Gifts of Love Still Providing Food for Those in Need

Gifts of Love Still Providing Food for Those in Need

AVON, CT, Mar. 20, 2020 – Gifts of Love is still providing food to those in need. Clients of the nonprofit will be able to get food and should keep their regular appointments to pick it up. Those receiving help from the Gifts of Love Hartford office should also keep their Thursday appointments next week to receive food.

The Avon-based nonprofit is also continuing to provide food to students currently receiving help through their Weekend Food Backpack Program. Sunlight Construction Company in Avon has volunteered to bring the backpacks to schools in New Britain and West Hartford. Students at schools in the Farmington Valley will also be getting their usual weekly backpacks. “We are so grateful to Sunlight Construction for their help in these challenging times. They are part of a long line of generous donors who have kept this organization going for over 30 years,” says Susan Pribyson, Gifts of Love Executive Director.

The organization is reaching out to the community for donations of food. “We put in our biggest order for food from Foodshare this week and this will certainly be helpful, but we also need donations from the community to continue to meet the need,” says Pribyson. “We never want to turn away a hungry neighbor or family. In order to continue providing food to all who come to our doors, we must have the support of the community. It’s more important now than ever before.” Those wishing to donate food can simply bring it to their office at 34 East Main Street in Avon, knock and leave the food, to comply with the need for social distancing. Or they can call Gifts of Love at 860-676-2323 to arrange a drop-off time.

The organization is also turning to the community for financial support to help them meet the escalating need. “Members of the community have always donated generously throughout our history and we are confident they will step up in these challenging times to help us meet the rising need,” said Pribyson. Those wishing to donate should go to the “Donate Now” button on the organization’s website: GiftsOfLove.org.

Those needing help should call Denise Phillips, Gifts of Love’s Program Manager, at 860-676-2323. They can also get a referral to become a Gifts of Love client through social workers, case managers and clergy members.

Gifts of Love usually provides clients with clothing and household necessities but has temporarily halted that practice due to restrictions on close contact during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As always, our priority is to provide hope and dignity to those in crisis. The current situation has reinforced our resolve to stay true to our mission of supporting self-sufficiency is strong,” said Pribyson.

About Gifts of Love

Gifts of Love responds to the needs of working individuals and their families who have been impacted by financial crises. The nonprofit provides food, clothing, household necessities and self-sufficiency consultation from its offices in Avon and Hartford. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For over three decades, the organization has provided short-term programs and education that help working families attain financial independence. The Gifts of Love Farm is a certified-organic educational farm that provides their clients with fresh produce and serves the community with ongoing educational programs, incubator farming and internships programs and organic produce. For more information visit GiftsOfLoveCT.org.