Linens of Love provides linens, blankets, towels, comforters, and toiletries to people transitioning out of shelters, families reunited after separation, and veterans in need. After a Midnight Run visit left a lasting impression on Mary B. Pursell, President and Principal of Abbate Insurance Associates, Inc., she identified an often-overlooked need in her New Haven community — providing support to help make a “home” out of newly acquired permanent housing. The nonprofit now collaborates with a network of 15 social service agencies in the surrounding New Haven area.
“Offering stability and reassurance is core to what insurance agencies do. Our team believes that a warm bed and clean linens are a simple, powerful way to restore dignity,” says Pursell. “All staffing, office space, storage, and overhead for Linens of Love are provided by Abbate Insurance Associates, Inc. so that nearly 100% of donations go directly to buying the items our neighbors need.”
Abbate’s employees contribute time, muscle, and donations—preparing orders, helping load cars, carrying items to the office pick-up point, restocking shelves, and keeping operations running. Demand continues to grow as the nonprofit expands its local partnerships, including supplying local partner, CT Beds, with sheets, comforters, and pillows for 80 twin beds last year, and forging a new collaboration with Someone Cares Closet of the Yale Child Study Center.
A $10,000 Make More Happen Award would enable Linens of Love to restock essential inventory, expand service to new partners, and meet rising demand across the community. Vote for Abbate Insurance Agency and Linens of Love—your vote will help bring comfort and dignity to neighbors in need.