Energizer/CVC
In late December, approximately 50 employees from Energizer in Milford and Shelton, helped give My Sister's Place & My Sister's Attic a "facelift" by painting the interior of the store.  The volunteer effort was part of Energizer's "Afternoon of Caring" - a unique volunteer event organized by Energizer's Corporate Culture Team and the Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council..  Thanks to the efforts of the Energizer group, MSA/MSP now has a bright, clean new look that customers love!  Thank You Energizer, Valley United Way, and the Corporate Volunteer Council!!!!!  To learn about  this amazing volunteer event, visit the Valley United Way website>>>

Foster's Restaurant
Dave Foster, owner and chef at Foster’s on Orange Street in New Haven—has long been a supporter of Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven (DVS) - a program of BGHS, Inc. This year, Dave and his staff of elves and angels prepared a gingerbread house extraordinaire. The house was displayed it at Foster's restaurant with a note to patrons to contribute any amount to the cause. Contributions were put down the chimney and totaled $589.00. The house was then taken to DVS' emergency shelter for the enjoyment of the residents and staff.

This is a special project for Dave. A number of years ago, Dave witnessed a woman had been thrown onto the hood of Dave's car. He asked his girlfriend to call 911 while he and a friend went to help the woman. Before they had a chance, two men came after them, with the ultimate result that Dave awakened in the hospital with massive wounds and a broken hip—and he had no insurance.

Dave creates the gingerbread house with the shelter’s children in mind: “These kids have nothing. If this makes them think warm thoughts, then it’s all worth it.”

It was a treat to watch the expressions on the children’s faces as they walked into the dining room and saw the house. One child suggested they keep it in the freezer until next year. But it didn’t take long for the windows—made from butterscotch, a favorite—doors, and trees to be gobbled up by a very enthusiastic group of boys and girls.

Thank you Weight Watchers!

Griffin Hospital Employees
BGHS received 90 cases of food from a recent Griffin Hospital employees' food drive (organized in honor of the hospital's 100th anniversary). The donated food will go to The Umbrella Shelter, Valley Social Club and BGHS general food pantries to help feed clients on-site and/or meet the needs of families serviced by BGHS.

Coldwater Creek
Cheryl Ranocchia, an employee of Coldwater Creek on the Boston Post Road in Milford, CT, recently donated 8 boxes of women’s clothing to BGHS.  The clothing was collected during Coldwater Creek’s 12-day “Helping Women Help Themselves” clothing drive which was held nation-wide.  The drive encouraged women to bring in gently used business casual jackets or pants. Anyone who donated jackets or pants received a 35% discount on the purchase of an item similar to the donation from the Coldwater Creek Collection. 350 stores nationwide participated in the drive.

Ella Barrows/Hilltop Health Center
Ella Barrows, a resident of Hilltop Health Center in Ansonia, recently donated a great number of hand crocheted and knitted hats to BGHS. The hats were created by Ella and several of her fellow residents, all of whom learned to knit and crochet with help from Ella. BGHS would like to extend its deepest appreciation to Ella and all of her fellow residents for their generous donation of time, talents, and warm hats!