The high cost of living is straining households everywhere and the numbers tell the story at Gifts of Love, a non-profit that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis.
“We’re busier than we’ve ever been in our 34-year history because of the state of the economy,” said Gifts of Love Executive Director Lisa Gray.
She said client visits increased by 92 percent compared to last year and “that shows people are struggling.”
By the end of October the helping organization had already given out 75 tons of food compared to 44 tons at the same time last year, Gray said.
Also, in October of this year they served 409 client families, compared to 229 in October of 2022, Gray said.
“Individuals and families who found themselves OK a few months ago are struggling right now,” Gray said. Costs have gone up for food, utilities, gas, rent, mortgages, she said.
The organization serves people in 41 Greater Hartford municipalities who are above the federal poverty level and, therefore, not eligible for supplemental programs.
Most of their clients work.
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The community can help by donating money or goods, including food, perishable and non-perishable, baby formula, diapers, clothes, household items, toiletries and new gift items for a holiday store that allows clients to shop for gifts for loved ones.
Gray said donors are struggling as well with the high cost of living.
“At the same we’re being squeezed, it affects donors,” Gray said. “There’s less funding but more people to serve.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Avon office, 34 East Main St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations can also be made through the website or through the mail.
The organization just held its annual gala that raised $40,128 and January 25 they will hold a smaller fundraiser at Golf Lounge 18 in the Shops at Farmington Valley.
The event is a kickoff to their fundraising golf tournament in May.
For $30 guests at the kickoff will get unlimited play and appetizers.
Gray said they are grateful for the sponsors, attendees, donors and volunteers who came out to the gala to support their “neighbors in need.”
“We couldn’t have dreamed of a better turnout and financial success for our first big fundraiser since the pandemic,” Gray said. “This just exemplifies that the giving spirit is alive and well across the Connecticut community…”
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Gifts of Love has received numerous comments of praise in online reviews.
Clients, volunteers and donors have weighed in.
One person wrote: “This place is amazing the things they do for people in need is unexplainable can’t put into words. If more people cared the way they do, the world would be a better place.”
Another wrote: “Service is one of a kind. Love the way they treat the clients.”
One person wrote about how happy they were to donate to an organization, “That doesn’t sell what we brought to them, but rather gets it into the hands of people who need it.”
