We were super busy filling orders last week! We provided for five families and one individual. Plus, we donated some brand new blankets and sheets to Columbus House's Recovery House, a short-term program for 17 men (including 7 Veterans) who are awaiting placement in sober housing, treatment programs, or permanent housing with out-patient treatment support. We are so thankful for this week’s opportunities to help a neighbor in need!

It is a note like this that really drives home the good we hope to do:

"Hello! I dropped everything off this morning and mom was SO APPRECIATIVE. She just could not believe that there was so much help for her family. This morning, everyone shared one towel and now there are enough towels for everyone – plus the towels are so nice. Thank you again for bringing so much comfort and joy to a family that is really trying so hard to succeed. Your gifts are like a great big hug for everyone in this precious family.

With great appreciation,"

Vallerie at CT CASA

Maria and Phyllis were busy at work today putting together an order for a family of four that is being reunified in a new apartment. We were excited to be able to offer them a microwave and some pots and pans in addition to providing for their bedding needs. THANK YOU to our friend and supporter, John, for his wonderful donation of the microwave.

We received this note from one of the social workers/case managers we work with:

"I dropped off the bedding, towels, toiletries, dishes and silverware yesterday. They were very much appreciated. This mom has not always been a fan of mine since I was one of the people who helped to remove several of her children, but she could not contain her joy. She is working hard to rebuild her life after losing her housing and now having just secured a safe apartment. She was so appreciative. Thank you for all that you do. This has made such a big difference not only because now she has some nice things but also because she feels supported. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!”

A note like this reminds us that we are part of a larger network of helpers who try to support those who are struggling to get back on their feet. We are honored to be a part of this effort to make others feel supported and loved.

#endhomelessnesstogether #endhomelessnessnow #helpyourcommunity #breakingthecycleofpoverty #communitylove

We had the wonderful opportunity of providing bedding and pillows for alumni of St. Martin De Porres Academy in New Haven who are heading off to college in August. We feel honored to play a small part in providing support, love, and comfort to these young people as they move on to the next phase of their education. May they always be inspired to use the gifts and talents that SMDA nurtured in them for the greater glory of God and the good of their neighbors.

A Wink From God

Last week, we received a donation of pink onesies, a cute pink baby's bath towel, and a brand new stuffed animal. These are definitely not items we normally receive or give out. This week, we received a request from one of the agencies we work with for bedding for a couple and their new baby girl. We could not help but pause at this seeming coincidence. We are often stupefied at the timing of donations and requests. This was one of those times! It calls to mind Psalm 34, "This poor man called, and the LORD heard him..."

Phyllis

One of the most gratifying aspects of doing the work we do is meeting new people who we can support. Our friends at All Pets directed us to Shoreline Recovery (Women’s Houses), knowing that they were in need of some support of the kind we offer. Today, our crew prepared the items they requested, including four bedding sets, four towels sets, and a good bunch of toiletries. All will be used to welcome new clients who are transitioning to a new stage of their life. We wish them all the best and hope that they will “feel” love of a warm hug as they pull up the covers and are enfolded in their new sheets and blankets.

In the photo above, Amanda, House Manager, at Shoreline Recovery, came to pick up some items to welcome new clients in comfort and love. Thank you, Amanda, for the good work you are doing!

Yesterday, we delivered four large boxes of toiletries to our veteran friends at the VA Hospital in West Haven. We helped stock their resource room with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes. This "closet” fills the needs of veterans who are in the hospital and in need of basic items. Upon discharge, they are allowed to visit the closet once a month to take one of each item they need. Voluntary Services Specialist for the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Rhiannon Oakes (pictured above with our team), explained that January through April is the time the closet is most in need of supplies because many organizations who have collection drives for them do so during the holidays. We were so happy yesterday to get a tour of the “closet” and to learn that our donations (and yours) are having a positive impact on those who we are all greatly indebted to - United States Veteran

Grant Received! Last week, we welcomed Chris Perrini, District Manager for CT for The Andover Companies, to our office. He had a $3000 check with him, which he presented to our President and Founder, Mary B. Pursell. Mary nominated Linens of Love for The Andover Companies Charitable Foundation’s Agency Impact Grant Program. In the letter we received informing us that we were chosen for the grant, Charles J. DiGrande, President of the The Andover Companies Charitable Trust Foundation, said, “This donation is a testament to your inspiring efforts and reflects our shared commitment to positive change.” THANK YOU to The Andover Companies for helping us provide a little love and comfort to those in need!

We were back at The 180 Center this week making a requested pillow delivery to our friends who are working on turning their lives around. We were happy to provide some comfort for the journey! Thank you 180 Center for all you do to support those in need and allowing us to help in some small way.

We received a call this morning from Chanelle of Carelon, asking if we could provide blankets for a local homeless couple who are sleeping in their car. We quickly put together sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, and some toiletries to help them stay warm on these frigid winter nights. A little later, Chanelle came by our office and picked everything up. She was headed right to them with this lovingly prepared care package. We are thankful to Chanelle for the work she does and for giving us the opportunity to provide for our neighbors in need. We look forward to further helping this couple when they find permanent housing.