Donating and Volunteering Opportunities During a Government Shutdown and Other Times
Connecticut’s residents may face many difficult challenges throughout the year including rising costs and growing financial insecurity. An individual and family’s health, safety, education, and well-being are largely dependent on their ability to make ends meet. During times of government shutdowns/emergency disasters, connecting individuals and families to supports to help mitigate these current stressors and maintain stability, is an immediate critical first step.
Link below to the 211 database to find resources to connect with to make a food and/or financial donation, or to volunteer during these times:
WAYS TO HELP WITH DONATING GOOD AND SERVICES
Donating Opportunities:
- Individuals wanting to donate food to agencies that provide food to communities in need can find an organization in their local community, by visiting the 211 database, “Food Donation Program” – 211 Connecticut – Put in a zip code, or city/town in the location box, to find a local organization to donate to.
**Please note that monetary donations are the best way for the resources to get to those in need quickly.**
- To donate to agencies that are collecting for other programs, such as household goods, clothing, baby items, medical equipment, computers, and more, visit the 211 database at this link – 211 Connecticut, type in “donation” in the first search box and see a drop-down of specific donation options to select from and enter your zip code, or city/town in the location box.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Individuals wishing to volunteer in response to a current emergency crisis or to help an organization providing important services throughout the year can search for volunteer opportunities in the 211 database.
- To provide support at an agency that provides food, visit this link – “Food Volunteer Services” – Food Production/Preparation/Delivery Volunteer Opportunities – Put in a zip code, or city/town in the location box, to find a local organization to donate to.
- For a list of local agencies looking for general volunteers in your community, visit the 211 database at this link – 211 Connecticut, type in “volunteer” in the first search box and see a drop-down of specific volunteer options to select from and enter your zip code, or city/town in the location box.
During Emergency Disasters
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), is another organization that assists and looks for volunteers during emergency disaster events throughout the country, including Connecticut. Visit Homepage | VOAD (nvoad.org) to find National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) members taking volunteers. Many of the organizations prefer or require affiliated volunteers, rather than unaffiliated volunteers. Visit Volunteer | VOAD (nvoad.org) to register as a volunteer. You can also visit the CT VOAD webpage for local organizations looking for volunteers by visiting https://www.ctvoad.org/volunteer/.
AVOIDING SCAMS
To help individuals avoid scams and frauds after disasters, please note the following advice from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP):
- Do your research: Before donating, use online resources like the Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch, which all provide information about non-profit organizations and charities.
- Be cautious of “look alike” websites: Websites will sometimes try and impersonate legitimate charities. Verify the URL in your browser before giving any money online. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information and may download harmful malware onto your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or other social media sites are legitimate.
- Ask questions: Ask how your donation will be used. and ask the solicitor to be specific. If the answer is vague be wary.
- Know who you are talking to: If you receive an email or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website. A legitimate charity will always give you time to verify its identity and do your research.
- Don’t be pressured: Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for payment in cash, or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation.
- Avoid paying in an untraceable form of payment: Donate by check or credit card, not by wire transfer or cash.
- Never give out personal information: Never give out information such as your social security number or bank account numbers over the phone or internet, or to an untrusted source.
For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing, dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit, https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/dcp-programs-and-services?language=en_US. In addition, visit the Better Business Bureau website to report a scam or look up a scam at, https://bbb.org/scamtracker
SOURCES: AARP; Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP); National Voluntary; Better Business Bureau Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: November2025
