SARASOTA, FL — 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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota this November:
All Faiths Food Bank, at 8171 Blaikie Court, provides meals to children, families and seniors across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Its homepage currently features an Autumn Harvest campaign and a holiday appeal.
Gifts can be made one time or monthly, or sent by check to 8171 Blaikie Ct., Sarasota, FL 34240. The food bank also offers a vehicle donation program and lets groups host a fund drive. It takes volunteers, and slots at its warehouse filled up quickly during September's Fall For Sarasota volunteer days.
Learn more about volunteering with All Faiths Food Bank.
Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, at 421 N. Lime Ave., has delivered meals to homebound seniors since 1971. Its volunteer drivers cover 34 routes in northern Sarasota County, and the organization says it delivers about 500 meals on weekdays.
Drivers use their own vehicles and fuel, and the organization says it needs volunteers daily. Sign up through the online form. Donations can be made online or by mail to P.O. Box 178, Sarasota, FL 34230. Its website says gifts of $5 to $500 may be matched by the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust.
Learn more about donating to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota.
Resurrection House, at 507 Kumquat Court, is a faith-based day center for people experiencing homelessness. It's open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and offers breakfast, showers, laundry, a clothing closet and case management.
Donations of clean, gently used clothing and other essentials are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Its Amazon wish list lists current needs, and the center says it always welcomes bottled water and hygiene products. Call 941-365-3759 about volunteering.
Learn more about donating to Resurrection House.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County, at 2331 15th St., is a no-kill shelter that was incorporated in 1952. It cares for about 170 animals a day.
Its wish list asks for items such as cat treats and toys, mini and small Milk-Bones, xylitol-free peanut butter, poop bags and Jolly Balls. For its foster program, it lists flat fleece blankets, pee pads and Royal Canin mother and babycat food. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter or given online, by phone at 941-955-4131, ext. 115, or by mail. Volunteers apply online and commit to at least six hours a month for their first three months.
Learn more about volunteering at the Humane Society.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have provided out-of-school and summer programs for young people since 1970, with daily programs at six locations. Its main office is at 3130 Fruitville Road.
Supporters can donate online, volunteer or host a fundraiser. Its Get Involved page also mentions the Flanzer Match. For questions, call 941-366-3911.
Learn more about getting involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Sarasota Bay Watch is an all-volunteer nonprofit that works on shellfish restoration, marine debris cleanups and island and shoreline restoration. It also runs a youth leadership program.
It recently held its annual Monofilament Cleanup and has more restoration events planned. Check its website for upcoming volunteer dates.
Learn more about donating to Sarasota Bay Watch.
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota builds affordable homes for income-qualified families. Its ReStore, at 2095 17th St., sells donated furniture, appliances and building materials to fund its work.
Donations can be dropped off Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the ReStore. For large items, call 941-363-0777 to arrange a pickup. To ask about volunteering, email volunteer@habitatsrq.org.
Learn more about donating to the Habitat ReStore.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Sarasota. 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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