It’s officially spring, and we are ready for it! With the weather warming up, our clients are looking for lighter clothing for work, school, and everyday life. Shamilia and Sandra share what it means to find clothing that is not only practical, but also stylish and in great condition.

We are so grateful for the generosity of our community and for the care that goes into each clothing donation we receive. Quality donations help make our clothing pantry a welcoming place where clients can find items they feel good wearing. As you make room for spring, gently used clothing that is clean, seasonal, and ready for a second life can have a meaningful impact. We are especially in need of tween and teen clothing, with boys’ sizes in particularly high demand.

We are grateful for the Stocker Foundation’s continued commitment to serving early education initiatives by recognizing the impact hunger has on a child’s ability to learn. Thanks to their generous support of our Weekend Food Backpack program, hundreds of students in our area will begin a new school week nourished and ready to learn.

As Americold prepares to open its first warehouse in Connecticut, they’re wasting no time giving back to the community! A huge thank you to the groups of volunteers who came to our office prepared to give their time and a generous donation of groceries – which they were promptly put to work sorting and stocking in our pantry. We are grateful to have Americold join the Gifts of Love community!

Who doesn’t love free money?  From now until June 28th, every donation made through our partnership with the Travelers Championship Birdies for Charity will receive a 15% bonus from Webster Bank and Aetna!

Surely, as tweens, we have all self-published an adorable and well-reviewed children’s book, and then donated a portion of sales to non-profits? You mean you haven’t? Us either!

These two incredible sisters did.  Click below to learn more about these incredible sisters.

When our clients make their final visit, we ask them to complete a short survey about their experience with the program. Sometimes, their words absolutely blow us away with kindness. It is only because of supporters like you that we have the honor of serving our community, to help our clients’ homes feel “complete,” and it is with gratitude that we share these words with you. Easy-peezy 🙂

We are truly grateful for the incredible support from our community in 2025.  We are stronger thanks YOU!

The relationships our clients and volunteers have at Gifts of Love is truly something special! Here’s Jeanette with a very special young lady and the story of how she got her name

The United Way has released its 2025 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, highlighting the growing number of households struggling to make ends meet. Key findings include:

• 1 in 5 households in our community qualifies as ALICE, meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but still cannot afford basic necessities.

• A family of four with two children in childcare needs to earn $116,000 per year just to cover a basic survival budget.

This report sheds light on the financial challenges many working families face every day and underscores the need for community support, resources, and advocacy.