To help build connections between members of our community who share our values, and to thank all of our supporters, DESK hosted our first-ever Supporter Appreciation Family Day at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. Almost 80 members of DESK’s community, from donors to recurring volunteers, came together for a scenic ride on a historic trolley, a lunch generously donated by Aramark, and lawn games – not to mention the great company! The beautiful weather helped us reflect on our work over the past year and create connections across volunteers, donors, interns, and staff across the organization. We were especially proud to invite the whole family to engage with us and share our mission with our youngest supporters!
DESK is grateful to the Shore Line Trolley Museum, which graciously donated its space and trolley rides, and looks forward to continuing to appreciate our supporters who contribute annually so that we may fulfill our mission of serving people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty!
We hosted volunteer groups from the United States Coast Guard, Athletic Brewing Company, University of New Haven Women’s Rugby, along with individual volunteers from New Haven Public Schools, Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Nursing, and several other local schools, faith-based organizations, and companies. We hosted a Ninth Square Neighborhood Cleanup in partnership with Athletic Brewing Company, in addition to all of our regular volunteer opportunities. Grace Hodges of the Coast Guard stated that “I’m proud to serve my community and see the impact I can make every day, whether as a volunteer at DESK or in my role as an active-duty member of the Coast Guard here in New Haven.”
During our weekly Olive Street Pantry, we served sandwiches for 30 volunteers as a token of our gratitude. Additionally, all volunteers this week received a bag of treats from DESK, and we spotlighted superstar volunteers right here on our blog. DESK could not serve thousands of our neighbors every year without the dedicated efforts of 2,700 annual volunteers, from folks who have seen us grow over years and built connections with our guests and staff to those who just recently started helping us fulfill our mission.
Over the next year, we promise even more events and spotlights for our volunteers! Join in on the fun by volunteering with DESK.
When asked about why he loves DESK, Anthony shared a powerful statement:
“At a time when homelessness and need of any kind are being cast as moral failures and drains on society, DESK stands in the breach to reaffirm the humanity and worthiness of those in our New Haven community who are asking for the loving support of their neighbors. I am humbled to work alongside the thousands of other volunteers who help the team at DESK do their critical work. There are countless ways to get involved, so I’d encourage anyone who’s looked around at the spreading hopelessness and coldheartedness made manifest in recent (or longstanding) policies and asked themselves “what can I do?” to start by looking into volunteering at DESK!”
Anthony’s pretty busy already thanks to the generosity of donors, but let’s put a little more work on his plate – he won’t mind! – by hosting your own drive to benefit DESK. There are many other ways to support DESK, like volunteering – maybe on Sunday afternoons with Anthony – or donating.
The students’ teacher, Maura Galante, offered to get her students involved in DESK, and after working with DESK’s Development team, identified a need for more art in DESK’s 266 State Street Drop-in and Resource Center to help guests feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed. Galante’s students learned about DESK’s mission and food insecurity in New Haven, and then created art showcasing different foods in each student’s individual style. “They embraced the project – it was a social-emotional learning lesson where they brainstormed appropriate imagery and considered what they’d want to see in a community center. They wanted to make positive and uplifting messages for the diners,” said Galante.
Young volunteers help support DESK through food and clothing drives, school events, and volunteer opportunities that include families, and we are always looking for new partnerships that can help us meet our mission and to spread awareness through education about homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty in New Haven, including through donations, drives, and volunteer opportunities.
Avangrid’s work goes far beyond just one night, though. Avangrid volunteers worked with more than 54 nonprofits across the state for a total of over 10,000 hours in 2025, and recently spotlighted DESK as a valued community partner in a press release. Volunteers from Avangrid have served hundreds of New Haven residents experiencing homelessness and poverty at 266 State Street through volunteering and regular drives for our Thanksgiving for All program. We are proud to be a consistent, year-over-year partner.
DESK has a long-standing relationship with Avangrid, and last year, United Illuminating President Franklyn D. Reynolds came to see DESK’s newly renovated Drop-in and Resource Center. Avangrid supports DESK’s energy efficiency and modernization through the Neighborhood Assistance Act.
Tickets for Breaking Bread are running out – get yourshere to join in an evening of culinary masterpieces. Funds raised from the event allow us to serve thousands of guests each year. You can join in the work that Avangrid does volunteering, hosting drives, and donating – these are the kinds of partnerships that power DESK and our mission to serve our New Haven neighbors. To learn contact volunteer@deskct.org or call (475) 238-6170.
Choco has spent her life engaging with her community, and she continues to even inspire the next generation to serve. Her favorite DESK memory is bringing her nieces and nephews to serve dinner on Christmas Eve. She says that her nephew started out the night shy, but by the end of the night, “the best part was my nephew who was scared to talk to people was the one who was so engaged with the community that we had to wait for him to finish before we could leave.”
Beyond DESK, Choco continues to serve the New Haven community. She volunteers with other organizations that provide services to empower adults with disabilities.
Choco says, “once a community servant, always a community servant,” and that proves true in her life. Join Choco and meet even more of your New Haven neighbors by volunteering, donating, or hosting a drive to support DESK.
