HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — 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 Hackettstown. 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 Hackettstown this November:
The Lord's Pantry, a food ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main St., is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
Volunteers can serve weekly or occasionally, no experience is needed, and students and groups are welcome. The pantry says $1 provides more than 5 pounds of food through its food bank partnership. Call 908-852-3020 for donation and volunteer details.
Learn more about volunteering at the Lord's Pantry.
Foodshed Alliance runs LocalShare, a gleaning program that collects surplus produce from local farms and delivers it to food pantries, church pantries and soup kitchens, including the Lord's Pantry in Hackettstown.
The program is looking for individual volunteers and groups from businesses, churches and youth organizations. Email volunteer coordinator Daisy Taylor at daisy@foodshedalliance.org or text 908-510-5398.
Learn more about volunteering with LocalShare.
The Pet Adoption League, based in Hackettstown, is an all-volunteer, no-kill cat rescue that has operated since 1937. It has no shelter and instead uses foster homes and holds adoptions at local pet supply stores.
Volunteers can foster kittens or cats with supplies and support provided, bake for its bake sales, help with fundraisers or transport animals to vet appointments. Volunteers must be 18 or older to work with the animals.
Learn more about volunteering with the Pet Adoption League.
The county's Meals at Home Program delivers hot meals five days a week to homebound seniors, including from the Hackettstown Senior Center at 293 Main St.
Volunteer drivers deliver meals Monday through Friday for about an hour. Volunteers must be 18 or older and have a valid driver's license, and they can sign up for every day, a few days a week or one full week a month. Call 908-475-6591 to volunteer.
Learn more about volunteering with Meals at Home.
Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey, formed when the Warren and Sussex County affiliates merged in 2025, builds and repairs homes for low- and moderate-income families. It runs two Warren County retail locations in nearby Washington: the ReStore at 384 Route 57 West and The HUT at 30 Belvidere Ave.
Its Hope in the Hills of Warren program sent 86 volunteers to complete 170 repair tasks at 25 homes in April. The affiliate is also seeking volunteers for repair work, construction crews and its ReStores, and it accepts donations of reusable goods and materials.
Learn more about Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey.
Project Self-Sufficiency's Season of Hope Toy Drive collects new, unwrapped toys for children and teens in Sussex, Northern Warren and Northern Morris counties. Hackettstown High School is among the participating schools this year.
Toys can be dropped off in November and December at the nonprofit's office at 127 Mill St. in Newton, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A limited number of additional drop-off sites are also open, and the group also welcomes donations of gift cards, funds and gift wrap. Call 973-940-3500 for information. Families must register in advance by phone to receive toys.
Learn more about the Season of Hope Toy Drive.
The Friends of the Hackettstown Library is a volunteer nonprofit that raises money to supplement the library's budget, funding programs, learning materials and educational devices beyond what the town provides. The library is at 110 Church St.
Anyone can join the Friends to offer time and expertise. Email hfplfriends@gmail.com or call the library at 908-852-4936.
Learn more about the Friends of the Hackettstown Library.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Hackettstown. 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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