Make A Difference In West Hartford: Where To Give Back This November

WEST HARTFORD, 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 West Hartford. 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 West Hartford this November:

West Hartford Food Pantry and The Town That Cares

The West Hartford Food Pantry, run by the town’s Social Services Department at Town Hall helps residents facing food insecurity. The Town That Cares is the community-funded program that also helps residents in crisis with expenses such as utilities, shelter and medical costs.

The pantry’s most-needed items include canned fruit and applesauce, pasta and sauce, cereal and oatmeal, canned chicken, tuna and meat, and rice. It accepts non-perishable items only. Donations can be dropped off in the Town Hall lobby on weekdays, and residents can organize a food drive or give financially to The Town That Cares.

Learn more about supporting the West Hartford Food Pantry.

Westmoor Park

Westmoor Park is a 162-acre town-run park and farm on Flagg Road that offers nature education programs and is free to visit year round.

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels can help in the gardens and around the park. Regular volunteer days run Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, plus the first Saturday of each month from May through October.

The park’s Plant a Row for the Hungry program grows produce for a Hartford shelter and the town’s senior centers. Residents can also donate to the Westmoor Park Fund, which supports restoration of the park’s historic barn, or give new or gently used items such as bird seed, binoculars and children’s nature books.

Learn more about volunteering at Westmoor Park.

Connecticut Humane Society

Animal lovers can support the Connecticut Humane Society, a private nonprofit with a shelter at 701 Russell Road in nearby Newington. It cares for homeless pets and runs programs to help families keep their animals.

Readers can order supplies from the society’s Chewy and Amazon wish lists, which ship directly to the shelter. The society accepts new items and gently used blankets and towels. Volunteers must be 18 or older and apply online for open roles, which can include kennel care and supply management.

Learn more about the Connecticut Humane Society wish list.

The Bridge Family Center

Based at 1022 Farmington Ave., the Bridge Family Center serves as West Hartford’s Youth Service Bureau and offers counseling, mentoring, the West Hartford Teen Center and family resource centers at local elementary schools.

Residents can donate online, give through their workplace or contribute goods and services for children, teens and families. Its wish list includes items such as pajamas, socks and slippers, art supplies, bikes and helmets. The Bridge asks donors to call its development office before dropping off items.

Learn more about donating goods and services to the Bridge Family Center.

West Hartford Senior Centers

The town’s two senior centers, Elmwood and Bishops Corner, offer classes, social activities, trips and health services for adults 55 and older, and they work with Social Services to connect seniors with assistance.

Both centers welcome volunteers. Interested residents can call 860-561-7583 or email whsc@westhartfordct.gov to ask about opportunities and sign up for weekly volunteer emails.

Learn more about volunteering at the West Hartford senior centers.

Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center

The Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center, known as HANOC, is a collaboration of the Town of West Hartford, West Hartford Public Schools, the West Hartford Housing Authority and other community agencies. It offers educational, social and wellness programs for residents of all ages.

High school students and adults can volunteer as tutors in HANOC’s K-8 after-school homework program and its summer academic enrichment program. To get started, contact the town’s Volunteer Office at 860-561-7580.

Learn more about West Hartford Social Services volunteer opportunities.

Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut

Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut helps families in Greater Hartford and Tolland counties build or improve a home they can afford. It says about 90% of its construction labor comes from volunteers.

Residents can volunteer on build sites or at its ReStore at 500 Cottage Grove Road in neighboring Bloomfield, or donate reusable furniture, home accessories and building materials there. ReStore sales support the group’s housing work. Prospective volunteers can contact volunteer@hfhncc.org.

Learn more about the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

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