Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Since September, we have seen a sharp increase in our homeless population in Connecticut. Some 4000 individuals are experiencing homelessness statewide, including 500 children.

While we continue to pursue funding to get people off the streets and frankly, in some cases, out of the woods, our homeless providers in the Greater Hartford area could use our help.

At the request of our homeless advocates, I am sponsoring a "Winter Warm-Up" drive in partnership with three local businesses. They will have drop-off boxes to collect new winter clothing and accessories through December 14th so that the providers can hand them out before the holidays.

The locations for drop-off are:

• Imagine Float, 290 West Main Street C, Avon
• Beanz and Co., 11 East Main Street, Avon
• Little Oak Cafe, 220 Albany Turnpike, Building 10, Canton

If you prefer to donate to keep families in their homes this winter, you can give to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness "be homeful for the holidays" campaign. For every $25 donation, the CT Realtors Foundation will donate a Paddington bear, book, or backpack to a child in a shelter. To donate, please click HERE.

A special thank you to Andrew Massaro, a fourth grader from Avon, who generously organized a collection at his school and is already receiving hats, blankets, and sleeping bags. Way to go!

Please see the flyer below for a complete list of acceptable items that are most needed.