Make A Difference In Windsor Locks: Where To Give Back This November

WINDSOR LOCKS, 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 Windsor Locks. 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 Windsor Locks this November:

Windsor Locks Food Shelf

The Windsor Locks Social Services Department runs the town’s weekly FoodShelf, open Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Clients must show proof of residency and income. Social Services is in Town Hall at 50 Church St.

The pantry accepts donations year-round, and cash donations are welcome. Its needs list includes canned tuna and chicken, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, oatmeal, pasta and sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, rice, instant potatoes, granola bars, baked beans, canned pasta, chili and toiletries. Call 860-627-1446 for details.

Learn more about the Windsor Locks Food Shelf’s needs.

Windsor Locks Social Services Holiday Gift Giving

Windsor Locks Social Services runs a holiday gift program, known as Project Elf, for local children. It accepts new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children from infants through age 13, which can be dropped off at Town Hall during business hours.

Businesses, civic groups and individuals can also adopt a family anonymously and buy gifts for its children. The town asks interested donors to contact Social Services starting Oct. 1 at 860-627-1446.

Learn more about holiday gift giving in Windsor Locks.

Windsor Locks Lions Club

The Windsor Locks Lions Club meets the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Skyline Restaurant, 106 Ella Grasso Turnpike. The club takes part in the town-wide food drive, collecting and sorting food for the town’s pantry.

Last year, the Lions, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts collected bags of non-perishable food left on residents’ front steps on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to support the pantry and holiday baskets for families in need. Watch for this year’s flyer and date.

Learn more about the Windsor Locks Lions Club.

Windsor Locks Senior Center

The town’s Senior Center offers fitness classes, social programs, lunch Monday through Thursday for seniors 60 and older (suggested donation $3) and a Friday breakfast. It also serves as a Meals on Wheels site.

Volunteers help with activities such as classes, and AARP tax volunteers return on Mondays from February through April. Call 860-627-1425 to ask about current volunteer needs.

Learn more about the Windsor Locks Senior Center.

New England Air Museum

The New England Air Museum, at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks, relies on roughly 150 volunteers to preserve and present historic aircraft. Volunteer roles include docent and tour guide, aircraft and engine restoration, special events, exhibit development, fundraising, and library and curatorial assistance.

Call 860-623-3305 to ask about current volunteer openings. Donations and memberships also support the museum.

Learn more about donating to the New England Air Museum.

The Network Against Domestic Abuse

The Network Against Domestic Abuse, based in Enfield, serves survivors of domestic violence in Windsor Locks, Enfield, East Windsor, Somers, Stafford and Suffield. Its services include counseling, support groups, safety planning, shelter and court advocacy.

Residents can donate online or buy new items from the wish list for Julie’s Safe House, its shelter. The agency has also accepted new toys and gifts for children affected by domestic violence for its holiday program, as well as school supplies for its back-to-school program. Call 860-763-4542 before dropping off items.

Learn more about The Network’s wish list.

Windsor Locks Youth Services Bureau

The town’s Youth Services Bureau, based in Town Hall at 50 Church St., runs programs for local youth, including Adventure Bound for middle school students, LEAD Camp, Red Ribbon Week and Valentines for Veterans.

Its Youth Leadership Council recruits Windsor Locks High School students to volunteer at community events. Teens and families can contact the office at 860-627-1482 about community service opportunities.

Learn more about the Youth Services Bureau.

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