Community Outreach

Many local businesses and community organizations are in urgent need of help in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are aware of a business or organization that is in need, please send us an email (ebcommunication@gdeb.com) and let us know what EB employees can do to help. The following list was gathered from employee feedback received thus far:

  • Mystic Aquarium – 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355
    • From the Mystic Aquarium website: The Mystic Aquarium has joined the ongoing global effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and we have temporarily closed our doors. The over 4,000 animals in our care depend on the hard work and dedication of Mystic Aquarium’s veterinarians, trainers, and facility operators. Without our team, the health and well-being of our animals would be at serious risk. Our organization relies on visitors in order to maintain the high level of care these animals require, and unfortunately, the closure has left us in a difficult financial situation. We need your help now more than ever. Please click the button (link below) to make a donation. Any contribution, regardless of size, is immensely appreciated and will help ensure the health and safety of our many amazing animals. You can make a donation by visiting the following page on the aquarium’s website: www.mysticaquarium.org/march2020appeal/
  • Mr. G’s Restaurant – 452 Williams St., New London, CT 06320
    • Mr. G’s Restaurant in New London remains open for takeout. If you’re interested in placing an order, please call the restaurant at (860)447-0400. You can view the menu on the website: www.mrgsrestaurant.com
  • Sift Bake Shop – 5 Water St., Mystic, CT 06355
    • Sift Bake Shop remains open Tuesdays -Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The bakery has implemented a modified takeout menu and is offering safe, no contact curbside takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call (860)245-0541 or (860)949-7476. You can also place an order by sending an email to orders@siftbakeshopmystic.com.  Sift will be closed Mondays during the modified menu period. You can view the menu on the website: www.siftbakeshopmystic.com
  • Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379
    • The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, serving Stonington families, can be donated to through purchase of a pre-packed bag of groceries at Stop and Shop in Pawcatuck. Non-perishable food and monetary donations can also be brought directly to the center. Please call the center at (860)599-3285 or visit the website for more information: www.pawcatuckneighborhoodcenter.org
  • ReReads Bookshop – 53 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891
    • Jill Chomowicz, owner of ReReads Bookshop, will gladly accept pick-up orders and make FREE deliveries at this time. If interested, please give the shop a call at (401)596-4111.
  • Bear Hands Brewing Company –75 Main Street, Putnam CT 06260
    • Bear Hands Brewing Company is a small brewery in Putnam, CT. They opened their doors six weeks prior to small businesses being shut down due to COVID-19. This week, their glassware arrived and they will finally be able to sell their products to the public. There are 18 beers on tap to choose from, and orders can be placed online and picked up the following business day.  Pickups can be made Thursday-Sunday. Please visit the brewery website: www.bearhandsbrewing.com
  • Fireside Brick Oven Pizza – 1661 CT-12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335
    • Fireside in Gales Ferry remains open for takeout and delivery services at this time. They are open EVERY DAY, Monday-Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)381-5575. You can view the menu on the website: www.firesidebrickoven.com
  • Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza – 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355 (Mystic Village)
    • Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza remains open for takeout or curbside delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)572-0600. You can view the menu on the website: www.mangospizza.com
  • Ocean Pizza Restaurant – 88 Ocean Ave. , New London, CT 06320
    • Ocean Pizza in New London remains open for takeout. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)443-0870. You can view the menu on the website: www.oceanpizzarestaurant.com
  • Berry’s Ice Cream & Candy Bar – 90 B Bank St., New London, CT 06320
    • Berry’s Ice Cream, a local female-owned and operated business, will remain open for curbside pickup orders and ice cream cake orders – no need to leave your car! You can call OR TEXT the shop at (860)501-1200 to place an order. Stay up to date on menu items, special offers, curbside pickup times, etc. by following Berry’s Ice Cream on Facebook: Berry’s Ice Cream & Candy Bar, LLC.
  • Recovery Room Restaurant – 45 Ocean Ave., New London, CT 06320
    • Recovery Room remains open for takeout and delivery. Please note that the restaurant only delivers to New London residents – this includes EB New London.  To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)443-2619. You can view the menu on the website: www.recoveryroomnewlondon.com
  • Subway – 62 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI 02891
    • This Subway location remains open for takeout. If you live in the Westerly area, please consider placing an order. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (401)596-9220. You can also order by visiting www.order.subway.com – select the Westerly location (62 Franklin Street) and checkout online before picking up your order.
  • Norm’s Diner – 171 Bridge Street, Groton, CT 06340
    • Norm’s Diner remains open for breakfast and lunch takeout, Thursdays -Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To place an order, please call the diner at (860)405-8383. The menu can be viewed on Facebook: Norm’s Diner Groton. If you live in Groton and have the Grubhub app on your phone, the option for delivery may be available to you.
  • ​Compassion for Cats of NL County – 275 S Burnham Hwy., Lisbon CT 06351
    • Compassion for Cats of New London County is a no-kill cat shelter located in Lisbon, CT. The shelter is a 501c3 organization dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected animals, getting them the necessary medical care and adopting them into responsible, loving homes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter is not receiving many donations and is unable to hold fundraisers due to restrictions. They are in need of funds for vet bills, food and litter. There are about 70 cats and kittens currently in the shelter with more on the way. Kitten season is right around the corner, and without the proper funds, the shelter will not be able to help.  If you would like to make a donation, you can call the shelter at 860-886-5085 to discuss how you can do so. The shelter also has a ‘donate’ button on their Facebook page: Compassion for Cats of New London County, Inc.
  • