Connecticut Foodshare Headquarters is located in Wallingford, Connecticut. Connecticut Foodshare…read moresupports individuals and families from one end of the state to another by addressing root causes, creating long-term solutions, and distributing nutritious food through local partner programs to alleviate hunger. I got the opportunity to volunteer at Connecticut Foodshare from a fellow foodie who invited other foodie content creators. We had a great time, and we were able to help families all across the world. We had to go through an assortment of foods to ensure they were good, and we made boxes with assorted foods. We packed 16,637 pounds of food that would provide 13,864 meals for families. I'm excited that we had the chance to volunteer at Connecticut Foodshare, where I became an integral part of a team and provided essential support to those facing food insecurity.

Connecticut Foodshare HQ is located in Wallingford, CT with 85,000 square feet of space running…read moreoperations with 120 employees and gets assistance majority from volunteers. They have a beautiful mission to deliver an informed and equitable response to hunger by mobilizing community partners. I got the opportunity to volunteer with a group, all invited by word of mouth to sort produce separating spoiled products from the good ones. The staff were incredible with giving us the information we needed to directing us on how we can assist multiple families in need. At the end of the day, as a group we boxed 16,637 pounds of food that would impact 13,864 meals. That's incredible for 3 hours! It is amazing work and I commend all their staff for what they are doing every day to feed families in need!

My sister had a brain bleed and spent a few weeks at the Wallingford facility. The nurses were…read morewonderful (most of them) the facility is clean and nice, however, trying to communicate with the doctor and get written notes about her progress was non existent! We could not get our questions answered in a timely manner and she should have received more extensive therapy but did not. They basically let her have a bed for a few weeks. They were not helpful in providing strategies for the family to use so all we could do was read the TBI manual and fend for ourselves. We were absolutely not happy with the results of her time there. They would not let her walk on her own so she was either in bed, a chair or wheelchair. My suggestion is that you have family there all day and night to support your loved one.

My husband qualified for acute rehab due to a stroke and spent 3 weeks there. He had intensive…read moretherapies sprinkled throughout the day, including speech, all varieties of OT, outdoor therapy for walking a dog, and hours of in-house PT. His progress was excellent, and Gaylord's ability to reach out and get him every kind of rehabilitation he needed was unbelievable. Now, it's not easy. The patients must work, but thank god, Gaylord helps them work hard. We have been to lesser rehab programs where one hour of PT constituted the rehab for each day. They go to great lengths for their patients, and my husband was in fabulous shape, ready to take on the world once released.

Oops, missed the turn off the Main Street into the single drive into the parking lot. Kind of hard…read moreto see so I had to do a U-turn to get into there. Parking area was a little small but the time we went afforded a few open spots. Saw quite a few nice items that we picked up.

Is a store that the prices are too much high and the personal not is qualified, i went to the store…read moreof wallingford and a employee name "JULlISSA" was so rude not has education no respect,I ask for a product that has no price on it and she me gave a value too high and I said that I don't think that cost that and she respond to me " if a don't like that price that I can live it ", but she give me a nasty look... who think she is? She can't talk to me like that only because I go to shop in the store I mean how a stupid person can be in the front of a business. I'll apreciate if the maneger of this store do something about it.

what is currently happening at the Meriden Humane Society needs to be brought to light…read more Recently, volunteers have been dismissed simply for questioning leadership and not aligning with the organization's current ideology and decision-making. This followed the annual membership meeting on the 17th, which itself was deeply troubling--but that's a separate issue. What's most upsetting is that volunteers who have dedicated years of their lives to this shelter are being removed for speaking up. One individual who was recently dismissed volunteered for over a decade, fostered dogs, cleaned kennels, and served as an intake coordinator. These are people who give their time freely, who care deeply about the animals, and who are essential to the shelter's daily operations. Instead of valuing experience, dedication, and concern for animal welfare, leadership appears to be prioritizing ego and internal politics--things that have no place in a humane society. This lack of integrity and leadership ultimately harms the animals most, as volunteers are fired or leave in frustration, leaving fewer hands to care for dogs and cats who depend on them. I'm sharing this because people are being silenced and removed for making their voices heard. Transparency and accountability matter--especially in an organization entrusted with the care of vulnerable animals. Do better.

We had been searching for kittens to rescue for what felt like forever - every kitten we fell in…read morelove with was adopted by the time our application was marked as received. We are newly weds who just purchased a new home & couldn't wait to add to our growing family. We ended up adopting 2 adorable kittens from the same litter - brother and sister I saw photos of these rescued kittens from the Meriden humane society & my gut told me to call immediately and be persistent. I knew it was meant to be. The place is run strictly by volunteers & they were so wonderful and helpful - expediting my application & personally spending 20+ minutes speaking with me on the phone on the process & all the ways we can ensure our application is completed quickly. The kittens were living with a foster mama & papa (who were incredible). They raised such amazing, well-mannered, loving, polite, friendly, and snuggly kittens. I felt supported from the start & continue to feel supported as we transition. The kittens have transitioned so well. We truly feel like a family.

