All Posts

Joe & family members at the award dinner Joe Secki was one of the recipients honored at the 14th Beacon Awards Gala hosted by Shoreline Publishing. Joe is a long time volunteer at Charlie's Closet where he repairs medical equipment making it safe to give to folks requesting the equipment. He is also very active as a volunteer at the Clinton branch of the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry (SSKP). Tony Sicignano, Director - Charlie's Closet, Joe Secki, Diane More at the dinn

A heartfelt thank you to the Community Fund of Guilford for its dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. The Community Fund is a remarkable organization made up entirely of volunteers who generously give their time and talents to support local nonprofits. Throughout the year, they work tirelessly to raise funds, engage the community, and champion the important work being done by organizations across the Shoreline. Each June, they distr

Thank You, Bishops, and Thank You to Our Community Guilford Interfaith Volunteers is honored to be the selected recipient of the Round Up Program at Bishop's Orchards during the month of July. We extend our sincere thanks to Bishops for their continued commitment to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening our community. Their generosity provides organizations like ours with valuable opportunities to further our mission of neighbors helping neighbors . We also thank each

On behalf of everyone at Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, thank you to The Guilford Foundation for your continued support and belief in our mission of Neighbor Helping Neighbor and for including Chloe's Closet as a recipient of your 2026 Community Impact Grant. Over the years, your partnership has helped us provide vital services throughout our community, ensuring that individuals and families receive the support, compassion, and resources they need. This year, your encouragem

Tony Sicignano, Director of Charlie's Closet accepts donation from Marlene & Bruce Thorp of Trail of Terror Each year, the Trail of Terror operates a Halloween extravaganza in Wallingford, CT. All proceeds are donated to local charities and non-profits. Charlie's Closet was one of the beneficiaries from this year's event. Over the past 30 years, the Trail has donated over 2.5 million dollars. Run strictly by volunteers, their motto is “We Scare Because We Care”. Their hard

The VOX crew Thank You, Vox Church Guilford Interfaith Volunteers would like to extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful volunteers from Vox Church for their help on Saturday, June 6, during their official Day of Service. After learning about our mission, the Vox team reached out and immediately offered their support. Their willingness to serve, driven simply by a desire to spread compassion and kindness to organizations helping the community, was both inspiring and deeply

Taking it for a test drive

Guilford Interfaith Volunteers would like to thank Guilford Marketplace (www.marketplaceguilford.com) for allowing us to be the beneficiary of the “Round Up” program. Each month, they encourage customers to “round up” their purchases to support local charities, and we were fortunate to be the March beneficiary. Thank you to the Marketplace for supporting our mission of “Neighbor Helping Neighbor,” and thank you to everyone who chose to round up during the month of March. Your

A big "THANK YOU" to all the folks who donated to GIV during the 2026 Great Give Campaign. We raised $3,550 from individuals plus a $2,000 Matching Grant Challenge from The MFUNd, a foundation which provides creative funding to environmental programs that support the establishment and maintenance of a sustainable food system.

We are excited to share a special addition to our new division at 55 Park Street—a beautifully crafted sign that will be proudly displayed outside. The background of the sign was thoughtfully handmade, and the level of detail and care truly shows. We cannot thank Randy McCartney enough for the time, talent, and craftsmanship he put into creating something so meaningful for our organization. It’s more than just a sign—it’s a reflection of the pride, dedication, and community s

International Worlds Fare Event: St. George Men's group will be hosting a culinary event featuring international cuisine from over 13 countries. Members will be preparing their favorite dishes for the enjoyment of all attending. The date is June 6, 2026, at the St George Church Hall, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, with doors opening at 5:30 pm --- 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 for adult admission and $10 for children 12 and under. To order tickets please click on the QR Code: F

We are incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers and special speakers who made our Sunday Supper at the Carol Marra Volunteer Appreciation event so meaningful. A heartfelt thank you to Ruth Meoli, Matt Hoey, Reverend Dr. Ginger Brasher Cunningham, and Julie Fitzpatrick for sharing your time, words, and spirit with us. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Larry Santamaria for the use of the beautiful Guilford VFW, which provided the perfect setting for s

Elizabeth Coston and her daughter Alicia picking up a new pink shower chair at Chloe's Closet

Decorated Easter Bags ready for delivery Guilford Interfaith Volunteers would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those involved in the delivery of 86 complimentary Easter meals to individuals in need on Easter morning. We are especially grateful to our seven dedicated drivers for picking up and delivering meals on the holiday, and to our kitchen crew for preparing such a wonderful meal. A heartfelt thank you as well to the students from A.W. Cox, Guilford Lakes, and Cal

Lisa Peterson, GIV Board President and Christi Burton, GIV Executive Director receiving the check from NBC 30 Back in September, 2025 GIV was one of seven Connecticut non profits that received a grant from NBC 30. They filmed a segment on our organization that aired on CT Live in February. Watch the video below

2026 winners Jeannie Hayes and Andrea Goetz pose for a selfie with GIV Executive Director Christi Burton (right) On March 14, we welcomed 20 enthusiastic participants who dedicated their time to support this important cause. The generosity on display was remarkable, with 31 raffle items and 10 silent auction items contributing to a meaningful fundraising effort that will directly support our mission of helping those in need. We are incredibly grateful to the players for devot

The following article appeared in the Spring 2026 edition of the "Catholic Transcript", a publication of the Archdiocese of Hartford which has been a consistent and giving supporter of all Guilford Interfaith Programs.

Chloe's Closet, the latest Guilford Interfaith program was officially launched on July 12, 2026 with an open house. Modeled after Charlie's Closet, it's located in the Lathrop House at 55 Park Street, Chloe's Closet was created in partnership with the Negron family to provide pediatric medical equipment. Pictured above are the Negron family, First Selectman Matt Hoey and Tony Sicignano & Christi Burton, Co-Directors of the Chloe's Closet program. View the Chloe's Closet page

Guilford Interfaith Volunteers (GIV) board president Lisa Peterson (at left) has many people to thank and stories to share as this vital nonprofit celebrates 40 years of service for its flagship program, Meals on Wheels. Peterson is shown here with two of many GIV Meals on Wheels drivers, Ann and John Zaaijer, as they load bags of meals for a Friday delivery. Guilford Interfaith Volunteers board president Lisa Peterson has many people to thank and many stories to share as thi

Patch.com