WHO: More than 1,128 individuals have been served so far in 2020 by our food pantry. Many of these people are new clients because of the economic impact the pandemic has had on their lives and they look to us for relief.

AGENCY: Jewish Federation of Eastern CT

THEIR SITUATION: We have gotten to know many of these clients. The moms, dads, single parents, grandparents, retirees and disabled — these folks struggle each month to pay their bills and still have enough left over for food. One emergency will wipe out a carefully planned monthly budget.

Last year, your generosity allowed us to help 23 families or 106 children and adults. Many of these families had four or more kids all under age 12. In most cases, we were able to provide these families with $50 worth of gift cards so they could buy toys for their kids. We were also able to help a couple of families that had a parent beginning a new job and in need of a uniform or special shoes. The Federation is hoping to repeat its success this year with your continued generosity.

WHAT TO GIVE: Gift cards to WalMart, Target, Stop & Shop or Shop-Rite.

TO DONATE: Mail gift cards to JFEC, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320. If you don't have time to purchase a gift card, send a check made payable to 'JFEC' with "Make a Difference" in the memo line and JFEC staff will purchase the gift cards. Questions can be directed to Mimi at (860) 442-8062 or mimi@jfec.com.