The Meaning of Economic Crisis

BRANFORD:

    Last week on one of the coldest nights of the season, the reality of what all the economic figures and statistics add up to was grimly apparent at the Community Dining Room (CDR). With a line of hungry local residents out the door, that room packed with more than 90 people was faithfully served by the dedicated volunteers at the CDR, including the kitchen general, Caryl Forselius.

    Caryl has been a nurse her whole life, so she knows a lot about compassion and care. She says she was inspired to help out at the CDR, where she has volunteered for eight years and been kitchen coordinator for more than two, by her husband who has been part of the efforts for two decades.

    “My husband has volunteered here for 20 years. He does a lot of the holiday coordinating,” says Caryl. “As a family we have always had a an attitude that we like to do this–food drives and community projects. I was asked to help one day and just got involved. It’s something we just like to do. I worked as a nurse and with Alzheimer’s patients, so this is an extension of that in some way.”

    Providing sustenance and friendship for those in need since 1985, the CDR is a private, not-for-profit organization providing food, support, and most important companionship to its shoreline neighbors. The members of the organization have witnessed a steady increase in demand in the last six months.

    But along with that dire fact is the positive news that donations are also on the rise. Despite their own troubles and financial worries, Branford residents are still there for their neighbors.

    “The generosity of this town is really incredible. It has been tough the past six months and every time we are at the point where we don’t know what to do or where to turn, someone will walk in with a donation that will save the day,” says Caryl. “The donations have been very generous so far, turkeys and someone brought in five hams this week–that will make Thanksgiving special this year.”

    The CDR also received good news recently in the form of a $10,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. This means that all donations received between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 will be matched, making each contribution that much more valuable.

    Caryl says the holiday donations are always strong but their efforts continue year-round. She asks residents to remember that post-holiday months are traditionally the period where donations drop off.

    “It’s important that people understand we serve the needy–these donations are vital and they make a difference. We always appreciate any donations from a dollar to a can of soup, especially around the holidays, but keep us in mind the rest of the year. The winter months after the holidays are often our toughest time of the year,” Caryl says.

 
The Community Dining Room

    The Community Dining Room (CDR) serves the south-central Connecticut shoreline from East Haven to Old Saybrook including Branford, North Branford, East Haven, Guilford, and Madison. The organization serves more than 3,500 meals each month.

    The CDR serves lunch, noon to 1 p.m., Sunday to Friday, and every second and fourth Saturday; breakfast, 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday; and Tuesday Family Dinner and Storytime at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

There are several ways to help the CDR:

Donate Money

The CDR shops at the Connecticut Food Bank, its major source for perishable foods. With the Community Foundation Grant, all donations will go even farther.

Donate Securities

Giving appreciated securities might have additional tax benefits that should be discussed with an accountant or attorney. Contact the CDR for more specific information about how to make the donation.

The CDR is always in need of professional help like cleaning and repairs. Currently its ice machine is broken and needs friendly coaxing from someone with the necessary skills.

For info and to make a donation, call 203-488-9750 or email pkral@communitydiningroom.org.

Pictured: Caryl Forselius keeps bellies full and faces smiling as the kitchen coordinator at the Community Dining Room.

Photo by Ben Rayner