One nonprofit in Connecticut is encouraging the community to embark in a new program to combat food insecurity for local neighbors in need especially during September, Hunger Action Month. Specifically, Gifts of Love, a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, announced an innovative campaign that coincides with the beginning of the charity”™s 35th year, as well as the start of National Hunger Action Month in September. Specifically, the “$35 for 35” appeal aims to engage supporters, both longstanding and new, in commemorating the impressive milestone by making a onetime donation of $35.
“September is extra special because we were founded in September of 1989, and it also marks National Hunger Action Month,” said Lisa Gray, Gifts of Love executive director. “Beyond celebrating our business anniversary, as well as putting a spotlight on our important mission, donors of the “$35 for 35” campaign not only contribute to our ongoing efforts, but also join us in reflecting on the positive impact we’ve made together as a community for more than three decades.”
The “$35 for 35” campaign will run for 35 days, concluding on Oct. 3. Supporters can contribute directly on the organization”™s website: https://giftsoflovect.org/35-for-35/. Donors will have the option to leave a message of support on a digital tribute wall, receive public acknowledgement on the organization”™s social media channels, and read stories of individuals and families who have benefited from Gifts of Love’s programs.
“Our realistic goal of raising $5,000 through this campaign equates to only 143 donors and will enable us to further our mission, while expanding our outreach,” said Gray.
Gifts of Love services 41 towns across Connecticut by offering two fully stocked food pantries consisting of nonperishable food items, meats, dairy products, frozen items and fresh produce paper goods, and personal hygiene items; a housewares and small appliances pantry; and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has two locations ”“”“ in Avon and in Hartford ”“ to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.
Later this fall, Gifts of Love hosts its first big fundraising event since 2019: the “Fall in Love” fundraiser, on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Farmington Gardens, featuring music, dancing, photo booth, trivia, live auction, wine pull, mixology demos and specialty cocktails.
Individual tickets are $125 and tables of 10 are $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at https://giftsoflovect.org/benefitforgiftsoflove/. Customized marketing partnership packages are also available for businesses and organizations; also the charity is currently seeking live auction items.
Contact kwelch@giftsoflovect.org or call 860-676-2323 for more information or to donate to the “$35 for 35” campaign.
