Friends of Feeney
Created by a public school teacher, Friends of Feeney helps children and families who need assistance after personal heartbreak and tragedy. Founded by Eric Feeney in 2019 following the deaths of two of his students’ fathers, the group is passionate about helping students and promoting kindness. Friends of Feeney hosts several annual fundraising events, including a golf tournament, a “Cardboard Challenge,” a Holiday Coat and Toy Drive, as well as numerous individual and special events to raise funds and help promote generosity and kindness to one another in the community. Visit Friendsoffeeney.com.
Ron Foley Foundation
The Ron Foley Foundation was established in memory of Ron Foley, a cherished business leader in the region who passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2005. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting early detection of pancreatic cancer through education, research and awareness, and providing support to pancreatic cancer patients and their caregivers. The Foundation hosts a series of fundraising events and initiatives throughout the year, including the annual Kentucky Derby Day Gala, Ron’s Run for the Roses at the Farmington Polo Club, and various events during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November and is a partner of the Eversource Hartford Marathon for the ninth consecutive year. Central to the Foundation’s mission is the Ron’s Rescue Fund, which offers short-term financial assistance to cover essential expenses for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. Visit Ronsrun.org.
House of Heroes
Founded in January 2000, the House of Heroes is a nonprofit organization serving our nation's military and public safety veterans (and their spouses) who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical/financial challenges. Through the generosity of individuals, civic organizations, and corporations, House of Heroes volunteers perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of veterans and their spouses at no cost to the veteran Visit HOHCT.org for more information.
The Olive Branch
Operating under the auspices of the Department of Children and Families, The Olive Branch, is a nonprofit agency housed on the second floor of the parish house at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Glastonbury. The 800-square-foot store is open for donations year-round and is stocked with toys, games, clothing, backpacks and other items for kids under state care. Open by appointment, The Olive Branch started as a holiday shop but expanded to help families with other celebratory events, such as birthdays, religious milestones, quinceaneras, prom, and graduations. It is open for donations year-round and organizers say the nonprofit helps parents and families who might otherwise not be able to shop for their children, allowing them to experience the joy of gift-giving for young loved ones. You can find the agency by searching Olive Branch on Portal.ct.gov.
Interval House
Interval House assists domestic violence survivors through comprehensive intervention and support programs, serving 6,500 clients per year in 24 towns in the capital region. The agency provides a free and confidential 24-hour hotline response, safety planning, crisis counseling, emergency safe housing, support groups, criminal and civil court advocacy, information and referrals, children’s programming, and community education and outreach. Visit Intervalhousect.org.
Open Doors Outdoors
Open Doors Outdoors helps veterans, their families and young people explore and spend time outdoors for reconnection, healthy activity and healing. The group guides individuals outdoors, fostering healthy activity and supporting healing journeys. Through free, curated adventures, the nonprofit empowers participants to find solace, strength, and community in nature's embrace. The organization was founded by Davey Edwards, a veteran who wanted to help others recover from traumatic experiences. “Since its inception in 2018, Open Doors Outdoors has blessed thousands of individuals and their families thanks to amazing volunteers, supporters, board members and to the ODO community that keeps growing,” the group says on its website. Visit Opendoorsoutdoors.org.
The Miracle League
The Miracle League provides athletic opportunities for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. The group built a fully accessible baseball field where children participate in spring and fall baseball leagues. It offers year-round opportunities that go well beyond baseball. Additionally, The organization offers a series of Family Fun Days and an annual “Trick or Treat – Miracle League Style,” that brings businesses, civic groups and families together to create an accessible neighborhood in which more than 500 children can enjoy Halloween at a safe location. Visit Miracleleaguect.org.
Connecticut Food Share
Connecticut Food Share is dedicated to combating hunger across the state and stands as a unified force in providing critical food assistance to those in need. The organization distributes millions of pounds of food annually to a network of local agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. It focuses on addressing the root causes of hunger. Its programs include emergency food distribution, nutrition education, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing food insecurity long-term. It also emphasizes the importance of community involvement, encouraging individuals and businesses to participate in food drives, volunteer efforts, and financial contributions. Visit Ctfoodshare.org.
Breast Friends Fund
The Breast Friends Fund was founded in 2016 by Sandy Cassanelli, a breast cancer survivor. The nonprofit organization has successfully supported educational workshops for women battling metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, and cutting-edge research projects aimed at advancing breast cancer treatment with the ultimate goal of a cure. Sandy’s is driven by a personal connection to the cause. Having witnessed the challenges faced by friends and family members battling breast cancer, she has devoted herself to creating tangible solutions and providing hope through community outreach, advocating for increased awareness and support. Visit Breastfriendsfund.org.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) plays a vital role in the fight against cancer, supporting research, advocacy, and patient care across the state. Established as part of the national organization, the state chapter focuses on reducing the impact of cancer through education, prevention, and community-based programs. One of its key initiatives is raising awareness about cancer prevention through early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. The chapter provides resources on screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, and encourages participation in annual events like Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. It offers direct support to those affected by cancer through its programs. Visit Cancer.org.