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Doing Good

We will feature our Doing Good stories right here. Whether it’s Toys for Tots, a local charity, or volunteer project, we want to shed light on our favorite causes. Our stories will take you in and show you what we’re up to, who we’re helping, and how you can help, too. We’ve participated in every event featured here and our posts will let you know how to get involved. Let’s be honest, we’ve loved pretty much everything. Leave a comment if you have one. If you’re looking for something more specific use our search bar or check out one of our niche categories. Thanks for stopping by, hope to have you back soon!

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27th Annual Toys for Tots Collection Party

November 15, 2017
Toys for Tots

Well, I can’t believe this will be our 27th year collecting toys for the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Time seems to go by so quickly and the need seems to grow each year. For as long as I can remember, I have always felt the need to help others, especially children. I knew I had a chance to make a difference when myself and my best friend Jim…

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Celebrations/ Christmas/ Doing Good/ Side Dishes

26th Annual Toys for Tots Collection Party Recap

December 15, 2016
Toys for Tots

Last night, was my family’s annual Toys for Tots collection party! Our community collected 5,579 toys for kids in New Haven County! We were joined by the New Haven Marines. For those of you not familiar with Toys for Tots, the foundation is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program. The last few years, the collection party has been held at Gaetano’s Tavern on Main. Great food, great drinks, and music from Arlene! Santa…

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Celebrations/ Christmas/ Doing Good/ Side Dishes

Toys for Tots and Giving Back

November 30, 2016
Toys for Tots

For over 25 years my best friend Jim and I have hosted an annual Toys for Tots party for the US Marine Corps in Wallingford, CT. In the past several years, we have averaged over 5000 toys per collection. Jim and I share the same birthday, December 18th. Instead of celebrating our birthday, we throw this toy collection party to benefit the kids in New Haven County. We are very lucky that…

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Celebrations/ Christmas/ Doing Good/ Side Dishes

25th Annual Toys for Tots

December 3, 2015
US Marines

It is 2015 and we are well on our way to celebrate our 25th annual Toys for Tots party this year (2 weeks away). Many years ago when we started to collect toys for children in need (as opposed to celebrating our birthdays on December 18th), we started in my apartment with close friends and collected 20 toys.  My best friend Jim and myself share the same birthday. That year we gave the toys to the local welfare department. With the help…

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Celebrations/ Christmas/ Doing Good/ Side Dishes

24th Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Party

December 12, 2014
24th Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Party

My friend Jim and I have been lifelong friends. We’ve held a toys for tots party every year on our birthdays (December 18th – Jim turns 50 this year haha!) and we are in the final stretch of preparing for this year’s holiday gathering. Back in 1990 when Jim and I were in our early 20’s, we wanted to throw ourselves a birthday party and have people bring them gifts. When we took a…

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Celebrations/ Christmas/ Doing Good/ Side Dishes

Toys for Tots

December 16, 2013
TOYS FOR TOTS

My aunt Holly and her best friend Jim host an annual Toys for Tots party in my hometown of Wallingford, CT. Generating thousands of toys each year for families in Connecticut, their local event has grown into one of the largest collections in the state. I asked my aunt to write a note about her story: “In 1990 I decided I wanted to throw a birthday party for myself and…

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