Local Places You Can Help Out

Welcome to the new weekly feature on Thursdays called "Patch Picks," highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more. 

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch, where to watch the big game, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.  

Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box.

Patch Picks: Non-Profits Making a Difference

● New Hope Manor -  Located in Manchester, New Hope Manor also has four group homes in the Manchester area, including Somers. New Hope Manor provides comprehensive and effective treatment to young people and their families with mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse problems. 

● The Network Against Domestic Abuse of North Central Connecticut - The mission  is to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and to assist adult victims and their children to be free from this violence. The services of "The Network" are free and available without discrimination.

● Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen - Located in Enfield, Loaves and Fishes is a local area soup kitchen providing hospitality to all those in need by offering meals, aid, and companionship at no charge. Meals are served starting at 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

● The Cornerstone Foundation - The Cornerstone Foundation, located in Vernon offers many different services. The Cornerstone Soup Kitchen serves over 40,000 meals per year, the Cornerstone Clothing Bank gives away over 35,000 items per year, and the Cornerstone Shelter provides over 4,000 beds of lodging per year. Youths visit the Cornerstone Community Center over 3,000 times per year and the Cornerstone Angel Food Ministry provides nutritious, economical food to families and seniors.

●  - Located in East Windsor, The Five Corner Cupboard has been helping needy in the community for 40 years. The Five Corner Cupboard is open Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Needy families receive about a week's worth of groceries once per month on average. On Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2010, about 140 food baskets were handed out. Many turkeys were also distributed. The busiest months are in the summer. Non-food items like laundry detergent, hand soap and the occasional package if diapers are also available. The program does not accept clothing donations.