Non-profit Serving Working Families Expands to Hartford

A nonprofit that has been helping working people with limited assets is holding an Open House for their new Hartford office. Gifts of Love has been serving those in Hartford and the surrounding area for over three decades from their offices in Avon. On Feb. 26, they will hold an Open House for their second location on 571 Farmington Avenue from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Members of the community will be able to see the office and learn about Gifts of Love’s services.

“It’s been tough for our clients from Hartford to come to Avon and that often meant they were unable to keep their appointments. We looked for a way to serve them better,” says Gifts of Love Executive Director, Susan Pribyson. “This new location is on the bus line, so that should make it easier on our clients in this area.”

The 1,292 square foot office includes a place where working individuals with limited assets can pick up clothing, food and housewares at no cost. At first it will be open Thursdays, between 9:00 a.m. and 4 p.m., but Gifts of Love is recruiting additional volunteers so it can be open a second day and one evening a week. Those who wish to volunteer may contact Sara McCabe at smccabe@GiftsofLoveCT.org.

“In 2019 we saw a 48% increase in our client base,” says Pribyson, who pointed out that Gifts of Love is the only nonprofit in the area serving working families who have trouble making ends meet. “We will be opening this second location to meet this need. It’s important to us to serve the individuals and families who need us with dignity and convenience.” Gifts of Love is one of only two organizations in the state that serve people who fall into a group referred to as the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

For more information about the Gifts of Love Hartford office go to GiftsofLoveCT.org.