Businesses to Bring Warmth to Neighbors

Ledyard is known as a community that can be counted on to help friends and neighbors in need. Witness the recent outpouring of generosity toward food, toy, and coat drives that have garnered response far beyond expectation.

Now, some local businesses are trying to bring some warmth to both bodies and spirits, and are asking our neighbors to help.

“Undercover Operations,” an initiative of i5 Teaching Network LLC on Route 12 in Gales Ferry (next to Fireside Brick Oven Creations), is teaming up with Human Performance next door to collect new socks and underwear, including diapers, for Ledyard Social Services.

To bring a bit of shared joy to the drive, i5 Teaching Network and Human Performance will host a “Warm yourself when you warm others” event on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring some new socks or underwear and join your neighbors for hot cider and chocolate and yummy desserts.

Human Performance is offering free 5-minute neck and head massages during the Wednesday night event.

The Salvation Army’s Ledyard Services Unit and Dime Bank in Ledyard are collecting socks, slipper socks, and slippers as part of their "Warm Feet" drive. Items for both drives can be dropped off at i5, Human Performance, or Dime Bank.

“We are trying to make it convenient for those who live in Ledyard Center and rarely come to Gales Ferry, or vice versa, to donate by accepting items at both locations,” said Marge Anderson of i5 Teaching Network. “After all, it is all going to the same place, Ledyard Social Services, and it stays local.”  

The drives continue through Jan. 31, 2012, so check out those after-holiday sales or wrong-sized gifts for possible re-gifting to Social Services.

tems for the Salvation Army/Dime Bank Warm Feet drive can also be dropped off at this event. And Fireside Brick Oven Creations, on the other side of i5, is still collecting for Toys for Tots. You can bring a toy and get a slice of dessert pizza for free!