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

LACEY, 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 Lacey. 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 Lacey this November:

Lacey Food Bank

The Lacey Food Bank, at 102 Station Drive in Forked River, has run since 1990 and is staffed by unpaid volunteers. It serves Lacey Township residents in need and depends on food and money from the community.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 609-242-2848 to ask about drop-offs, food drives and volunteering. Checks and online gifts can be made through its website.

Learn more about how to donate to the Lacey Food Bank.

Vetwork

Vetwork, at 102 Station Drive in Forked River, serves local veterans with food, housing help, transportation to medical appointments and other services, all free of charge. Its Bill Reeves Food Pantry is stocked with donated food and hygiene items for veterans and their families.

Its news page lists a food donation location at VFW Post 9503 in Bayville. Call 609-971-7613 to coordinate food donations. Gifts can be made on its website, by Venmo or by check payable to Vetwork at 102 Station Drive, Forked River, NJ 08731. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about donating to Vetwork.

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, at 1 Humane Way, is run by the Associated Humane Societies. It has cared for abandoned, abused and injured wildlife, exotic and farm animals since 1977.

The refuge accepts blankets, towels, sheets, linens and toys any day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. It also accepts gift cards from stores including Tractor Supply, Walmart, Home Depot and ShopRite, and it has an Amazon wish list. Volunteers can join the Popcorn Park Patrol, which helps with safety patrol, parking and guest questions. Junior volunteers up to age 17 can help with projects that don’t involve working directly with the animals.

Learn more about volunteering at Popcorn Park.

Meals on Wheels Ocean County

Meals on Wheels Ocean County, a program of Community Services Inc., delivers meals to more than 1,000 seniors each weekday. The Lacey Township Committee recognized it in March for its senior nutrition work.

Volunteer roles include meal delivery drivers, Community Café volunteers at its Manahawkin café and friendly visitors who spend time with isolated seniors. Email volunteer@csimow.org to get started.

Learn more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Rotary Club of Forked River

The Rotary Club of Forked River has served Lacey and Ocean townships for 50 years. Its fundraising supports college scholarships, scarves and gloves, Christmas gifts for children of needy families and Thanksgiving dinners for local food bank clients. It also gives to local youth groups and charities.

The club says it offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, and residents can sign up for its email list through the website.

Learn more about the Forked River Rotary.

Forked River Mountain Coalition

The Forked River Mountain Coalition is a volunteer group that works to protect the Forked River Mountains in the Pine Barrens. Each year, it organizes an Earth Day cleanup with the Ocean County Parks Department and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Last year, volunteers hauled out 16.5 tons of debris.

The 33rd annual cleanup took place April 19, 2026, so this is a good time to join its mailing list for next year.

Learn more about the Forked River Mountain cleanup.

Lanoka Harbor EMS

Lanoka Harbor EMS, at 305 Manchester Ave., is an all-volunteer, nonprofit emergency medical service that has served the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township and surrounding communities since 1979. It’s staffed by local residents who donate their time.

Residents can apply for membership online, and the squad says all donations are 100% tax deductible. For other questions, call 609-693-2340 or email info@squad26.org.

Learn more about joining Lanoka Harbor EMS.

This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Lacey. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.

This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.