Thanksgiving in Simsbury -- An Opportunity to Support Local Charities

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends.

It’s also a time to remember those in need.

At this time of year, many generous residents look for ways to make a difference locally.

Here are some recommendations:

Simsbury Social Services:

The Social Services Department provides assistance for residents with social, emotional, and economic needs of every kind. Social Services helps residents achieve self-sufficiency, maintain economic well-being and adjust to difficult circumstances and events in their lives. Major program areas include services to families, youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.

Each year, the Social Services Department provides service to Simsbury individuals and families through programs which include: Financial Assistance, Medical Assistance, Counseling, Food Programs, Holiday Programs, Emergency Shelter, Eviction Assistance, Landlord/Tenant Mediation, Energy Assistance, Renter’s Rebate Program, Trigger Lock Program, Information, Referrals and Notary services.

The Social Services Departments depends upon financial donations to assist needy Simsbury residents with basic needs such as heat, utilities, shelter, transportation, and food. Non-perishable food items are always needed for the Simsbury Food Closet. Specific donations may be made to: Keep Simsbury Warm, and Simsbury Food Closet.

For more information, please visit their website:

http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/social-services

Gifts of Love:

Gifts of Love is committed to providing basic need services to individuals and families primarily throughout Greater Hartford who are experiencing a financial crisis.

In order to provide its basic need services, Gifts of Love works closely with individuals, civic groups, corporations and schools to fulfill its mission and achieve its vision.  Gifts of Love is always seeking to establish new connections and partnerships. Support Gifts of Love and experience the true impact of neighbors helping neighbors by:

Making a Financial Contribution: Gifts of Love seeks financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations to support their programs and services.

Making an In-kind Contribution: As part of its Basic Needs Program, Gifts of Love provides individuals and families with food to eat, clothes to wear and a bed in which to sleep so they can focus on attaining self-sufficiency. In order to do this, Gifts of Love accepts a variety of in-kind donations, including food, baby items, clothing, linens, blankets, dishes, towels, pots, pans and small appliances all of which can contribute to clients becoming self-sufficient.

Becoming a Volunteer: Gifts of Love volunteers are the lifeblood of the agency and perform essential functions.

For more information, please visit their website:

http://www.giftsoflovect.org/

Foodshare

Foodshare is a leader in anti-hunger work in the Greater Hartford area.

Foodshare’s mission is to engage the greater Hartford community for the purpose of distributing food and increasing self-sufficiency. By working closely with other local partners – individuals, businesses, schools, faith groups and government agencies – Foodshare seeks to increase awareness of hunger within the state.

Learn about the various ways you can donate – food or money – to Foodshare, and see how others are supporting their work to end hunger.

For more information, please visit their website:

http://site.foodshare.org/site/PageServer?pagename=index