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

SPARTA, 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 Sparta. 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 Sparta this November:

Sparta Community Food Pantry

The all-volunteer Sparta Community Food Pantry, at 99 Demarest Road, has served the area for more than 40 years. Its website says it “feeds anyone in need and anywhere they live,” with no documentation or proof of need required. It’s open to walk-ins, and volunteers deliver a week’s groceries to homebound neighbors.

Donors can bring food, gift cards or money during pantry hours, give online or by Venmo, or mail a check payable to Sparta Community Food Pantry to P.O. Box 867, Sparta, NJ 07871. Call 862-266-0563 about volunteering.

Learn more about donating to the Sparta Community Food Pantry.

Harvest House Community Lunch Program

Based in nearby Sussex at the rear of 37 Main St., Harvest House has served a free, hot midday meal to people in need in northern Sussex County since 2000. It serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takes donations during those hours.

Its site asks for donated food, bottled water, drinks and paper supplies. Volunteers can work in the kitchen or pantry, pick up and deliver food from local donors or help at fundraisers, and businesses can host a fundraiser. Call 973-875-6445 or email harvesthousenj@gmail.com.

Learn more about helping Harvest House.

Project Self-Sufficiency Thanksgiving Program

Based in nearby Newton at 127 Mill St., Project Self-Sufficiency is preparing complete Thanksgiving dinners for more than 500 Sussex County families this year. It asks for pies, canned vegetables, yams, cranberry sauce, rolls, gravy, stuffing and mashed potato mixes, or money to buy food. A $50 gift sponsors a family.

Donations or notice of plans to donate are requested by Friday, Nov. 13. Frozen turkeys are accepted only on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 19. The agency’s annual Earth Angels program is also seeking money and gift cards to bring holiday cheer to more than 100 Sussex County seniors. Checks should be payable to “Project Self-Sufficiency” with “Earth Angels” on the memo line. Call 973-940-3500.

Learn more about volunteering with Project Self-Sufficiency.

O.S.C.A.R. Animal Rescue

O.S.C.A.R., or One Step Closer Animal Rescue, is a 501(c)(3) no-kill dog rescue based in Sparta. A fire damaged its shelter in Andover on Feb. 11, and the surviving dogs are safe in foster homes.

Its website offers ways to foster, volunteer or donate. Mail donations to P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871, or call 973-810-2853.

Learn more about helping O.S.C.A.R.

Sparta Education Foundation

The Sparta Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money to enrich education in Sparta’s public schools. Its website says every dollar or volunteer minute stays in the Sparta community.

Its fundraising page lists the 20th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, a 5K and one-mile fun walk at White Deer Plaza, with proceeds supporting the foundation. Donors can give online, and volunteers can sign up through its site. Call 973-721-6770.

Learn more about the Sparta Education Foundation’s events.

Pass It Along

Based in nearby Lafayette, Pass It Along is a nonprofit that encourages young people to develop leadership skills through community service. The organization partners with local nonprofits to support families and children at risk, senior citizens, people with developmental disabilities and animals in need.

Residents can support Pass It Along through monetary donations or by volunteering for community service projects. Its annual Note in a Coat drive collects winter coats for people in need, with 2026 drop-off dates and locations still to be announced.

Learn more about volunteering with Pass It Along.

Family Promise of Sussex County

Based in nearby Newton at 19 Church St., Family Promise of Sussex County helps individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity work toward stable housing and greater financial independence.

The nonprofit accepts monetary donations online, through PayPal or Venmo, and by mail. It also welcomes in-kind donations, including nonperishable food, personal hygiene products, new winter coats, hats, gloves, backpacks and school supplies. Volunteers can help with donation drives, special events, food pantry stocking, office tasks and other projects. To learn about current needs or volunteer opportunities, call 973-579-1180. Volunteer inquiries can also be directed to vsadiwnyk@familypromisesussex.org.

Learn more about donating to Family Promise of Sussex County.

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