CBA Hosts Day of Service with Food4Lives

CBA volunteers joined Food4Lives to serve vegetarian meals, winter clothing, and essential toiletries to those in need in Hartford's Barnard Park during the Day of Service.

On December 21, volunteers from the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) gathered at Barnard Park in Hartford for a Day of Service in partnership with Food4Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unhoused and underserved individuals. CBA members and community volunteers distributed vegetarian meals, winter clothing, and essential toiletries to individuals experiencing food and financial insecurity, offering them both practical support and personal connection during the holiday season. In the weeks leading up to the Day of Service, the CBA encouraged members to donate toiletries and winter clothing to be distributed at the event. This Day of Service was part of the CBA’s ongoing commitment to community service and is aligned with the association’s 150 Minutes of Service Pledge, which encourages members to give back to their communities through volunteer efforts.

In preparation for the event, on December 18 volunteers gathered at the CBA’s Meriden office to organize donated items into care packages. In total, over 200 care packages were assembled that included towels, hats, gloves, neck warmers, socks, winter jackets, and emergency blanket packs, along with critical personal-care items such as antibiotic ointment, shaving kits, sanitary items, lip balm, toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and hand lotion. Volunteers were also encouraged to prepare and contribute vegetarian dishes, helping to feed those in need. Throughout the afternoon of December 21, CBA volunteers worked side by side to distribute the meals they made and the care packages, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion which defines the holiday season.

volunteers gathered at the CBA’s Meriden office on December 18 to organize donated items into care packages in preparation for the Day of Service held on December 21.

The success of the event was made possible through the generosity of the individuals and organizations that donated items as well as the volunteers who participated on December 18 and 21. Donations and contributions were provided by the following individuals and firms: Vanessa Avery, CBA President Emily Gianquinto, Jeffrey Gentes, CBA Director of Continuing Legal Education and Section Programming Tom Genung, Alan Harrison, Clarie Howard, McCarter & English LLP, Norte Immigration Law, Matthew Popilowski, Scott Schwefel, Hon. Cecil J. Thomas, and Wiggin and Dana. CBA Volunteers who participated in the care package packing and the Food4Lives Day of Service included Alyssa Bredefeld, Elizabeth Bredefeld, Michael Bredefeld, Kayla Briere, past CBA President Maggie Castinado, Barbara Collins, CBA President Emily A. Gianquinto, Cynthia Griffin, Monika Gradzki, Maria Morelli-Wolfe, and Scott Schwefel.

“This Day of Service reflects the Connecticut Bar Association’s commitment to serving our communities beyond the practice of law,” said CBA President Emily A. Gianquinto. “By coming together to prepare meals, assemble care packages, and spend time with our neighbors in need, our members have demonstrated the compassion, generosity, and leadership that should define our association and profession.” The CBA thanks everyone who contributed to this event and helped ensure its success.

View Photos from the Event