Produce to the People Donates More Than $80,000 in Food, Clothing and Emergency Supplies to The Salvation Army’s Winsted Regional Service Center

WINSTED, Conn. – The Salvation Army’s Winsted Regional Service Center has received an extraordinary in-kind donation valued at $80,474 from Produce to the People, providing a substantial boost to its ability to serve individuals and families across Northwest Connecticut.

The donation includes thousands of dollars' worth of shelf-stable food, emergency preparedness supplies, clothing, hygiene products, household essentials and outdoor gear that will be used to assist neighbors facing financial hardship, food insecurity and emergency situations.

Among the donated items are hundreds of pounds of rice, flour, oats, beans and powdered milk; organic peanut butter, honey and other pantry staples; diapers, soap, paper towels and cleaning supplies; sleeping bags, survival blankets, lanterns, first aid kits and emergency radios; as well as winter boots, insulated gloves, jackets, hoodies, clothing and other essential items. The donation also includes emergency supplies such as burn relief products, hand warmers and hygiene kits that will help The Salvation Army respond to community needs year-round.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Michelle Shipp and Chris Mullins of Produce to the People, an organization guided by the philosophy of "Solidarity, Not Charity." The pair coordinated the donation, while a generous couple from Salisbury, Connecticut, who wished to remain anonymous, helped make the gift possible. 

"This is one of the most generous in-kind donations our service center has ever received," said Audrey Curtis, Regional Volunteer Coordinator & Site Manager for The Salvation Army's Winsted Service Center. "When you see an inventory that includes everything from food and diapers to winter clothing, emergency radios and sleeping bags, you realize this isn't just a donation of supplies. It's a donation of hope for people who may be struggling to meet even their most basic needs."

Curtis said the donation will allow The Salvation Army to respond to a wide variety of requests from the community while strengthening its emergency assistance efforts.

"Every day, we meet people who are making impossible choices between paying bills, buying groceries or replacing essential items," Curtis said. "Because of the incredible generosity of Produce to the People we'll be able to provide practical help with dignity and compassion for months to come. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their commitment to helping our neighbors."

The Salvation Army of Winsted provides emergency food assistance, utility assistance, seasonal programs, and other supportive services to residents throughout the region. Donations of food, clothing, household goods and financial contributions help ensure these vital programs remain available year-round.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Winsted or to support its mission, visit SalvationArmyCT.org.