MENDHAM, 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 Mendham. 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 Mendham this November:
The Chester Mendham Food Pantry, at 100 North Road in neighboring Chester, has provided food and toiletries to families in Chester and Mendham since 2000. It depends entirely on community donations.
Its pantry is open Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. for donations and in-person shopping. It also has collection bins at Mendham Borough Library, Mendham Township Library and The Wicker Basket in Mendham, as well as in Chester. Items must be unopened and not expired. Monetary gifts can be made through PayPal or mailed to P.O. Box 694, Chester, NJ 07930, not to the pantry's street address. Volunteers sign up through a Google form on its website.
Learn more about volunteering with the Chester Mendham Food Pantry.
Based in nearby Morris Plains at 2 Executive Drive, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network says it is preparing Thanksgiving meals for 2,700 Morris County families this year. Each family gets a turkey and the ingredients for a traditional meal.
Donors can give through its Virtual Food Drive or organize an in-person food drive. Food can be dropped off at the warehouse Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it closes at noon on Nov. 25 and is closed Nov. 26 and 27. Volunteers can apply online, and its volunteer contact is listed as Zoe Garcia at 973-538-8049, ext. 244.
Learn more about the Thanksgiving program FAQs.
The Chester-Mendham Angels is a nonprofit that serves vulnerable residents of Chester and Mendham through outreach and fundraising. Every winter, it provides a holiday meal at the senior housing in each town, and it holds food drives for the Chester Mendham Food Pantry throughout the year.
Donations can be made through PayPal, and questions can go to TheChesterAngels@gmail.com.
Learn more about the Chester-Mendham Angels.
The Randolph Regional Animal Shelter, at 97 Ironia Road in Mendham's India Brook Park, handles animal control for Mendham Township and Borough, Randolph, Rockaway Borough and Dover. The Friends of Randolph Animal Pound, an all-volunteer nonprofit, operates it.
Supporters can donate online through the Friends' GiveButter page, and the shelter's phone is 973-543-9333. Hours vary slightly across listings, so call before stopping by.
Learn more about donating to the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter.
Based in Morristown, the Great Swamp Watershed Association works to protect the water and land of the 55-square-mile Great Swamp watershed, which includes Mendham Township. It was founded in 1981.
Its stewardship workdays at the Conservation Management Area involve tasks such as removing invasive plants. Individuals and groups can volunteer, and workdays suit adults and children 10 and older with a parent. Contact Hazel England at 973-538-3500 or hazele@greatswamp.org. It also accepts donations year-round.
Learn more about volunteering with the Great Swamp Watershed Association.
The Senior Resource Center, at 50 Route 24 in Chester, serves adults 55 and older and their caregivers with fitness classes, wellness programs and information about aging. It reports more than 4,000 volunteer hours each year.
Volunteers help with its programs and its annual December Festival of Trees fundraiser. Call 908-879-2202 or email programdirector@srcnj.org to ask about volunteering or donating.
Learn more about donating to the Senior Resource Center.
The Rotary Club of the Mendhams is a 501(c)(3) service club that focuses on community service locally and globally. It meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Lamplighter, 190 W. Main St. in Chester.
Its website lets supporters buy tickets and merchandise that raise money for its work, and anyone interested in joining is invited to a meeting.
Learn more about the Rotary Club of the Mendhams.
This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Mendham. 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.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Mendham Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.