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

WEST HAVEN, 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 Haven. 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 Haven this November:

WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce)

WHEAT has run a food pantry since 1975. Neighbors can shop the pantry on weekdays.

Its website lists these needs: shelf-stable milk, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, bread, rice, tuna, canned corn, peas, potatoes and pears, and applesauce. Call 203-931-9877 before dropping off food. Volunteers help with pantry work, reception, office tasks and grocery pickups; email info@wheatpantry.org. Online donations are accepted too.

Learn more about donating to WHEAT.

Gateway Christian Fellowship Family Pantry

Gateway Christian Fellowship runs a monthly family pantry and collects food in its church Atrium.

Its event listing asks for jelly, peanut butter, cereal, instant oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta and sauce, white rice, canned beans and vegetables, pancake mix and syrup, canned ravioli, meat and hot dogs, and kids’ snacks. Monetary gifts are also accepted. Call the church office at 203-934-0880 to volunteer to pack or distribute food, or to ask about November holiday baskets.

Learn more about the Gateway Family Pantry.

West Haven Community House

The West Haven Community House was established in 1941 and serves local children, families and adults with disabilities. Its programs include Head Start, before- and after-school care and residential homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Volunteers can help with various tasks, read to children or support special events. Call 203-934-5221 or email info@whcommunityhouse.org. Donations can be made through its website.

Learn more about supporting the West Haven Community House.

West Haven Animal Shelter

The West Haven Animal Shelter, at 7 Collis St., is run by the police department’s Animal Control Division. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and accepts food donations.

In April, the city listed these accepted donations: Pedigree dry and wet dog food, medium Milk-Bone treats, Purina Friskies and kitten food (dry and wet), cat litter, and kitten milk replacer. Monetary donations can also be made through the city. Call 203-937-3642 for details.

Learn more about donating to the West Haven Animal Shelter.

Senior Meals on Wheels Greater New Haven

Senior Meals on Wheels, a LifeBridge Community Services program, delivers weekday meals to homebound adults 60 and older in the Greater New Haven area, including West Haven.

Donations help support and continue the service and can be made online. Call 203-752-9919 or email seniorfoodservices@lifebridgect.org for more information.

Learn more about donating to Senior Meals on Wheels.

Land Trust of West Haven

The Land Trust of West Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 to protect the city’s natural resources. In 2007 it secured a conservation easement on more than 39 acres of the Savin Rock shorefront.

The Land Trust invites residents to join as volunteers and members to join a work party, organize a community event, and more.

Learn more about volunteering with the Land Trust of West Haven.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven builds homes across New Haven County, including West Haven. The ReStore, at 286 South Colony Road in nearby Wallingford, sells donated building materials, furniture, appliances and household goods to fund Habitat projects.

Donations are accepted by appointment, so call 203-774-7560. Volunteers can work on build sites or at the ReStore, and register through Habitat’s VolunteerUp system. The minimum age is 16 on build sites and 15 at the ReStore.

Learn more about volunteering with Habitat.

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