Make A Difference In North Haven: Where To Give Back This November

NORTH 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 North 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 North Haven this November:

North Haven Community Services Food Bank

The Community Services Food Bank, run by the town at 5 Linsley St., gives income-eligible North Haven households a preassembled bag of non-perishable food once a month. Each year the department also hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas food distributions. Residents must call to reserve a spot, and Thanksgiving signups begin Nov. 1.

Donations can be dropped off at Community Services or bought from its Amazon food bank wish list. The town says its 2026 Holiday Food Bank Wish List will be posted as Thanksgiving approaches. Call Robert Snurkowski at 203-239-5321, ext. 8502, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more about donating to the North Haven Food Bank.

North Haven Season of Giving Toy Drive

Each Christmas, North Haven Community Services runs its Season of Giving program, which helps North Haven families facing financial hardship provide gifts for their children age 18 and under.

Family registration opens Tuesday, Nov. 2, and toy distribution appointments run from Monday, Dec. 14, through Friday, Dec. 18. Residents can donate a new, unwrapped toy to the program’s toy drive. Call Community Services at 203-239-5321 to ask about drop-off details.

Learn more about the Season of Giving.

North Haven Food Pantry

The North Haven Food Pantry, housed at North Haven Congregational Church at 28 Church St., is supported by the town’s churches and open to any North Haven resident who asks for food. Residents can pick up two bags of non-perishable food once every 30 days by appointment, and the churches also hand out holiday food boxes at Thanksgiving and Christmas to about 150 families each time.

Food and monetary donations are accepted. Its list of staples includes canned meals, tuna, beans, broth, fruit, tomato sauce, peanut butter, jelly, gravy, rice, cereal, pasta, coffee and tea. Bring donations to the church Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn more about donating to the North Haven Food Pantry.

The Animal Haven

The Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter at 89 Mill Road, takes in homeless, abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs and works to find them permanent homes. It has been saving lives since 1948.

Residents can donate online, buy supplies from its Amazon wish list, volunteer or foster. A state volunteer directory lists a minimum age of 18 for volunteers. Call 203-239-2641 to ask about current needs.

Learn more about ways to help The Animal Haven.

North Haven Land Trust

The all-volunteer North Haven Land Trust works to preserve open space in town and protects more than 130 acres. It accepts donations of land, conservation easements or money to buy land.

The trust is seeking volunteers to support its preservation work. Residents can reach out through its website, and the group will hold a “Meet the North Haven Land Trust” event on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market, 322 State St.

Learn more about donating to the North Haven Land Trust.

Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center

The town’s Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center, at 189 Pool Road, serves North Haven adults 62 and older with nutrition programs, health and wellness services, transportation, education and recreation. It has about 1,200 registered members.

Volunteers help with the center’s activities. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so stop by or call to ask about current volunteer needs.

Learn more about the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center.

Feeding Families Foundation

The Feeding Families Foundation, a nonprofit based in North Haven and founded in 2023, covers the cost of hospital meals for parents and caregivers of critically ill children. Meals are delivered to the child’s room so parents don’t have to leave the bedside or spend money on food.

Residents can donate through the foundation’s website or email donate@feedingfamiliesfoundation.org.

Learn more about donating to the Feeding Families Foundation.

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