Volunteer in Groton for the Holidays

Volunteering in Groton is a great way to give back and spread kindness in your community.

Donating your time or giving a special holiday gift to a family or child in need can make a big impact.

There are lots of ways to help make the holidays special for those who are struggling. You can pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, adopt a family through The Salvation Army or donate to Toys for Tots.

Here are a few places that are in need of holiday volunteers in Groton:

FOOD BANK

The Connecticut Food Bank has a distribution center in New London that serves the Groton area. There are many ways to help. For more information, contact Kim Damien, Connecticut Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator, at (203) 469-5000, ext. 311. If you'd like to volunteer directly at a local food assistance program, contact Infoline by dialing 211 or visiting Infoline.org.

HOSPITAL

Volunteers at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital help support patients, families and staff. If you'd like to become a volunteer, call the Volunteer Services office at 860-442-0711, extension 2475.

ANIMAL SHELTER

The Connecticut Humane Society's Waterford branch is always looking for volunteers. The shelter is located at 169 Old Colchester Road and is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To find out about how to help, call (860) 442-8583.

SCHOOLS

Groton Public Schools run a mentoring program that serves 120 students each year, but there's a waiting list because there are not enough mentors. The district's goal is to find a mentor for every student who needs one. You only have to commit one hour a week during the school day. To find out more, call Ken Medve at 449-7290 or Sharon Schick at 4495630 ext. 107.

TOY DRIVE

The Town of Groton Department of Human Services is collecting toys to donate to needy families this holiday season. Christmas distribution is Friday, Dec. 21. To help, contact human services at (860) 441-6760.

SOUP KITCHEN

Faith Luthern Church provides Family kitchen dinners at 5 p.m. every Monday at the church at 625 Poquonnock Road. To volunteer, call the church at (860) 445-0483.