The List: Where To Make a Difference In the Community

Tired of being cooped up in the house all winter long? Now is the time to get out, stretch your legs, and get involved with a local volunteer organization. According to recent research compiled by the Corporation for National & Community Service, volunteering has many benefits, including greater life satisfaction and lower rates of depression.

Here are a few suggestions of local organizations to get you started:

Nourishing Bodies and Souls

F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget About Me, I Love You) Kitchen provides meals for up to 200 people each Monday evening at Faith Lutheran Church. At a time when nearly 50.2 million Americans live in food insecure households according to statistics compiled by the hunger-relief organization Feeding America, this service is greatly needed.

F.A.M.I.L.Y. Kitchen also provides services such as blood pressure screening, food budgeting advice, and meal planning tips.

F.A.M.I.L.Y. Kitchen runs solely on the efforts of volunteers and donations. New volunteers are always welcome.

Assisting Our Four-Legged Friends

Last year, nearly 60 cats were taken out of a home in Groton. In great need of medical care but without the funds to provide it, the Animal Control Center looked to the Groton Animal Foundation (GAR) for help. The GAR was able to raise more than $2,000 for the cause, all through donations from local individuals.

The goal of GAR is to raise funds to subsidize the medical needs of animals at the Town of Groton Animal Control Center. Currently, the GAR is busy planning its next 3rd Annual Wine Tasting event, their biggest fundraiser of the year, which will take place sometime in June.

All proceeds go to funding medical care of animals in need in the area. Send donations to PO Box 7023 Groton, CT 06340.

Developing the Youth of the Nation

The Boys & Girls Club of Groton provides character and leadership programs, health and life skills, education and career programs, and recreation for the youth of Groton. The club supports youths in many different aspects of their daily lives by providing “Power Hour” tutoring sessions, a comprehensive prevention program called “SMART Moves,” and fitness programs such as the “Nike Daily Challenge.”

Contact Cathy Terrall at cathy.terrall@navy.mil if interested in volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of Groton.

Promoting Reading and Literacy

The Groton Public Library Circle of Friends is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 that aims to enhance library programs, promote reading and literacy, and publicize library activities.

They’re the people behind the Edible Books Festival, an event celebrating literacy through edible creations.

Proceeds from fundraisers and membership dues benefit the library and its programs. This year, funds raised helped support the Volunteer Coordinator position, allowing the library to expand its volunteer base and expand programs. The next Circle of Friends Annual Meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on March 15