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

HILLSBOROUGH, 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.

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

Hillsborough Township Community Assistance Network (C.A.N.)

The Community Assistance Network, housed in the township's Social Services Department at 379 South Branch Road, is a food pantry supported entirely by donations. It serves Hillsborough residents experiencing food insecurity.

The pantry accepts boxed pasta, potatoes and rice, canned vegetables, fruit, meats and soups, tea and coffee, toiletries such as deodorant and shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products. It also accepts grocery gift cards, which should be dropped off rather than mailed, and checks or online donations. Volunteers check expiration dates, sort groceries and stock shelves, and must have a municipal volunteer form on file. The township posts its current needs every two weeks on Facebook.

Learn more about donating and volunteering with C.A.N.

Feeding Hands

Feeding Hands is a nonprofit food pantry headquartered in Hillsborough, with its main pantry at 186 Route 206. It describes its model as "contagious volunteerism."

Residents can apply to volunteer individually or with a group, though group space is limited. They can also donate online or by check, or start a drive, as listed on the pantry's website. Checks should be made out to "Feeding Hands" and mailed to 601 Route 206, Suite 26-217, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

Learn more about volunteering with Feeding Hands.

CAPIC Cats

CAPIC Cats is an all-volunteer group that specializes in trap-neuter-return for feral and free-roaming cats and also finds homes for kittens and cats. Its cats are available for adoption on Saturdays at Amwell Pet Supply, 434 Route 206 South in Hillsborough.

The group says it currently needs wet and dry kitten and cat food, KMR, treats, toys and bedding. Items can be dropped off or purchased at Amwell Pet Supply. CAPIC is also looking for foster parents and accepts monetary donations.

Learn more about donating to and fostering with CAPIC Cats.

Duke Farms

Duke Farms is a nature preserve, working farm and research center that draws more than 150,000 visitors a year.

Its volunteer positions include landscape, stewardship and assistant education roles, and training is provided. Applicants fill out an online application, and questions can go to volunteer@dukefarms.org. Duke Farms also offers corporate volunteer days.

Learn more about volunteering at Duke Farms.

Hillsborough YMCA

The Hillsborough YMCA, at 19 East Mountain Road, is a branch of the Greater Somerset County YMCA.

Volunteer roles include K–8 tutors and homework helpers, childcare and youth program aides, wellness assistants and older adult program support. Volunteers can also help at signature events such as Healthy Kids Day and the Hillsborough HOP 5K. Teens are welcome in many roles.

Learn more about volunteering with the YMCA.

Somerset County Volunteer Services

Somerset County Volunteer Services runs the county Handyman Program, which connects seniors and residents with disabilities to volunteers who do small home repairs. Typical jobs include installing grab bars, changing smoke detector batteries and building wheelchair ramps.

Volunteers must be 18 or older, and no experience is needed. Training is provided, and the office also recruits volunteers for its Medicare counseling and AARP Tax-Aide programs.

Learn more about volunteering with Somerset County.

Steps Together

Steps Together is a Hillsborough-based nonprofit founded in 2013 that supports Somerset County families facing a medical crisis. It raises money through community events and donations.

Residents can give online or mail a check to Steps Together, P.O. Box 5773, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

Learn more about donating to Steps Together.

Safe+Sound Somerset

Safe+Sound Somerset, at 427 Homestead Road, serves survivors of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Its services include a 24-hour helpline and an emergency safe house.

Volunteer roles that require 60 hours of training include helpline advocate, legal advocate and safe house support, with a one-year minimum commitment. Other roles include child care and office assistant, social ambassador and special events help.

Learn more about volunteering with Safe+Sound Somerset.

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