Community Spirit Still Strong in 2020
Even during the year 2020, the power of community spirit was the strongest force today as jacket-clad volunteers came out to prepare holiday meals for over 1,600 families in need - continuing the annual tradition to help others.
Al’s Angels, a non-profit founded by Westporter Al DiGuido nearly 25 years ago, funds and operates the annual meal bin donations for both the Thanksgiving and Winter holidays.
In years’ past, the events have drawn hundreds of volunteers into the large warehouse to work together to fill the bins, then load them into a fleet of awaiting trucks to be delivered by other volunteers.
However due to the COVID-19 crisis and health safety guidelines, the work took place outdoors in the surrounding workyard. With heavy rains and wind coming through the area, volunteers of all ages were soaked and feeling cold as they continued their work to get all meal bins filled and delivered in time for the holidays.
During a day of social-distancing and adverse weather, this hearty group of kids, teens, adults, and retirees reminded everyone that there is always a way to take care of one another.
Trumbull resident Tyler Simpson, 8, helps load meal bins into a trailer that will deliver the meals to local families in time for the holidays.
Al’s Angels volunteers work around large puddles to fill meal bins today in Bridgeport.