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

ELLINGTON, 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 Ellington. 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 Ellington this November:

Ellington Human Services Food Pantry

The town’s Human Services Food Pantry, at 31 Arbor Way, distributes food monthly to Ellington residents who meet its income requirements. It’s open by appointment during town business hours, so call 860-870-3128 to sign up.

It accepts monetary gifts and non-expired, non-perishable food, and it has an Amazon wish list and a gift card option. The town also runs “Stock Up Ellington,” a monthly themed food and supply drive, with drop-offs at Human Services or Hall Memorial Library. “Grandma’s Pantry,” a little pantry near the parking lot, is open any time of day, so neighbors can take what they need or leave what they can.

Learn more about donating to the Ellington Food Pantry.

Ellington Human Services Holiday Programs

Ellington Human Services provides Thanksgiving food baskets to qualifying individuals and families. In December, it runs a holiday gift program for children, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The town asks anyone interested in becoming a donor to call 860-870-3128 in October.

Learn more about the holiday programs.

Hockanum Valley Community Council Food Pantry

Based in nearby Vernon at 29 Naek Road, Suite 5A, the Hockanum Valley Community Council has fought food insecurity since 1970. Its pantry serves anyone in need regardless of town, and its website says it helps over 400 families a week.

Food can be dropped off during pantry hours or picked up by arrangement. Monetary gifts buy food at reduced cost. Its donation guide lists peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, pasta and sauce, cereal, macaroni and cheese and canned spaghetti. Volunteers can stock shelves, check clients in or help with shopping. Call 860-872-7727.

Learn more about volunteering with the Hockanum Valley Community Council.

Cornerstone Foundation

Based in nearby Vernon at 15 Prospect St., the Cornerstone Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit that has operated for more than 40 years with the mission of keeping people safe, fed, housed and clothed. It runs three shelters, a community kitchen, a food bank, a clothing bank and a diaper bank, and it is funded entirely by donations and grants.

The town lists it among Ellington’s community resources. The website has volunteer and donation pages. Call 860-871-1823.

Learn more about volunteering with Cornerstone.

Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps

The Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps, at 41 Maple St., is a nonprofit emergency medical service staffed by volunteer and paid EMS crews.

Volunteers must be at least 18, with a clean record and driving history, and have an EMT certification or interest in getting one. Active members commit to at least 30 hours a month and attend meetings and training on the third Monday of each month. Applicants can ride along as an observer, and the corps accepts applications year-round. Email information@ellingtonambulance.org.

Learn more about joining the Ambulance Corps.

Ellington Centennial Lions Club

The Ellington Centennial Lions Club, chartered in 2016, is one of the few service organizations in town. Its projects have supported the Ellington Senior Center, the Hockanum Valley Community Council, Human Services vision care and fuel assistance, the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Association, the Cornerstone Foundation and eyesight programs such as Specs for Little Heroes.

The club meets on the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main St. Contact President Dianne Bouchard at P.O. Box 111, Ellington, CT 06029.

Learn more about the Ellington Lions Club.

Northern Connecticut Land Trust

The Northern Connecticut Land Trust, a volunteer-powered nonprofit based in nearby Somers, protects open space across the region, including properties in Ellington. It says it holds more than 1,900 acres.

Volunteers help with outdoor work parties such as trail maintenance, brush removal and tree planting. They can also serve as property stewards, lead hikes or help with newsletters, outreach and events. Residents can become members, with individual memberships starting at $25 and family memberships at $35, or donate online.

Learn more about supporting the Northern Connecticut Land Trust.

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