Murtha Cullina Donates Fresh Food to HOH

In less than one week, Hands On Hartford’s food pantry clients will have access to organically grown fresh produce thanks to the generosity of Murtha Cullina LLP. Andrew May, a long time volunteer of the agency’s Assistance & Advocacy program, approached The Hartford Food System and inquired about the availability of low-income farm shares through their Grow Hartford Program for our clients.
Grow Hartford is a Community Supported Agriculture program that increases awareness of food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and environmental issues. Initially, Andrew inquired about the possibility of obtaining a family share, however, when he learned from the Executive Director, that organizational shares were available he immediately brought it to the attention of Hands On Hartford’s management.
In order for the agency to obtain the organizational share it was necessary to seek a sponsor. Murtha Cullina graciously agreed to sponsor the share. The firm has been actively involved with our organization for over two years. Murtha Cullina’s employees, who serve meals at Community Meals monthly, have demonstrated a strong commitment to our MANNA program. As a consequence of Murtha Cullina’s sponsorship, our food pantry will be able to offer 75-100 pounds of locally grown/sustainable produce weekly to our clients for a duration of 3 months.

Tricia Hyacinth

Shipman and Goodwin Service Day

Martin Luther King Elementary School (MLK) was the site of much ado on June 2^nd when a team of attorneys from Shipman & Goodwin embarked on an afternoon of service.  The 84 attorneys hailed from offices in Hartford, Greenwich and Stamford.  Shortly after their arrival, the volunteers were welcomed by a school official, Hands On Hartford staff and were treated to two inspirational songs by the school’s choir.  

The employee volunteers simultaneously tackled 8 beautification projects that included both interior and exterior work. 

New Orleans Service Trip

Last November, a representative from the Graduate Association of Public Policy Students (GAPPS) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) approached Hands On Hartford about a service project collaboration in New Orleans.   Every year since 2007, GAPPS has organized students to travel to New Orleans to assist with the rebuilding efforts in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the hardest hit neighborhoods in the New Orleans area.  In an attempt to diversify its volunteer base in 2011, GAPPS thought it important to partner with a local non-profit and to involve Hartford residents in the endeavor.