WHO: Families who find themselves struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic.

AGENCY: Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut

THEIR SITUATION: More than 2,295 families (8,600 individuals) have been served so far in 2022 by the group’s food pantry. We have gotten to know many of these clients. The moms, dads, single parents, grandparents, retirees and disabled — folks who struggle each month to pay their bills and still have enough money left over for food.

Many of these families have kids that have aged out of the Tommy Toy Fund (over 12). In most cases, JFEC was 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 several families that had a parent begin a new job and in need of a uniform, special shoes, or gas to get to and from work.

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.