AVON, CT, Jan. 27, 2021 – Generous donors helped Gifts of Love reach and surpass its most ambitious holiday campaign goal.  The Avon-based non-profit had set a goal of raising $100,000 to support its expanding client services, but, in fact, they raised $140,000.

Donations came in from major corporations, individuals and even young children.  One 11-year-old Simsbury resident, Nicholas Savino, raised $5000 by foregoing Christmas presents and asking family and friends to donate the money to Gifts of Love.

The drive, which started right before Thanksgiving and ended on New Year’s Eve included Gifts of Love’s first text-to-give campaign.  It was also supported by eblasts and traditional direct mail.

“We are bowled over by the generosity of people, especially during these uncertain times,” says Ryan Pettengill, Gifts of Love’s Executive Director.  “Our donors responded enthusiastically to our requests to serve more people and to expand the services we want to provide. One of the most surprisingly things is the number of $1000 donations that came in.”

Due to the pandemic, the non-profit has been meeting the needs of an expanded client base, the largest in its 30-year history.  In addition, they are planning to donate more food and clothing in the coming 12 months; to widen the variety of household goods they provide; to expand the capacity of the Gifts of Love farm and to add to the size and hours of their food pantry in Hartford.

“We know our goals are ambitious, but the need is expanding, and we feel an obligation to respond to it,” says Pettengill.  “We thank everyone who supported us through this holiday fundraiser and everyone who gives generously throughtout the year.  The need is great, but as a community, we are greater.”

Funds and donations are needed to support the year-round work of Gifts of Love to provide food, clothing and household goods to those struggling to make ends meet.  To contribute or to learn more about their work, go to GiftsOfLoveCT.org.

About Gifts of Love

Gifts of Love responds to the needs of individuals and their families who have been impacted by financial crises. During COVID-19, the nonprofit continues to accept and provide food, clothing and household goods and self-sufficiency consultation from its offices in Avon and Hartford. Most importantly, Gifts of Love provides a sense of hope to those in search of a better future. For over three decades, the organization has provided short-term programs and education that help working families attain financial independence. The Gifts of Love Farm is a certified-organic educational farm that provides their clients with fresh produce and serves the community with ongoing educational programs, incubator farming and internships programs and organic produce. For more information visit GiftsOfLoveCT.org.

Media Contact

Andrea Obston (aobston@aomc.com)

(860) 803-1155 (c)