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

WALLINGFORD, 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 Wallingford. 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 Wallingford this November:

Connecticut Foodshare

Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s food bank, is headquartered at 2 Research Parkway in Wallingford. It supplies food to pantries and other programs across Connecticut and runs a mobile food pantry.

Volunteers inspect and sort donated food at the Wallingford warehouse and help set up and distribute groceries at mobile pantries. Food donations are accepted at the warehouse Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the organization also takes monetary gifts, including monthly giving.

Learn more about volunteering with Connecticut Foodshare.

Master’s Manna

Master’s Manna, at 428 South Cherry St., was founded in Wallingford in 2006. It serves families facing homelessness or food insecurity in the greater Wallingford and Meriden area. Its programs include a food pantry, a family dining center and clothing distribution.

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, or by appointment at other times. The pantry takes unopened non-perishable food, garden vegetables, paper products, personal care items and diapers. Clothing and shoes go in the white bin at 340 Quinnipiac St. The organization also takes online donations and relies on volunteers.

Learn more about donating to Master’s Manna.

Holiday for Giving

Holiday for Giving is a volunteer-run charity that provides toys and food to Wallingford families each December. It runs on donations from individuals, organizations and local businesses.

Monetary donations are accepted all year, by PayPal or by mail to P.O. Box 1612, Wallingford, CT 06492. Collection boxes are placed around town for toys and food. Volunteers sort donations and help at the December distribution. Check the website for this year’s collection details and sign-ups.

Learn more about Holiday for Giving.

Wallingford Emergency Shelter

The Wallingford Emergency Shelter, at 123 Quinnipiac St., is operated by Columbus House. It has a seasonal overnight shelter for up to 15 single adults from December through March and a year-round program for families with children.

Columbus House lists several ways to help, including organizing a drive or fundraiser and volunteering, and it accepts online donations.

Learn more about volunteering with Columbus House.

Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club of Wallingford

The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club of Wallingford, at 72 Grand St., is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven. It runs a K–8 afterschool program Monday through Friday, plus summer camp, travel basketball and leadership programs for middle and high schoolers.

Residents can donate or volunteer through the Clubs’ website. To ask about volunteering at the Wallingford club directly, email Unit Director Jermaine Mitchell Jr. at jmitchell@bgcgnh.org.

Learn more about getting involved with the Ulbrich Club.

Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter

The Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter, founded in 2021, supports the town’s animal shelter at 5 Pent Road.

Volunteers, both high school students and adults, help exercise and socialize the animals, and training is provided. Donors can sponsor a shelter dog or cat with a one-time gift of $25 or more. The shelter’s website lists ongoing needs such as old towels and blankets, cat litter, dry and canned cat food, toys, large-dog chews, laundry detergent and bleach.

Learn more about volunteering with the Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter.

Wallingford Senior Center

The Wallingford Senior Center, at 238 Washington St., serves Wallingford adults 60 and older. It offers daily meals, transportation within town, social services, a memory-care adult day program and wellness classes. It also hosts a Connecticut Foodshare mobile pantry every other week.

The center welcomes volunteers. Call 203-265-7753 or email office@wlfdseniorctr.com to ask about current opportunities.

Learn more about volunteering at the Wallingford Senior Center.

Wallingford Land Trust

The all-volunteer Wallingford Land Trust preserves natural habitat in town. It cares for 15 properties covering more than 275 acres of trails and open space.

Volunteers help at work parties such as invasive plant removal and trail upkeep. Sign up through the Volunteer Opportunities page or email thewallingfordlandtrust@gmail.com. Memberships and donations go toward maintaining its properties.

Learn more about volunteering with the Wallingford Land Trust.

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