New London ― Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and nurses affiliated with AFT Healthcare, Local 5049 recently made a large donation of food to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center in New London.

“This donation is so appreciated and needed because our shelves have been low lately," said Maggie Marley, community engagement labor liaison with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “Each year, the L+M employees are so kind and generous."

Marley said donations weighing 355 pounds ― the equivalent of 296 meals ― were picked up at L+M.

“Anyone at the hospital or in the community wishing to make additional donations is always encouraged to do so," she said. “We look for dried and canned foods, and also individual serving items that can go in microwaves, as some people don't have access to a full kitchen.

“Other items we always need include shelf-stable milk, rice, pastas ― all kinds of things like that are always needed."