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

AVON, CT — 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 Avon. 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 Avon this November:

Avon Social Services Holiday Donation Program and Food Pantry

The town’s Social Services Department is looking for residents, groups and businesses to sponsor Avon families in need for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.

For Thanksgiving, donations can be dropped off Monday, Nov. 23, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Avon Food Pantry, behind St. Ann’s Church at 289 Arch Road. Items can also be dropped off any Tuesday before then, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., or by appointment at 860-409-4346. Grocery store gift cards of $25 or less are welcome. Winter holiday donations go to the Social Services office on the second floor of Building 5 at Town Hall, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The town also launched online giving this month for its food bank, pet pantry, fuel bank, special needs fund and senior center.

Learn more about donating to Avon Social Services.

Gifts of Love

Gifts of Love, at 34 East Main St., has served the Farmington Valley since 1989. Its food pantry, weekend backpack program and fuel bank (for Avon, Canton, Farmington and Simsbury) help working families in short-term crisis.

Its website says every $1 donated lets it buy about $9 worth of food through its Foodshare and Feeding America partnerships. Supporters can give online, buy from an Amazon wish list or volunteer. Call 860-676-2323.

Learn more about donating to Gifts of Love.

Avon Pet Pantry

The town’s Avon Pet Pantry helps pet owners facing financial hardship feed their animals. It operates from the animal control building at 11 Arch Road and relies on donations of food and money.

Checks should be made out to the Avon Pet Pantry and delivered or mailed to Avon Social Services, 60 West Main St., Avon, CT 06001. Call 860-409-4346 or email avonpetpantry@gmail.com to coordinate food donations.

Learn more about the Avon Pet Pantry.

Avon Senior Center

The Avon Senior Center, at 635 West Avon Road, says it has many volunteer opportunities for people who want to share their interests with older adults.

Roles include teaching knitting, leading technology classes, helping in the Living Memorial Garden as a “Garden Angel,” answering phones, helping in the kitchen and welcoming new members. Gifts to the center can be made by check to the Town of Avon – Avon Senior Center.

Learn more about volunteering at the Avon Senior Center.

Avon Land Trust

The Avon Land Trust, founded in 1973, owns and protects 348 acres of woodlands, fields and open space in town. It maintains trails for public use and hosts environmental education programs.

Volunteers can help with trail work or its “Monday Morning Invasive Warriors” sessions on the second and fourth Mondays from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Nod Way trailhead. The trust also welcomes members, donations and board volunteers. Email trustavonland@gmail.com.

Learn more about volunteering with the Avon Land Trust.

Favarh – The Arc of the Farmington Valley

Based in nearby Canton at 225 Commerce Drive, Favarh helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.

Its Thrift Shop is run entirely by volunteers, who must be 18 or older and can sign up for weekday shifts. Favarh also welcomes Unified Sports partners, coaches and chaperones, plus help at fundraising events. Donations can be one-time or monthly, and the organization also accepts vehicle donations. For thrift shop and material donations, call Jean Miller at 860-693-2899. For monetary gifts, call Sean McCarthy at 860-693-6662, ext. 116.

Learn more about volunteering with Favarh.

Rotary Club of Avon-Canton

The Rotary Club of Avon-Canton is a service club that meets at the Golf Club of Avon, 160 Country Club Road. Members volunteer on the third Wednesday of each month at Hartford Loaves & Fishes, and this year the club donated $5,000 to Connecticut Foodshare.

Supporters can donate through its website or by mail to P.O. Box 11, Avon, CT 06001.

Learn more about the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton.

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