This Month’s Featured Article

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I always like to think about the ways that I can give back to my community. During the holidays when spending is already tight, it can be especially hard to come up with additional funds to donate to worthy causes, but I think it would behoove us all to remember that we don’t always have to hand over money in order to make a difference. I’ve rounded up some local organizations where you can donate your money, time, or other goods in order to make a difference in your community. 

Food pantries 

Almost all towns and municipalities operate some kind of food pantry; you just have to know where to look. Many times, local food pantries operate in conjunction with local churches, as is the case for the Food Pantry at St. Michael’s in Litchfield, CT. The food pantry delivers healthy groceries each month to seniors living in subsidized housing in the Town of Litchfield. St. Michael’s acts as fiscal sponsor to permit tax-advantaged donations to fund the purchase of food and offers use of the community house for storage and delivery preparation. Volunteers from across the community are welcomed.

The Columbia Kitchen (formerly the Columbia County Recovery Kitchen), located in Hudson, NY, was formed in 2020 as a response to economic uncertainty during the COVID pandemic. Since then, the organization has grown from preparing and delivering 200 meals per week to 8,000 meals each month throughout the City of Hudson, 23 towns, and four villages across Columbia County. The Columbia Kitchen’s work is made possible through the generosity of volunteers; donations small and large; and partnerships with farms, charitable foundations, community organizations, and local government. The Columbia Kitchen’s team currently includes five staff members and more than 100 volunteers – and they’re always looking for more people who are interested in helping. 

The Pine Plains, NY, Community Food Locker is located in the basement of the Methodist Church and is sponsored by the Council of Churches. The food locker is staffed entirely by volunteers, and food is distributed on the second Saturday of each month. On a monthly basis, the food locker serves 25 to 30 families, which is equivalent to approximately 40 adults and between 50 and 75 children. Some of the food distributed comes from monthly state supplies; the churches donate staples and toiletries; and local farms supply fresh seasonal vegetables, milk, and meat. The food locker also accepts food donations from the community. 

In Millerton, NY, the North East Community Center works with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Tri Corner FEED, and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley to operate a community food-access hub. Distribution occurs via an on-site food pantry, which offers weekly walk-in service using a client-choice model, as well as home delivery for transportation-limited neighbors. The community food-access hub also partners with local farms to deliver produce, eggs, and milk to food partners throughout the region. 

In 2024, the hub distributed 159,891 pounds of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, and dairy throughout six area food pantries. Farms serving the hub have included Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, Chaseholm Farm in Pine Plains, Tenmile Farm Foundation in Amenia, and Ironwood Farm in Hudson. 

In Great Barrington, MA, the People’s Pantry has been distributing locally sourced, healthy food whenever feasible since 1999. The People’s Pantry was founded in response to an increased need for access to healthy food by Southern Berkshire County residents experiencing food insecurity. There are no income guidelines at the People’s Pantry, and shoppers are welcome to visit once a week. The organization is primarily run by volunteers from the community and supported with food collection and financial donations from local organizations and individuals. The People’s Pantry provides shoppers with fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meat and fish, baked goods, and dairy products, as well as a wide selection of shelf-stable items such as pasta, rice, canned goods, and toiletries. The People’s Pantry provides locally sourced food whenever possible in partnership with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which supplies the pantry with shelf-stable and frozen foods. Community donations make up a substantial part of the pantry’s inventory, and they are always looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles. 

Veterans’ organizations

You can donate to your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post for community-based support, or learn more about county-wide, state-wide, or even national initiatives to provide support for veterans. 

The Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center in Pittsfield, MA, offers a comprehensive array of services and resources for veterans, including help with the application process for VA benefits, housing assistance, legal assistance, and much more. The Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center also operates a no-cost weekly veteran food and clothing pantry. While the Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center is not a part of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the organization director is accredited through the VA as a national service officer, which means that he is authorized to represent veterans and their families before the VA. For more information about volunteering and donating, visit berkshireveterans.org. 

Mental Health America of Dutchess County, based in Poughkeepsie, NY, offers a variety of programs to support veterans at various stages of life. The Vet2Vet program offers support groups that take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the “Veteran’s One-Stop” office in Pleasant Valley, NY. The HERO program provides Dutchess County veterans with an advocate and resources to combat homelessness. The Veterans Employment Training & Transitions Assistance Program helps Dutchess County veterans in all aspects of employment, including resume building, job hunting, application, and interview preparation. The program also offers veterans the opportunity to obtain additional licenses and certifications in various fields to broaden their employment marketability. You can donate to MHA directly through its website or by contacting the organization at (845) 473-2500, extension 3083. 

Local branches of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and animal rescues

The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA was started in 1955 in Hudson, NY. Formed by Ella Merle and her daughter, Dede Kline, one small building with five dog kennels has today become a multi-faceted animal welfare organization holding up to sixty dogs and one hundred cats. Over the last six decades, CGHS has expanded its services to include low-cost veterinary services, a food bank, stray dog housing, community outreach, humane education, and more. CGHS accepts donations and volunteers. 

Founded in 1871, the Dutchess County SPCA is one of the oldest SPCAs in the country. Located in Hyde Park, NY, the Dutchess County SPCA offers a variety of low-cost veterinary services, surrender and consultation, animal care education, and cremation services. There are many ways to donate to the Dutchess County SPCA, including fiscal donations or gifts of goods, stocks, or vehicles. 

The Little Guild, the only limited admission shelter in northwest Connecticut, was founded in 1960 in West Cornwall, CT. In addition to covering standard daily needs and medical care, the Little Guild offers a variety of programs to help animals reach their full potential and become adoption success stories. For both cats and dogs, the Little Guild provides playgroups, learning activities, temperament testing, socialization, appropriate exercise, and mental stimulation. The Little Guild’s volunteer program is open to the community and they also accept fiscal donations.

Other local organizations

Project SAGE (formerly named Women’s Support Services, Inc.) is a non-profit domestic violence response agency based in Lakeville, CT, that serves Northwest Connecticut and the surrounding communities in New York and Massachusetts. Project SAGE’s mission is to create social change to end interpersonal relationship violence by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and by advocating for victims and survivors. Project SAGE works with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Their services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter and housing support, individual counseling and safety planning, and support groups. Volunteers are critical to Project SAGE’s work, and after completing a 20-hour certification program, volunteers can support clients in shelter, provide learning activities for children in pre-K and early elementary grades, answer the hotline, advocate for vital resources through legislative outreach efforts, and more. Donations are also accepted. 

In Flight, Inc., located in Red Hook, NY, aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach for their hopes and dreams and support them achieving a meaningful quality of life. In Flight works to create and provide programming that simultaneously teaches independent living skills while supporting inclusion and community integration. In Flight provides residential programs and supportive apartments, day habilitation, pre-vocational services, supportive employment, and community services. In Flight offers opportunities to donate, fundraise, and volunteer. Volunteering with In Flight is a rewarding opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you choose to lend a hand at an event or share your skills and expertise, your time and dedication contribute significantly to creating an inclusive and supportive community.