NEWTOWN, 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 Newtown. 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 Newtown this November:
The Faith Food Pantry of Newtown, at 46 Church Hill Road behind St. Rose Church, provides a week's worth of groceries and toiletries once a month to Newtown residents in need. Distribution hours are Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. The pantry also delivers to people who can't leave home.
It accepts non-perishable food and monetary gifts, including online donations of $10 to $100. Adults 18 and older can volunteer to distribute food. Call 203-837-0816.
Learn more about donating to the Faith Food Pantry.
Incorporated in 1959, The Newtown Fund provides emergency relief to Newtown residents in need. Working with Newtown Social Services, it helps pay for food, fuel, utilities, rent and medical expenses.
Its largest activity is the Holiday Basket program in December, and the fund says monetary donations are always welcome.
Learn more about supporting The Newtown Fund.
Real Food CT began with a food pantry in Newtown and now runs two community farms there, at 171 Huntingtown Road and 8 Commerce Road. It supplies locally grown food to more than 35 organizations.
Its website has a volunteer registration page and a donation page.
Learn more about volunteering with Real Food CT.
The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, created in memory of Catherine, a six-year-old who loved animals, sits on 34 acres at 8 Commerce Road. It has no animals on site, but the property is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Volunteers help maintain pollinator gardens, remove invasive plants, keep trails clear and assist at special events. Email volunteer@cvhfoundation.org. Its Senior Paw Project supports senior pets, and the sanctuary accepts Chewy gift cards.
Learn more about volunteering at the sanctuary.
The Newtown Forest Association is Connecticut's oldest private land trust, established in 1924. It owns or protects more than 1,300 acres of open space in Newtown.
It holds volunteer outings to clear brush and trails and is seeking volunteers to join its Board of Directors. Donations can be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 213, Newtown, CT 06470.
Learn more about volunteering with the Newtown Forest Association.
Friends of Newtown Seniors is an all-volunteer nonprofit that runs a Newtown Rides program, giving free rides to seniors within town.
Volunteer drivers are needed for two hours once a month, on Tuesdays through Thursdays. The group also seeks volunteers to reach out to ill or grieving seniors and to plan senior activities. Call 203-430-0633 or email info@friendsofnewtownseniors.org.
Learn more about volunteering with Friends of Newtown Seniors.
Newtown Youth & Family Services, at 15 Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook, is a licensed nonprofit mental health clinic and youth service bureau. It has served the greater Newtown area for 40 years, helping children and families reach their potential.
Residents can support its Annual Support Campaign through the Donate Today link on its website. Volunteer roles include fundraising and development, special events and serving on its Board of Directors. Its largest volunteer events are Independent Living Day and the annual Holiday Festival. Contact Youth Coordinator Madison McColl at MMcColl@newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org or 203-270-4335.
Learn more about volunteering with Newtown Youth & Family Services.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Newtown. 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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