Several Upcoming Events To Benefit Guilford Meals On Wheels

GUILFORD, CT — This year represents the 40th anniversary of Guilford Meals on Wheels/Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV), and several upcoming events will benefit those in need in the community.

2025 got off to a momentous start for GIV, as the organization was named "Nonprofit of the Year" by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. GIV is the umbrella for Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting and Charlie’s Closet, and also the co-director of the Guilford Food Bank.

Several organizations will be honored during the Shoreline Chamber's annual Excellence Awards and Breakfast on Feb. 13 at The Woodwinds in Branford.

GIV Executive Director Christi Burton credited the nonprofit's volunteers for the honor.

"Without them, we really couldn't do what we do. It's the volunteers who deliver the meals, the volunteers who work at Charlie's Closet, and the volunteers who do Friendly Visiting," Burton told Patch. "The fact that our organization was nominated and won nonprofit of the year by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce was a nice way to start off the 40th year of the organization. That was a nice jumpstart."

Burton called the 40th anniversary of GIV/Meals on Wheels "a big milestone."

"Going from 12 meals served in 1985 to about 35,000 meals year-end in 2024 is just a testament to how much we've grown and to the need of the program in the community," Burton added.

Here are some upcoming events/initiatives in Guilford that will benefit GIV/Meals on Wheels:

Annual Benefit Concert At Guilford High School

On Feb. 7, "Music in Motion: A Meals on Wheels Benefit Concert," will take place at 6:30 p.m. from the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center.

The concert is free, but goodwill donations are welcome as all proceeds will go toward Guilford Meals on Wheels. Attendees can expect performances from GHS Voices, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra and the A.W. Cox Howlers.

Complementary appetizers will be provided by Pasta Avest, Star Fish Market, Mary's Culinary Classes and Larry Santamaria, and handmade desserts will also be available.

New this year will be a silent raffle that's being spearheaded by GHS senior Ella Esteve. The raffle is expected to feature arts-related items.

New Donation Boxes At The Community Center

The donation box for the Guilford Food Bank has been removed from the Big Y in town, but new boxes for both the food bank and Meals on Wheels have been placed within the Community Center at 32 Church St.

GIV partnered with Guilford Parks & Recreation and Guilford Social Services on the initiative, and Todd Woodhouse, a local craftsman and carpenter, built a new donation cabinet box for Guilford Food Bank donations.

A smaller black box on top is for monetary donations to Meals on Wheels. Residents can find an updated weekly list on top of the donation box that details the most needed items for the food bank.

Other locations for food bank donations remain in place at Palumbo's, Guilford Town Hall, and the Food Bank.

Gentle Yoga For A Cause

On Feb. 25, Erin Schuster of Shoreline CT Yoga and Wellness, will host a gentle yoga class at the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Suggested donations range between $25-$50, and all proceeds will go to support Meals on Wheels.

Attendees should bring their own yoga mat. Pre-registration is required by emailing shorelinectyoga@gmail.com.

For more on Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, click here.