 460 Main St.
Food donations go to the pantry, and its website lists a needs list. Call 860-647-8003, ext. 128, to ask about drop-off times. Volunteers can help in the kitchen, food pantry, clothing bank and at seasonal events. Call ext. 112 or use the volunteer application on its site. Its Community Threads Thrift Shoppe also takes cash-only purchases.
Learn more about donating to MACC Charities.
Midwest Food Bank New England, at 440 Adams St., is part of a faith-based nonprofit that distributes food to partner agencies across New England. Its website says every $1 donated becomes $30 in food.
Individuals and groups can volunteer to help make donated food ready for the agencies, and the group also offers corporate team-building days. Call 860-783-1820 for details.
Learn more about volunteering with Midwest Food Bank.
Rebuilding Together Manchester repairs the homes of low-income Manchester homeowners, including older adults, people with disabilities and families with children, at no cost. It's supported entirely by gifts of time and money.
The town says it is seeking sponsors and volunteers. Projects take place year-round, and its big National Rebuilding Day is the last Saturday in April. Call 860-647-3167 or email rebuildmanchester@gmail.com.
Learn more about Rebuilding Together Manchester.
Monkey's Pack is a Manchester-based, volunteer-run rescue founded in 2016 in memory of a beloved dog. Its website says it urgently needs pet food and supplies for its rescued cats.
Supporters can buy items from its Chewy wish list, and the group relies on volunteers and fosters.
Learn more about supporting Monkey's Pack.
Based in nearby Hartford, Covenant to Care for Children provides essential goods to abused, neglected and impoverished children across Connecticut, from birth through age 17. The Town of Manchester lists it among its volunteer opportunities.
Its Critical Goods Program supplies items such as beds, cribs, car seats and household goods to families in need. To donate goods, call 860-243-1806. The organization says it cannot accept drop-side cribs. Volunteers can help with programs, and online donations are accepted.
Learn more about the Critical Goods Program.
Based at 30 Arbor St. in nearby Hartford, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford teaches reading, writing and English to adults. It has served the region for more than 50 years.
Volunteers can work in the computer lab, which starts with a one-hour orientation, or commit weekly as classroom tutors. Tutors don't need to be teachers or speak another language, and a three-session training series is provided. Gifts can be made online or by check to the development office at 30 Arbor St., Hartford, CT 06106. Call 860-233-3853.
Learn more about volunteering with Literacy Volunteers.
Manchester's town website invites volunteers to help maintain its trails. At Case Mountain, a 640-acre recreation area, volunteers can help with trail maintenance, watching for invasive plants, removing unauthorized structures, maintaining kiosks and leading family hikes. Email conservation@manchesterct.gov.
The Hockanum River Linear Park Committee also welcomes new volunteers for its trail system, and its contact is David Laiuppa at 860-647-3046. Groups for the Cheney Rail Trail and the 20-mile Hop River Trail also seek help.
Learn more about Manchester's volunteer opportunities.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Manchester. 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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