Brewster Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond

Giving Tuesday is all about generosity — and some of the most meaningful giving happens right here at home. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus from finding deals to doing good. But there’s no reason to wait — or stop once the day has passed.

This year, Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting organizations in the Brewster area that are making a difference and helping others in need. These local groups are doing important work, and there are plenty of ways to support them — from donating and volunteering to spreading the word. This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a great place to start, so be sure to reach out to each organization directly to learn how you can help.

Brewster Cares

Brewster Cares provides shelter, meals, and essential support for individuals and families in need throughout the Brewster area. The nonprofit also offers community programs, including ESL classes, family meal donations and assistance for those experiencing homelessness. This organization’s services provide a safe haven for neighbors facing hardship.

Learn more: brewstercaresny.org

Friends of Karen

Founded in 1978, Friends of Karen supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing financial assistance, emotional support and advocacy services. The organization helps local families stay stable and hopeful through some of their most difficult times.

Learn more: friendsofkaren.org

Green Chimneys

Green Chimneys is a Brewster-based nonprofit that uses animal-assisted therapy and nature-based education to help children with special needs reach their full potential. Founded in 1947, it operates schools, residential programs and therapeutic farms where children can learn, grow and heal in connection with animals and the environment.

Learn more: greenchimneys.org

Putnam Community Action Partnership

Putnam Community Action Partnership helps low-income residents achieve greater self-sufficiency through food assistance, emergency aid and community resource programs. As part of the Westchester Community Opportunity Program network, the organization has served Putnam County for more than 35 years with compassion and collaboration.

Learn more: putnamcap.org

Putnam Humane Society

The Putnam Humane Society provides shelter and care for homeless, abused and neglected animals across Putnam County. Founded in 1957, the no-kill shelter offers adoptions, medical treatment and humane education while advocating for responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Learn more: puthumane.org

Second Chance Foods

Second Chance Foods rescues fresh, surplus food from farms and distributors and redirects it to local pantries, shelters and meal programs. Based in Brewster, the nonprofit tackles both hunger and food waste by ensuring nutritious food reaches neighbors in need instead of ending up in landfills.

Learn more: secondchancefoods.org

Transportation Resources Access (TRA)

Transportation Resources Access (TRA) connects older adults and people with disabilities to essential medical appointments and community resources across the Hudson Valley. Through a network of volunteer drivers and support staff, TRA promotes independence, mobility and access to care for those who need it most.

Learn more: my-tra.org

United Way of Westchester and Putnam

United Way of Westchester and Putnam partners with more than 350 local nonprofits to support education, health, and financial stability for residents in need. By investing in community programs, distributing essential goods, and running initiatives like the 2-1-1 Helpline and RideUnited food delivery, United Way provides vital help and hope to thousands of families each year.

Learn more: uwwp.org

Give back in whatever way feels right for you — together, we can make an impact in Brewster.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.