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.

November was a busy time of year for our LOL staff and volunteers. Pictured above (from L. to R.) are Phyllis, Phyllis, and Maria making a delivery to Amistad House in New Haven. It was cold outside, but the welcoming way in which we were received certainly warmed us up. Clients received a “Bed in a Bag” and a toiletry set lovingly put together just for them.

Holiday giving begins!!!

Linens of Love starts working with a new service organization in New Haven, CT!