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Community Corner

5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations In Essex-Chester-Deep River

Looking for ways to give back in your community? Start here!

Giving back is rewarding and helps build stronger, more connected communities.
Giving back is rewarding and helps build stronger, more connected communities. (Shutterstock)

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and get involved in your community. Fortunately for folks in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area, there’s no shortage of organizations nearby that would love to have your help.

Here are five outstanding volunteer organizations in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area.

1. The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries: This soup kitchen and pantry provides food and fellowship to those in need in the Essex area with daily meal sites and weekly pantry services. Volunteers are needed to hold a food drive or donate food to the pantry. Learn more at shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

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2. Valley Shore Animal Welfare League: This animal shelter was founded upon an increased need for animal programs along the Connecticut shoreline. Volunteers are needed to handle daily operations, play with and feed the animals and clean the facility. You can also help by fostering an animal. Learn more at valleyshoreanimalwelfareleague.org.

3. United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut: This non-profit organization provides opportunities for people living with all types of disabilities, not just Cerebral Palsy. You can help support the mission by donating, participating in events like the Annual Golf Tournament, or helping around the campus with property maintenance or participating in activities. Learn more at ucpect.org.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

4. South East Connecticut Community Center of the Blind: A community center that was founded on the mission of bringing blind and visually impaired persons together for social and recreational opportunities. Volunteers are needed to provide transportation services at the center and participate in advocacy work for the community. Learn more at centeroftheblind.com.

5. New London Homeless Hospitality Center: The Homeless Hospitality Center welcomes adults facing homelessness in southeastern Connecticut. There are many ways to volunteer including food service, welcome desk support and even hosting a workshop if you have a special skill you would like to share with guests. Learn more at nlhhc.org.

Do you know of another volunteer organization in Essex-Chester-Deep River that should be recognized? Let us know about it in the comments!

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This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch Community Leaders, a Patch Brand Partner.