MANHATTAN, IL — 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 Manhattan. 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 Manhattan this November:
The Manhattan Neighborhood Food Pantry was started in November 1997 as a Girl Scouts project and now operates out of Manhattan Township Hall, 230 Wabash St. It serves families on the first and third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., though the township says dates are subject to change. The pantry limits help to one family per household.
Donations of non-perishable food can be left in the box by the north entrance of the building. For monetary gifts, contact Township Supervisor Jim Walsh at 815-680-5590 or mail a check to Manhattan Township Food Pantry, 230 Wabash St., Manhattan, IL 60442. Contact Karleen Kendall at manhattanfoodpantry@gmail.com or 815-474-8058 about the pantry.
Learn more about the Manhattan Neighborhood Food Pantry.
The Manhattan Park District, at the Hansen Community Center, 397 S. State St., calls volunteers "integral" team members. They coach youth teams, help at special events, preserve parks and natural resources and serve on its Foundation.
Its site lists current openings for volunteer coaches, special events volunteers and parks volunteers. Call 815-478-3324.
Learn more about volunteering with the Park District.
The Manhattan Lions Club collects used eyeglasses at the Manhattan Post Office, the Stone City VFW, both First Bank of Manhattan branches and other drop-off spots. It also supports the Manhattan Neighborhood Food Pantry, the Scouts, the Manhattan Public Library and scholarships, and sponsors Candy Days and an annual blood drive.
The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month from September through May. Its site explains how to become a Lion.
Learn more about the Manhattan Lions Club.
The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District, at 240 E. Whitson St., has served the community since 1909. Its Friends of the Library group welcomes members and volunteers who help at events and with fundraisers, and it accepts donations.
Teens in 7th grade and up can complete school-related community service hours at the library. Call the Youth Services Department at 815-478-3987 or email kids@mpld.org.
Learn more about the Friends of the Library.
Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois delivers meals and friendly wellness checks to older adults and people with disabilities in Will, Grundy, Kendall and suburban Cook counties. Its most urgent need is meal delivery drivers.
Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license and auto insurance, and a background check and training are required. Mileage is reimbursed. The group also needs café assistants, and anyone of any age can make greeting cards remotely. Call the Will County volunteer line at 815-263-7587 to find the location closest to Manhattan.
Learn more about the Meals on Wheels volunteer form.
Based in nearby Shorewood at 20729 Southwest Frontage Road, the Will County Humane Society is a no-kill shelter serving the county. Its October 2026 wish list says its most-needed items are garbage bags, pellet litter, small-bites dry dog food and Purina One Digestive Health dry dog food.
Donations can be dropped under the covered porch at any time or ordered from its Amazon wish list. The shelter also accepts online and mailed gifts and runs foster and volunteer programs.
Learn more about donating to the Will County Humane Society.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves 13 counties, including Will, and its South Suburban Center in Joliet is at 171 S. Larkin Ave. It supplies more than 200 food pantries and feeding programs across the region.
Volunteers can work at its centers, including Joliet, or at a mobile market, individually or in a group. Donations and food gifts can be made through its website.
Learn more about volunteering with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Manhattan. 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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