Here we are, tumbling headfirst into winter’s glittering chaos. The leaves are completely gone from the trees, and I can almost hear my own to-do list screaming at me—gifts to buy, recipes I’ll probably burn, cards to send, money to spend, and on and on.

And yet, in the midst of all that chaos, I keep noticing moments that quietly shine, like a neighbor’s smile, someone helping out, and other small gestures that don’t come in boxes or arrive with a tracking number.

It’s the simple, steady pull to give a little more than I take, just because I can.

Maybe that’s the real spirit of it all, not racing to make everything perfect, but remembering that giving, in whatever way we can, steadies us. This year, I’m trying to make room for that. That’s what this newsletter is all about—giving back.

Today we’re spotlighting:

🌟 Amazing people and organizations who give

❤️ Amazing businesses that give

🤝 How you can give

🍎 Food pantries you can support

(Courtesy of Old Dogs Go To Helen)

By Katy Savage

Across the country, senior dogs are surrendered in heartbreaking numbers—too slow, too sick, too complicated. In one quiet corner of New Hampshire, there is a place that gives them a home.

While most rescues promise a new beginning, Helen St. Pierre promises a gentle ending.

On her family’s 20-acre property in Epsom, St. Pierre runs Old Dogs Go to Helen, a senior and hospice dog sanctuary for the animals with nowhere else to go—those too old, too fragile, or too medically complex for shelters or adopters.

“There’s a presence and a wiseness that old dogs have that I feel is unmatched anywhere else,” St. Pierre said. “It’s like having a wonderful grandparent you can just sit with. It’s a different type of relationship.”

How to give back

Donations help cover medical care, end-of-life support, and the cozy comforts that make a senior dog’s final days peaceful. Learn more here.

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(Courtesy of Hero Pups)

Looking to support groups making a direct, local impact? Here are a handful of New Hampshire organizations and community circles—some grassroots, some statewide—that focus on everything from immediate financial help and family stability to wildlife protection and support for veterans. Each offers a different way to give back, all grounded in helping neighbors right here at home. 🫶

Guys who give a #hit

A grassroots giving circle based in the Concord area. Every three months, a group of local men meet socially to have a few beers and donate money to local charities. Members nominate and vote on three charities, giving the largest share to one and smaller amounts to the other two. Since its founding, the group has donated over $200,000 to New Hampshire nonprofits, turning casual gatherings into structured philanthropy.

Womenade Concord

A group of women who provide immediate, short-term financial assistance—typically up to $500—to individuals and families in need across Concord and nearby towns. Founded around 2010, Womenade emphasizes direct aid, with 100% of donations going to local community members. 

Family Promise of Concord

Transforms the lives of families experiencing homelessness in the greater Concord area. The organization provides safe and supportive environments, temporary shelter, and case management, with a focus on housing stability and wraparound support. Volunteers and donors play a key role in ensuring that every child has a home and access to the resources they need.

Bikers Against Child Abuse

A chapter of a national organization that seeks to create a safer environment for abused children. The bikers act as visible protectors and mentors, providing emotional support and empowerment to children who have experienced abuse or trauma. The New Hampshire chapter primarily serves the Goffstown and Concord areas and uses the intimidating biker presence to deter further harm and offer a sense of security.

Hero Pups

A nonprofit in New Hampshire that provides support dogs to veterans, first responders, and others with service-related psychological challenges. They operate an inmate training program where inmates help start the pups’ training, and they place dogs in the community to offer comfort and mental health support. Hero Pups has partnered with local organizations, like the Concord Police Department, to provide therapy and comfort dogs to those in need.

Homeland Heroes

Supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families across New England, including New Hampshire. The organization provides furniture, bedding, and household goods to veterans transitioning to civilian life, ensuring a stable home environment.

NH Children’s Trust

Works statewide to prevent child abuse and neglect while strengthening family support systems. They promote positive social norms, provide education, and organize community events, such as their “Ride for Resilience,” to raise awareness and funds.

Operation Game Thief

A program run by the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division that encourages the public to report poaching and wildlife crimes. Citizens can provide anonymous tips via hotline, app, or online form, helping law enforcement protect the state’s wildlife. The program emphasizes community engagement and conservation, linking public participation with sustainable wildlife management.

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At Granite Post, our commitment to you—and to New Hampshire—hasn’t changed.

To keep this work strong, we’re working toward a $1,800 goal by Dec. 16 as part of our final fundraising campaign this year.

Your support helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping the Granite State’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

Not sure where to start with giving back this season? Think of this as a choose-your-own-impact list. Whether you want to pitch in for a few hours, send a small donation, or tackle a hands-on project, these ideas offer plenty of ways to show up for your community in whatever way fits your time and budget. ✨

Buy Supplies for Teachers

Over 60 New Hampshire teachers are looking for help through DonorsChoose—everything from binders and file folders to headphones that let students listen to music while they work. 

Volunteer Your Time

Lend a hand by assembling holiday gift bags for older adults, putting together harm-reduction kits with the New Hampshire Harm Reduction Coalition, or supporting Families in Transition’s efforts to break the cycle of homelessness. 

Donate Clothes, Shoes, and Winter Gear

Winter is coming! Local organizations and community thrift stores are always looking for gently used clothing, coats, boots, and blankets. Also consider donating backpacks for Backpacks for Back to School.

Support Local Food Pantries

Food pantries accept non-perishable foods, but some also welcome homemade baked goods or fresh produce from your garden.

Give the Gift of Literacy

Donate books to programs like Reach Out and Read, local libraries, or literacy programs. You could even host a neighborhood book drive.

Sponsor a Family or Child for the Holidays

Organizations like Family Promise of Greater Concord and Toys for Tots allow you to sponsor a child or family with gifts and essentials during the holidays.

Support Animal Shelters

Donate supplies, foster, or volunteer at local shelters such as the Humane Society of Greater Nashua and Monadnock Humane Society.

Volunteer Outdoors

Join groups like a trail association or local community gardens to maintain trails, plant trees, or help with farm projects. Great for a physically active day giving back!

Help Veterans and First Responders

Organizations like Homeland Heroes or NH Fisher Cats Foundation accept donations or volunteers to support veterans, first responders, and their families.

Create Care Packages

Assemble care packages for people experiencing homelessness, deployed military members, or kids in hospitals. Add personal touches, such as notes, snacks, or small useful items.

Donate Skills Remotely

Offer online tutoring, resume reviews, or career coaching through local nonprofits or libraries.

Host a Micro-Fundraiser or Challenge

Run a 5K, ultrarun, or even a “step challenge” and have participants donate to a local cause.

By Mrinali Dhembla

New Hampshire Food Bank — Statewide
Operates statewide in all 10 counties, supplying food to nearly 400 partner agencies.

Monadnock Food Pantries Collective — Keene
Supports families across the Monadnock Region through coordinated food access.

Families in Transition — Manchester
Provides a dignified food pantry experience alongside housing and support services.

Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter — Nashua
Offers a stocked pantry and hot meals daily, plus community fundraising events.

Salvation Army Food Pantry — Multiple locations
Runs neighborhood and mobile pantries and provides fresh food boxes across NH.

Lydia’s House of Hope — Rollinsford
Distributes monthly and emergency food boxes, plus holiday baskets for families in need.

How are you thinking about giving back this season? If something here inspired you—or if you’ve got your own approach—we’d love to hear it. Hit reply and share! 💌

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Mrinali Dhembla. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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