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01/10/2024 08:30 AMAround the same time that November’s cold days and nights began piling up, Branford resident Amy Rosen came up with a great idea to support local senior citizens. In a snap, she founded the inaugural Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors New Blanket Drive.
Fast forward to December, when, in just about one month’s time, Amy had gathered over 10 dozen new blankets donated by caring community members. Now, all of these gifts of warmth are in the homes of Branford seniors.
Amy was assisted in delivering many of the blankets with the help of the Community Dining Room (CDR) home delivery program. She also personally distributed blankets to other local programs that have senior citizen connections.
Growing up in Mystic, Amy remembers helping out with programs designed to brighten senior citizens’ days from the time she was a young age.
“I’ve always had a wonderful affinity for senior citizens,” says Amy. “I feel at the holidays, there’s a lot of focus on children and families, but not as much on senior citizens.”
Just before the pandemic, Amy found out about a holiday gift drive for seniors, “Be a Santa to a Senior,” while visiting the Blackstone Library. She gladly contributed items matching the seniors’ wish lists but was also saddened by the requests they had made.
“It was heartbreaking because they weren’t looking for extravagant items. They were looking for blankets, slippers, things to make them more comfortable,” says Amy.
During the COVID years, Amy couldn’t find a gift drive to contribute to, so she purchased a number of blankets on her own and donated them to Branford organizations serving senior citizens.
When she couldn’t find a drive to assist this year, Amy decided to pull one together on her own.
“A photo of my beautiful mom snuggled in a blanket while raising a glass doing ‘cheers’ was really my inspiration,” says Amy. “On Nov. 18, I put the idea on paper.”
Things came together quickly after that. Through a friend who delivers for CDR’s homebound delivery service, Amy was put in touch with the Branford non-profit, which agreed to help out with deliveries of the blankets.
“I knew about all the great work that they do, so that was a great connection for me,” Amy says.
Amy set a goal of collecting 60 new, snuggly blankets to be distributed to area senior citizens assisted by CDR.
“I didn’t know if I would make it! But I wanted to try,” she says.
With assistance from friends (dubbed “The Branford Blanket Brigade” by Amy), eye-catching Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors flyers were designed and posted throughout the area. The brigade also put out the word through their social media.
The Branford Representative Town Meeting (RTM) also helped to share news of the drive, with assistance from RTM District 6 members Anthony Alfone and Gino Popolizio.
“I was thrilled to have the support of the RTM,” says Amy.
Amy is also grateful for the three Branford sites that agreed to set up blanket collection points: Eli’s on the Hill, Coastal Wine & Spirits, and the Blackstone Library.
“I wanted places that were easily accessible and had high traffic in different parts of Branford. All of their patrons and staff were great. It was really remarkable,” says Amy.
The drive ran for just about one month. As it ramped up, Amy and friends would check in at the three sites and collect donations of blankets contributed by community members.
“I remember one day, I stopped by the library, and their box was full, so I took the blankets out. And then, later that same day, I happened to go by again, and there were more blankets! People were very generous and supportive,” Amy says.
In all, the effort drove in 128 new blankets.
“They were all colors and patterns and styles. It was amazing,” says Amy.
In addition to delivering blankets to seniors assisted by the CDR homebound delivery team, Amy personally delivered blankets to seniors at Parkside Village in Branford, as well as to Branford’s Canoe Brook Senior Center.
Amy says Snuggles for Shoreline Seniors was such a surprising and heartwarming success that she’s already planning for next year.
“I loved every minute of this effort. I met so many amazing people throughout the community. People were so generous, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support,” Amy says. “I think the bar has been raised for next year, and I’m confident our wonderful community will come together again to show their love for our Branford seniors.”