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

MIDDLETOWN, 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 Middletown. 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 Middletown this November:

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown runs a soup kitchen at 617 Main St. and the Amazing Grace Free Community Market food pantry at 16 Stack St. The pantry says it serves more than 1,000 local families a month and is open to residents of Middletown, Portland, East Hampton, Higganum, Durham, Middlefield and Cromwell.

Food can be dropped off at the pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Friday, Nov. 27. Through its Sponsor Our Shelves program, churches, businesses, families and individuals commit to donating a specific item each month for a year. Volunteers can work in the soup kitchen or pantry, and volunteers must be 16 or older, or 14 with an adult. Email Brenda@SVDMiddletown.org about food drives and volunteering.

Learn more about donating to Amazing Grace.

Middlesex United Way

Middlesex United Way, headquartered in Middletown, works to strengthen lives across 15 Middlesex County towns. Its Emerging Leaders Society holds an annual Stuff-a-Cruiser Toy Drive with the Middletown Police Department, collecting new, unwrapped toys and cash donations for the city Recreation Department’s holiday gift distribution for local families. Last year’s drive was held Dec. 13 on Main Street.

Watch for this year’s date and location on the United Way’s website. Residents can also contact the Recreation Department at 860-638-4500 about donating gifts for children from infants through eighth grade.

Learn more about donating to Middlesex United Way.

Cat Tales

Cat Tales is a nonprofit rescue that has worked since 1999 to protect abused, neglected and abandoned cats and kittens in the Middletown area. It has no physical shelter and relies on foster homes.

Residents can foster, volunteer or donate through its website. Call 860-344-9043 or email info@cattalesct.org.

Learn more about volunteering with Cat Tales.

Paws Rescue League

Paws Rescue League is a volunteer-run, licensed dog rescue in Middletown that saves dogs from euthanasia and finds them homes, including seniors, special-needs dogs and mothers with puppies.

Residents can foster a dog, volunteer or donate to cover veterinary care, food and supplies.

Learn more about volunteering with Paws Rescue League.

Middlesex Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Middlesex Habitat for Humanity serves Middletown from its ReStore at 34 Shunpike Road in neighboring Cromwell. The ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, appliances and building materials, and proceeds go toward Habitat’s work. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents can donate items or request a pickup, and sending photos of the items is required for pickups. Volunteers can work in the ReStore during store hours, on construction crews, on the seasonal Green Care Team or on committees. Register through Habitat’s volunteer page.

Learn more about volunteering with Middlesex Habitat for Humanity.

Connecticut Forest & Park Association

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, based at 16 Meriden Road in Rockfall, a village in Middletown, works to conserve the state’s land and trails and helps maintain the 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.

Volunteers can sign up through its volunteer portal, and group volunteering is available. Residents can also donate or become members.

Learn more about volunteering with the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

Middlesex Health Volunteer Services

Middlesex Health Volunteer Services places volunteers at Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent St. Applicants complete an online application, which is reviewed weekly, and then interview for a role.

Contact Volunteer Services at 860-358-6735 or Volunteerservices.mh@midhosp.org. The health system’s hospice program also trains volunteers to support patients and families.

Learn more about volunteering at Middlesex Health.

Middletown Medical Reserve Corps

The Middletown Medical Reserve Corps is a group of volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, and it serves all of Middlesex County. The group meets on the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the South Fire District.

Residents can register to volunteer online through CT Responds.

Learn more about the Middletown Medical Reserve Corps.

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