By Brandee Coleman Gilmore
Volunteering, done right, does a world of good. Obviously, it helps the people or organizations served, but research shows it benefits the wellbeing of those doing the work, too. If you find you’ve got the time to volunteer or need to get outside your own head on occasion, you probably don’t want to waste time surfing the internet looking for what to do. That’s why you’ve got us. We’ve compiled options in several sectors — everything from gardening to business mentoring. Even if you don’t see the perfect fit, it’ll get your gears turning and closer to getting started.
NOURISHMENT:
F.I.S.H.
F.I.S.H., an acronym for Friends in Service to Humanity, runs a food pantry and homeless emergency shelter programs.
Meals on Wheels
1) Delivered meals – prepared meals delivered to individuals who are unable to prepare or obtain nourishing meals on their own. Torrington Towers,
2) Congregate Meals – help serve at one of 6 Litchfield County locations: Winsted, Harwinton, Morris, Lakeville, Torrington, Falls Village.
LIBRARIES:
Gunn Memorial
They need help in the book shop, stairwell gallery, offices, special events, and summer specific events.
Norfolk Library Associates
The Norfolk Library Associates are dedicated to supporting, through fundraising efforts, free programs and activities to expand and enhance regular library operations.
ANIMAL SHELTERS:
Click for a list of shelters in the county.
CULTURE/HISTORY:
Kent Historical Society
Assist with mailings, archives, event hosting, program creation, publicity, gardening.
Litchfield Historical Society
Public facing or behind-the-scenes opportunities. Training provided.
NATURE CONSERVATION:
Join their cadre of Garden Docents who greet guests, answer questions, and have an interest in gardening and horticulture. Training provided. They also need Barn Talk, Special Event, and Special Project volunteers.
Housatonic Valley Association
Aid this environmental group in preserving the Housatonic Watershed, especially with their annual auction.
LAND TRUSTS:
Bridgewater Land Trust, Bridgewater
Land preservation and events.
Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, Woodbury
Maple Sugaring, Flanders Festival, Field & Forest 5K, Flanders Annual Benefit & Auction, holiday wreath making workshop, landscape work, committees, hike and program leaders.
Goshen Land Trust, Goshen
Invasive species removal, inspection of conserved properties, office work, fundraising, trail maintenance, and committee members.
Kent Land Trust, Kent
Trail maintenance, land management, leading hikes, providing professional services, conducting programs, annual KLT Memorial Day Community picnic.
Litchfield Land Trust, Litchfield
Clearing trails, identifying areas requiring improvement, hosting/greeting at events/fairs, assisting with social/print media, inventorying/monitoring properties.
Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk
Monitor and maintain trails, or join an all-volunteer committee (finance, etc.)
Roxbury Land Trust
Monitor and maintain trails, or guide trail walks highlighted by arresting views and Roxbury history.
Salisbury Land Trust, Salisbury
Part of the Salisbury Association, assists with land monitoring, maintaining trails, beautification, community events or the historical society. Adhoc or part-time basis any time of the year.
Steep Rock Association, Washington
Assistance with record keeping, data input, landscape work, photography, office work for 5500 acres of protected land. [email protected]
Northwest Conservation District of Connecticut
Invasive plant removal, plantings, weeding on rain gardens in Woodbury, Bethlehem, or Roxbury. Plant sale at the end of April at Goshen Fairgrounds.
BUSINESS:
SCORE Northwest Connecticut
Encourage and guide small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs as a mentor, subject matter expert, workshop presenter, or in admin/marketing.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
ARTS:
Five Points Arts, Torrington
Gallery sitting, hospitality, events, gardening, facility improvements, and program assistance.
Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk
Network and help spread awareness about this unique venue as a street team member, or serve as an usher.
NWCT Arts Council, Torrington
Help build wellbeing and economic development assisting with cultural events, networking opportunities, and promotion services for artists and cultural organizations.
Warner Theatre, Torrington
An army of volunteers props up this architectural arts treasure as ushers, ticket takers, concessions workers, and helping at special events.
Washington Art Association & Gallery, Washington
Help with the front desk, fundraising events, exhibit openings and the annual holiday shop.
