The Village for Families & Children was determined that the thousands of children who benefit from its annual toy drive – The Holiday Giving Tree – wouldn’t miss out because of the pandemic. With so many employees working from home and large gatherings prohibited, participating companies, Village staff and dozens of additional Village supporters have found new ways to help.
The Village raised more than $45,000 to purchase gift cards that were used to buy holiday gifts, food and other necessities. The gift cards were distributed to families receiving services at The Village, just in time for Christmas. Donors also contributed more than $5,000 in basic needs items like coats, hats, diapers and wipes.
“COVID cannot spoil Christmas,” said Galo Rodriguez, The Village’s President & CEO. “We want to make sure that the thousands of children and families we serve are still able to celebrate the holidays with a special meal and an exciting gift. We’re grateful that so many generous people and companies across Greater Hartford are partnering with us to deliver holiday joy during this very challenging time.”
Businesses and organizations participating in the Holiday Giving Tree this year include AXA XL, Barings, Cigna, The Cobb School Montessori, Eversource, Glastonbury Auxiliary, Granby Memorial Middle School, KeyBank, The Hartford, The Hartford Courant, Hartford HealthCare’s Hartford Hospital Department of Medicine, Hartford Hospital Community Health clinics, Department of Dentistry, and Diabetes LifeCare; Light up Ledyard, The Morris Group, Newington Schoolhouse Quilters, Prudential, Simsbury Auxiliary, Suffield Auxiliary, Starr Realty Group, University of Hartford, West Hartford Auxiliary. Dozens of Village supporters and volunteers have also donated.
