September is a time of new beginnings across Connecticut and one non-profit is encouraging the community to embark in a new program to combat food insecurity for local neighbors in need. Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, today 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 October 3, 2023. 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,” adds Gray.
Gifts of Love services 41 towns across Connecticut by offering two fully-stocked food pantries consisting of non-perishable 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.
Individual tickets are $125 and tables of 10 cost $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at https://giftsoflovect.org/benefitforgiftsoflove/. Customized marketing partnership packages are also available for businesses and organizations, and 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.
About Gifts of Love
For more than 30 years, Gifts of Love has helped meet the basic needs of individuals and families in the Greater Hartford area experiencing short-term financial crises so they can return to self-sufficiency and regain independence. The non-profit provides food, clothing and household necessities, as well as short-term programs and education. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For more information visit https://giftsoflovect.org/.
PHOTO: Gifts of Love, a non-profit organization that fights food insecurity in Connecticut, recently launched its“$35 for 35” campaign in honor of the start its 35th year and National Hunger Action Month in September. The 35-day appeal seeks to raise $5,000 by requesting that supporters make a one-time donation of $35.
Photo Credit: Gifts of Love