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

DOYLESTOWN, PA — 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 Doylestown. 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 Doylestown this November:

Bucks County Housing Group

Bucks County Housing Group works to end food and housing insecurity in the county. It runs a choice-based community food pantry in Doylestown, on Old Dublin Pike, and another in Penndel.

Volunteers can sign up to help at the pantries, in community gardens, with administrative work or with housing programs. The group also accepts financial and food donations and encourages community food drives.

Learn more about volunteering with Bucks County Housing Group.

Doylestown Area FISH

Doylestown Area FISH is an all-volunteer organization that has served the Central Bucks community since 1973. It provides short-term emergency help to people facing homelessness or housing insecurity, including temporary shelter, rent and utility assistance, heating oil and food aid.

FISH has no paid staff, and its volunteers answer calls from neighbors in need. Volunteers choose which days they’re available and need only their own computer and phone. Donations are tax-deductible.

Learn more about volunteering with or donating to Doylestown Area FISH.

Bucks County Opportunity Council

The Bucks County Opportunity Council, based in Doylestown, is the county’s lead anti-poverty nonprofit. Its work includes a network of food pantries and distribution sites, housing services, weatherization and free tax preparation.

Volunteers can sort food and pack boxes for homebound seniors at its HELP Center in Bristol, or help distribute produce at weekly Fresh Connect mobile markets. The council also lists volunteer activities in Doylestown and Upper Bucks County. Its free tax-prep program trains volunteers with no experience needed, and tax season runs from mid-December through mid-April.

Learn more about volunteering with the Bucks County Opportunity Council.

Bucks County SPCA

Animal lovers can support the Bucks County SPCA, an independent, locally supported nonprofit that runs open-admission shelters in Lahaska, a short drive from Doylestown, and Quakertown. The group rescues and rehomes animals and investigates cruelty cases.

Residents can donate pet food, toys and supplies from the shelter’s wish lists, which are available on Amazon and Chewy or as printable lists for those shopping in person. Financial gifts can be made online, by phone or by mail.

Learn more about the Bucks County SPCA wish list.

Bucks County Positively Aging Volunteer Program

Run by the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging from the county administration building at 55 E. Court St. in Doylestown, the Positively Aging Volunteer Program matches adults 18 and older with ways to help older residents.

Volunteer areas include health insurance counseling, health and wellness programs, intergenerational programs, nutrition services and serving as an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. The county has also listed a need for volunteers to deliver meals from senior centers to homebound seniors.

Learn more about volunteering with the Positively Aging program.

Heritage Conservancy

Those who would rather spend their volunteer time outdoors can turn to Heritage Conservancy, a land conservation and historic preservation nonprofit headquartered at Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike in Doylestown. The group says it has helped preserve more than 17,000 acres.

Volunteer gardeners help convert ornamental gardens at Aldie Mansion into native gardens, and the group offers seasonal volunteer days and workdays for companies and community groups. Donations and memberships support its conservation work.

Learn more about volunteering with Heritage Conservancy.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, based in nearby Jamison, creates professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring matches for local children and teens.

Adults can apply to become a “Big,” and the organization says it has children on its wait list. Residents can also donate, sponsor a match, bring the program to their workplace as a corporate partner or support its fundraising events.

Learn more about ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County.

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