A Season of Giving

December is always filled with generosity, excitement, and compassion.

This year is undoubtedly different, as we’ve all faced unforeseen challenges in 2020. Yet, there is still an overwhelming amount of kindness we can’t help but notice.

All year, we’ve witnessed individuals, businesses, and families rally together to help those in need. Over the months, we’ve continuously been uplifted by people near and far who continue to do the work of helping others.

Challenges in Connecticut

While many have adapted to a new way of living, many more are faced with lingering challenges:

600 Connecticut restaurants have closed since March.
35,000 businesses have closed.
277,000 jobs have been eliminated.
43% of Connecticut unemployment claims came from closed and nonoperational businesses, including restaurants, bars, nail and hair salons, and museums.

Many have reached out to ask how to help along the Connecticut shoreline, and that’s where The Gift Card Project comes in!

The Gift Card Project

The Gift Card Project launched in Guilford and Madison in March 2020 in response to the desire of so many people asking how they can help. Their efforts quickly spread throughout Connecticut, helping collect and distribute over $20,000 worth of gift cards to those in need.

The Gift Card Project aims to help in more than one way:

By buying gift cards from small businesses, you help support your favorite local restaurants and shops.
Those gift cards are then given to someone who could use a boost. The Gift Card Project handles distribution to ensure gift cards get to those in need!

Now, they are once again collecting and donating gift cards to those who need them most!

Simply buy a gift card from a small business and email or send it to The Gift Card Project. They will distribute it to those who need it most: families struggling to make ends meet, restaurant workers whose hours have been cut, and business owners forced to close their doors.

Learn more about how you can help at The Gift Card Project.

December 23, 2020 0

Living in Guilford

A small coastal community, Guilford, Connecticut, is both quaint and lively. From the minute you enter the town border, you know you’re somewhere special. Conveniently located on the Connecticut shoreline and a suburb of New Haven, residents say Guilford is unlike any other place in Connecticut.

With a rich history of dating back to 1639, walking amongst the historic buildings is a key reason visitors flock to this town. From beautiful beaches to a flourishing downtown, we’ve compiled what makes Guilford a special place to live:

Heart of the Town

In Guilford, the Guilford Green is a central hub of activity in the community. With nearly 12 acres of green, on a typical day, you’ll find children riding their bikes, people walking their dogs, and families tossing a frisbee. The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce maintains a calendar of events from virtual workshops to fundraisers. There are also a wide variety of summer events hosted by the Guilford Parks and Recreation Center, including fitness classes, game nights, and concerts.

Shops, Restaurants, and More!

In addition to all of the special events, locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, the Guilford Free Library, and four churches all surround the Town Green. Guilford is proud to represent a variety of small businesses unique to the shoreline town. The Residences at 66 High Street are walking distance to the Guilford Green and many shops and restaurants. Residents love being close to the action of downtown!

Historic Sights

A town with a widespread and legendary history comes with a variety of historic sites and museums. The Henry Whitfield State House, the oldest house in Connecticut, and the late 19th century Dudley Farm are just a few of the must-see sites in Guilford. If you prefer, simply enjoy a stroll through downtown gazing at the third largest collection of historic New England homes.

Parks and Beaches

Whether you’re relaxing at Jacob’s Beach and enjoying the view of the Long Island Sound, taking a swim at Lake Quonnipaug, or boating at the local yacht club, the shore is an important part of the town’s culture. Guilford maintains multiple parks and sports fields for use by teams, clubs, groups, and some cases for private use. Here are a list of parks and fields:

The Commute

Located midway between Boston and New York, Guilford has easy access to the Northeast’s major cities via I-95 or the Coastal Rail Line. Shoreline East, the local train station, has a commuter line with five trains on weekdays. The ride to New Haven’s State Street station only takes 22 minutes, but the Shore Line trains go as far as Stamford.

Make sure to check out Guilford’s website for updates and news of the city’s re-opening. What do you love most about Guilford? Let us know!

June 16, 2020 0

3 Ways to Help Right Now

How can I help?

It’s a question going through the minds of many right now. As we practice social distancing to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe, many want to do more. If you are in the position to donate your time or money, here are three local organizations that are assisting people in Connecticut right now.

If you find yourself needing support in these times, reach out to these same organizations to learn how they can assist you:

The Gift Card Project

The Gift Card Project launched last week in response to the desire of so many people asking how they can help.

We have all been affected by the current situation in some way: small businesses are temporarily closed, individuals are facing layoffs, and healthcare professionals and essential workers are bravely working overtime.

The Gift Card Project aims to help in more than one way: supporting local businesses, while at the same time supporting someone who could use a boost. Simply buy a gift card from a small business, send it to The Gift Card Project, and it will be distributed accordingly.

Learn more about The Gift Card Project here.

Guilford Cares, Ethan Miller Song Foundation & Town of Guilford Senior Programs

Guilford Cares is teaming up with the Ethan Miller Song Foundation and Town of Guilford Parks and Recreation Senior Programs to provide assistance to Guilford residents.

To ensure that the elderly and immunocompromised are not going out in public more than absolutely necessary, you can volunteer to help deliver pre-ordered food from a local grocer.

Learn more about the program here.

Cilantro Specialty Foods & Coffee Roasters

Cilantro Specialty Foods & Coffee Roasters have not only turned their restaurant into a grocery store, but have also turned the kitchen into a place to prepare meals for the homeless.

Working with the Columbus House in New Haven, meals are being prepared at Cilantro Specialty Foods. With so many regulations changing, food pantries and shelters will need access to a commercial kitchen.

Learn more about what co-owner Cindy Wallace is doing here, or drop off your canned goods right in front of Cilantro’s.

Do you know of other local organizations that are accepting donations? Let us know in the comments.

March 31, 2020 0