Who: The more than 500 participants who receive support services for homelessness, HIV, substance use disorders and the overdose epidemic.

The agency: Alliance for Living, a nonprofit serving New London County.

The situation: The organization runs several programs that help clients find secure housing, adhere to HIV treatment plans and manage medical care. They provide meals and run a food pantry for those in need and they work to reduce harm in the opioid overdose epidemic through their navigator, clean syringe and drug user health programs.

What to give: Participants at Alliance for Living are always in need of cold weather clothing donations, such as hats, gloves and socks. The organization also benefits from personal care items or gift cards that allow clients to buy food, medical or health care supplies, or anything they might need to live healthier, safer lives. Gift cards to Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, CVS and grocery stores are always immensely helpful. Gift cards to Dunkin' Donuts are also appreciated for participants, who "love to get a hot coffee or a cup of hot cocoa," said Carol Jones, director of harm reduction for the organization.

To donate: Gift cards and goods can be dropped off or mailed to The Alliance for Living, 154 Broad St. New London, CT 06320. Digital gift cards can be emailed to Carol Jones of Kelly Thompson at cjones@allianceforliving.org or kthompson@allianceforliving.org