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

BARNEGAT, NJ — 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 Barnegat. 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 Barnegat this November:

Starve Poverty

Starve Poverty in Barnegat Township, runs a choice-style food pantry serving families in southern Ocean County.

Its website says the pantry always needs staples such as pancake mix and syrup, canned chicken, canned fruit, ketchup and mayo, and laundry detergent. Items can be dropped off at the Route 72 location. The group is also raising money to replace food storage space it recently lost, and it accepts online donations.

Learn more about supporting the Starve Poverty food pantry.

St. Mary’s Parish Outreach Ministries

At 747 W. Bay Ave., St. Mary’s Parish runs a St. Vincent de Paul Society pantry that helps people in need regardless of faith.

Food donations can be left in the blue baskets outside the pantry doors during business hours. The parish also runs St. Bernard’s Food for Pets, a pet food pantry that helps families who struggle to feed their cats and dogs. It’s run by volunteers and parishioner donations.

Learn more about St. Bernard’s Food for Pets.

Pound Dog Found Dog

Pound Dog Found Dog is a volunteer-powered, Barnegat-based dog rescue that takes in dogs from kill shelters and difficult living situations and places them in foster homes before adoption.

Residents can foster, adopt, donate or volunteer. The rescue says all donations go toward the dogs’ veterinary care, food and supplies for foster families.

Learn more about fostering and volunteering with Pound Dog Found Dog.

Hearts of Mercy

Based nearby at 364 N. Main St. in Manahawkin, Hearts of Mercy supports underserved children in the Barnegat and Manahawkin communities through tutoring, mentoring and enrichment activities.

Tutoring and mentoring take place Tuesdays and Thursdays. The organization is recruiting tutors and mentors, as well as volunteers with skills such as grant writing, social media and accounting. Donations are accepted online, including through a monthly giving program.

Learn more about volunteering with Hearts of Mercy.

Interfaith Health & Support Services of Southern Ocean County

Based in Manahawkin, Interfaith Health & Support Services provides free help to seniors and people with disabilities who live at home. Its services include rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping and food pantry delivery, friendly visits, pet therapy and respite for dementia caregivers.

Volunteers attend an orientation and complete a background check, and the website lists upcoming orientation sessions. The organization is funded through grants and community donations.

Learn more about volunteering with Interfaith Health & Support Services.

Family Promise of the Jersey Shore

Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, also known as Family Promise of Southern Ocean County, is based in West Creek and works to prevent homelessness and shelter families with children. It relies on volunteers and local congregations.

Residents can donate or volunteer through its website. Because of limited storage, the organization says it takes only items needed by the families currently in its program and asks donors to call 609-994-3317 for up-to-date needs.

Learn more about donating and volunteering with Family Promise.

Cloverdale Farm County Park

For outdoor volunteering, Cloverdale Farm County Park, at 34 Cloverdale Road, is a 90-acre Ocean County park with Pine Barrens habitat and cranberry bogs.

Ocean County Parks and Recreation is recruiting trail volunteers to cut vegetation and prepare trail surfaces, and the department supplies the tools. Adults can apply online, and volunteers under 18 should bring a parent or guardian.

Learn more about volunteering with Ocean County Parks.

Barnegat First Aid Squad

The Barnegat First Aid Squad, at 6 Birdsall St., is staffed entirely by volunteers and provides emergency medical services at no charge.

The squad welcomes new members as EMTs or as drivers and extras, and no experience is needed. Community members can also support its equipment needs through donations on its website.

Learn more about volunteering with the Barnegat First Aid Squad.

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