DO NOT consign your collectibles here and expect an amicable business relationship. Very unpleasant…read moreexperience with rude , dishonest, greedy people with shady business practices. I was assured transparency when I opened my account. I asked for details on my account and they tried to intimidate me several times. Month after month my items were missing and very little, to zero money on my account. If I wanted to donate my items I would have chosen a reputable charity. I give respect and I expect the same. Luckily, I took photos of my items and was able to squeeze some respect out of them.

I've been a customer of Cindy's Unique Shop since 2015, and it's truly my favorite store. Whenever…read moreI'm shopping for gifts or home décor, this is the first place I go. The selection is unique, the quality is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. I have quite eclectic taste, so it's rare to find items that match my style in typical stores. But at Cindy's, I've found everything from a stunning handmade Japanese tapestry and a Chinese enamel cabinet to Portuguese crystal, Waterford and Belleek pieces from Ireland, and whimsical finds like a brass monkey lamp and a brass elephant table (yes, I actually own both--LOL). You simply won't find this kind of variety anywhere else in the area. I've also consigned items with Cindy's and found the process straightforward and professional. The contract is clear, detailed, and easy to follow--they even provide a copy for your records. If any questions come up, a quick call to their friendly, helpful staff always clears things up. What I especially value is that this small business is woman-owned and family-run. That really matters to me, and it makes supporting them all the more meaningful.

Becoming a member of the YMCA has made me fall back in love with fitness. I never realized how much…read morea gym can impact your motivation until I decided to give the Y a try. From the first day I went in for a trial Sally Darrow went above and beyond to answer any questions and make sure I was being served at the best capabilities. Before the Y I would make up so many excuses why I didn't have to go to the gym. The Y has such a great environment and so many things that contribute to making it a great gym of choice. I am so thankful a friend recommended this gym to me and so thankful Sally was very generous with assisting me. I am happy I fell back in love with fitness again and I owe it all to the Y. Amanda Crisafi

Oddly enough I had written a positive review of this facility 4 months ago and it dissapeared off…read moreof their review board. Wonder why. This place was sold to theYMCA. Everything will remain the same except the price will go down. Still no wifi, hence the missing star.

The Connecticut Street Rod Association (AKA the CSRA) was founded in 1967 by a group of (then)…read moreyoung men who had a mutual love of building and driving their street rods, or hot rods, if you will. That grew and evolved over the years since, to what the CSRA is today. Many of those same young men and many others who have joined the group have aged and matured, but their love of building and driving cars with potent engines hasn't diminished. The Association long ago joined the American Street Rod Association, and now not only gives the guys AND gals with hot rods a venue to meet and share their hobby, but those folks put on several shows a year, to showcase their cars and others that have restored muscle cars, drag race cars, and hot rods. They very generously donate a lot of time and money to local causes and charities. That money is from the very modest entrance fees at their various shows during the year. The Association also sponsors two very large automotive swap meets each spring and fall, with some portion of the entrance fees donated to those same various charitable organizations. Once a year in June, they organize a very large car show called The Connecticut Dragway Nostalgia Night, celebrating the now defunct drag strip by that name. Here again, the proceeds go to local charities. The highlight of the evening is the "cackle fest", where those old drag race cars are fired up, and rev their engines to the delight of the crowd, who have to plug their ears from the loud exhaust noise. It's a great time, enjoyed by all, and always a great bargain in entertainment at $5.00 per spectator. Participants are ASKED for a $5.00 donation, but it's not required. That former drag strip is now owned and operated by Consumer Reports, to test vehicles. For more information on all their activities, check their website, www.csra.org

Clean and Caring Care Givers to cats and dogs in separate areas although it's been a few years…read moresince going there

The Animal Haven, once a shelter dedicated to saving animals, is now a kill shelter. No longer…read moreadhering to its mission statement of providing forever care for ALL of its animals, TAH now sends its dogs to Florida or Maryland. The latest incident where a dog suffering from severe kennel stress bit a volunteer. This dog was euthanized. The volunteer returned to dog walking in two months with a small scar, no defensive wounds, and believes she spooked the dog.

Nick at Mr Computer was great explaining issues before moving forward. He worked with me on my…read morecomputer resolving a first issue one Saturday AM . I am looking forward working with him on all our business systems, We highly recommend him.

Nick is the most incredible IT guy. His prices are extremely reasonable, he is very patient, and he…read morespends a ton of time with you. I didn't have to lug my computer into his shop, or have him come to me. He did everything remotely and we just discussed my computer issues over the phone while he took over my machine right in front of me. The first time I called him about whether my computer could be repaired or I needed a new one, he took over my machine and examined it remotely, spent some time talking to me, and didn't even charge me! After I got my new machine he helped me transfer a few things and spent a ton of time with me, even after business hours, for a very reasonable price. I will never use anyone else!