5 Smithtown Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

SMITHTOWN, NY — If you’re like many of your Smithtown neighbors, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community.

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits worldwide have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Maintaining funding is a constant challenge for many nonprofits that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Smithtown area.

Here are five local nonprofits to consider getting behind on Giving Tuesday:

1. Paws of War: Provides U.S. veterans with service and support dogs rescued from kill shelters. Since 2014, the nonprofit has brought more than 600 dogs and cats, rescued by American troops serving overseas, to safety in the U.S.
2. Smithtown Animal Shelter: Shelters lost, stray, and surrendered animals. Staff provides care to help the animals be as comfortable as possible while they wait for their families to find them. If an owner cannot be located, the animals are then evaluated and placed on the adoption floor so they can find a new home.
3. Sweetbriar Nature Center: Provides natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engages in native wildlife rehabilitation services. Encourages responsible decision making, appreciation, and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island. Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes in the area.
4. Greg W. Sill Foundation: Celebrates and supports passionate students who spark positivity and lead lives of goodwill towards others. Awards scholarship grants to high school seniors in memory of former teacher Greg Sill.
5. Celebrate St. James: A cultural arts organization that strives to preserve and celebrate St. James's rich history while inspiring an appreciation and knowledge of the arts in the community.