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

GUILFORD, 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 Guilford. 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 Guilford this November:

Guilford Food Bank

The Guilford Food Bank, at 45 Stone House Lane across from the Henry Whitfield State Museum, has served residents since 1995. It is run jointly by Guilford Interfaith Volunteers and the town’s Social Services Department, and it serves Guilford residents only.

Food donations are accepted at the food bank on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, or at Palumbo’s Automotive, 1099A Boston Post Road. Monetary gifts can be mailed to the Guilford Food Bank c/o Guilford Social Services, 263 Church St., Guilford, CT 06437. The Shattuck Fund, which buys fresh produce for food bank recipients, takes checks sent to Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, 310 State St., Unit 200. To volunteer, call 203-453-8359.

Learn more about volunteering with Guilford Interfaith Volunteers.

Guilford Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels, run by Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, delivers meals to homebound Guilford residents Monday through Friday. The meals are prepared at the Guilford Community Center. The program is community-supported, with no state or federal funds, and it has no age or financial restrictions.

The organization is looking for volunteer drivers. Call the GIV office at 203-453-8359, or find the volunteer form on its website.

Learn more about volunteering with Guilford Meals on Wheels.

Chloe’s Closet

Chloe’s Closet, at 55 Park St., is a new initiative of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, started with the Negrón family. It provides used durable medical equipment to children across Connecticut and honors Chloe Negrón, who died in 2025.

The program depends on families and organizations donating equipment in excellent condition. It is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. by appointment, and its phone is 203-985-5255.

Learn more about donating equipment to Chloe’s Closet.

Guilford Land Conservation Trust

The all-volunteer Guilford Land Conservation Trust has protected more than 3,200 acres since 1965, including the Westwoods trails.

It welcomes volunteers weekly, monthly or seasonally for brush cutting, gardening, trail maintenance, property stewardship and leading hikes. Students can earn community service hours, and scouts can help with projects. Donations and land gifts are accepted through its website.

Learn more about volunteering with the Land Trust.

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter

Based in nearby Branford at 749 East Main St., the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter has helped homeless animals along the Connecticut shoreline since 2003.

It accepts online donations and donations of goods. Volunteers complete an orientation to work with cats and small animals, and a separate Tails to Trails program lets volunteers hike with shelter dogs after additional dog-handling classes. Call 203-315-4125.

Learn more about donating to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.

Guilford Free Library and Friends of the Library

The Guilford Free Library, at 67 Park St., welcomes volunteers to process and shelve books and DVDs or teach specialized skills. Students in grades 7 to 12 register for monthly teen volunteer orientations, and the children’s room accepts volunteers 12 and older. Call 203-453-8282.

The Friends of the Guilford Free Library run a membership drive each December and accept gifts at any time by phone or mail, with checks to FOL, c/o Guilford Free Library. They also welcome volunteers for book sales.

Learn more about joining the Friends of the Library.

GuilfordVolunteers.org

The Guilford Foundation, at 44 Boston St., launched GuilfordVolunteers.org in October. The free platform connects residents with local nonprofits and has no listing fees.

Opportunities can include helping at community events or food pantries, mentoring students, working outdoors, sharing professional expertise or serving on nonprofit boards.

Learn more about GuilfordVolunteers.org.

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