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

SIMSBURY, 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.

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Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Simsbury. 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 Simsbury this November:

Simsbury Food Pantry

The town's Simsbury Food Pantry, at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., serves residents of Simsbury, Tariffville, West Simsbury and Weatogue. Its monthly "Cheese Day" distribution is on the third Tuesday, and eligible homebound residents can get monthly deliveries.

Unopened, non-expired non-perishables can be left any day in the blue donation bin at the church. The town's needs list includes coffee and tea, canned meats and tuna, peanut butter and jelly, juice, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit and vegetables, soups, cereal, pancake mix, maple syrup, toilet paper, cleaning products and hygiene items. Checks can be mailed to Simsbury Community and Social Services, 754 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070, with "Food Pantry" on the memo line. Volunteer roles include stocker/sorter, Cheese Day helper, delivery driver and monthly shopper.

Learn more about volunteering with Community and Social Services.

Foodshare Truck at First Church of Christ

First Church of Christ, at 689 Hopmeadow St., hosts a Connecticut Foodshare truck every other Monday at 1 p.m. in its parking lot.

Volunteers can help with logistics, organize distribution events or assist recipients directly. Submit the volunteer form on the church's website or call 860-651-3593.

Learn more about volunteering with the Foodshare Truck.

Simsbury Community and Social Services

Simsbury Community and Social Services helps residents who need assistance with basics such as heat, utilities, shelter, transportation and food.

The department depends on financial donations, which can be directed to its "Keep Simsbury Warm" fund or the food pantry. Donated dollars also support rent and utility help, youth enrichment and its annual holiday gift program, which matches donors with local children. Call 860-658-3283 to ask how to sponsor a child or support this year's program.

Learn more about donating to Social Services.

Simsbury Senior Center

The Simsbury Senior Center, at Eno Memorial Hall, serves residents age 50 and older, and it offers several volunteer positions.

Volunteer roles include front desk, greeters for the Tuesday Lunch Café and Wednesday Lunch at Eno, and a tech tutor who gives one-on-one smartphone and tablet lessons. Apply online or call 860-658-3273.

Learn more about volunteering at the Senior Center.

McLean Meals on Wheels

McLean, a nonprofit senior living community at 75 Great Pond Road, has run Meals on Wheels since 1978. In 2024, 64 volunteers delivered 9,658 meals to 89 clients in Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Granby and East Granby, and each delivery includes a friendly visit.

Volunteers are needed as drivers, cooks and kitchen helpers. Call 860-658-3980. Gifts can be mailed to the McLean Development Office, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070.

Learn more about supporting McLean.

Simsbury Land Trust

The Simsbury Land Trust, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, protects more than 1,000 acres and maintains over 25 miles of trails in town. About 800 member families support it each year.

Memberships and donations can be made online. It holds seasonal invasive-plant workdays, and its events calendar lists a Nov. 7 program, "Charcoal in the 19th Century." To volunteer, email director@simsburylandtrust.org.

Learn more about Simsbury Land Trust events.

Double Dog Rescue

Double Dog Rescue is an all-breed dog rescue in West Simsbury run entirely by unpaid volunteers. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Supporters can donate through PayPal or learn about volunteering on its Volunteer page. Mail is sent to P.O. Box 104, West Simsbury, CT 06092.

Learn more about volunteering with Double Dog Rescue.

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