The South Fire District firefighters in Middletown, CT donated enough money to run Hinka’s Cupboard Food Pantry for an entire month. Nettie Silverman and her husband started the pantry 3 years ago with $2000 of their own money with one goal in mind, to feed the hungry. The organization relies solely on donations some of which comes from the South Fire District Firefighters IAFF Local 3918.

Owner of Elephant Trail in Avon and Blue Elephant Trail in West Hartford recognize the additional hardships our older community faces during these uncertain times. In response, they are offering free meals for the elderly today, March 27th. The Facebook post from owner and executive chef, Soden Tek, is heartfelt and thankful towards the community that has continued to support him and his restaurants over the past weeks. He signs his post, "spread kindness" -- in Connecticut, it sure is spreading.

Yankee Institute is reminded of the beam of light that Fred Rogers brought to our lives as children. We can again turn to his words as adults. "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would always say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

In the small northwest community of Winsted, several people have taken action to help their neighbors in need. A “Little Free Pantry” was assembled on 98 Main Street for anyone to “take only what you need and leave what you can”. It is supplied and restocked by the town residents.

Tommy’s Supplies, a distributor of tattoo and body piercing equipment based in Somers, CT, has donated and delivered boxes of gloves and other medical supplies to the Shriners, hospitals and assisted living facilities throughout the state.

Tiny painted rocks with words of encouragement can be found on benches and tables throughout the historic Guilford green. These little rocks are a beam of light during a time of uncertainty and insecurity for many. Things most certainly will get better. Thank you, anonymous painter!