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

ENFIELD, 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 Enfield. 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 Enfield this November:

Enfield Food Shelf

The Enfield Food Shelf, located at 786 Enfield St., is a volunteer-run, grocery-style pantry that has served Enfield families since 1968. Shoppers choose their own groceries, and the pantry also offers items such as toiletries and household goods.

Residents can donate online, host a food drive or sign up to volunteer weekly or for special events and holiday distributions. The pantry says a $10 gift provides the equivalent of 40 meals.

Learn more about ways to help the Enfield Food Shelf.

Enfield Loaves & Fishes

Enfield Loaves & Fishes is a soup kitchen that has been serving free meals and companionship since 1983. It says it provides meals seven days a week with no questions asked.

Volunteers help with tasks such as food prep, serving and cleanup, and the kitchen accepts monetary and food donations, food drives and monthly giving. It also keeps an Amazon wish list.

Learn more about supporting Enfield Loaves & Fishes.

Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center

Run by the nonprofit Enfield People for People, the Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center provides overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months. It operates out of St. Patrick Church hall at 64 Pearl St.

The group accepts volunteers as well as monetary donations and donations of goods and services. Volunteers can help with tasks such as setup, check-in and serving snacks and drinks to guests.

Learn more about volunteering with Enfield Safe Harbor.

Enfield Community Cat Project

Cat lovers can support the Enfield Community Cat Project, a nonprofit that works with the town to rescue homeless and abandoned cats.

The group accepts donations through its website, which also lists supplies it can use, including wet and dry cat food, kitten formula, litter and toys.

Learn more about donating to the Enfield Community Cat Project.

Educational Resources for Children

Educational Resources for Children, based at 174 South Road in Enfield, runs before- and after-school programs for students in grades K-8, along with summer programs, in Enfield Public Schools. It describes its programs as affordable, enriching and safe for local children.

Residents can support the nonprofit through donations on its website and by attending its community fundraisers.

Learn more about supporting Educational Resources for Children.

Enfield Senior Center

The Enfield Senior Center, at 299 Elm St., offers social, educational and recreational programs for adults 50 and older. It also houses the town’s Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs.

Prospective volunteers can download a volunteer application from the center’s page. Call the center at 860-763-7425 to ask about current volunteer needs.

Learn more about volunteering at the Enfield Senior Center.

Scantic River Watershed Association

Outdoor-minded residents can turn to the Scantic River Watershed Association, an all-volunteer environmental group formed in 1972. Based in nearby Somers, it works on the Scantic River watershed, which includes Enfield, with a focus on water quality testing, riverbank protection and river cleanups.

The group says it depends on members and volunteers. Tax-deductible memberships are available by mail.

Learn more about joining the Scantic River Watershed Association.

Enfield Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives

Not sure which cause to choose? The Enfield Community Fund, part of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, pools donations to support projects that improve life for Enfield residents. Past grants have gone to local groups such as the Safe Harbor Warming Center.

Residents can donate to the fund directly through the foundation’s website.

Learn more about donating to the Enfield Community Fund.

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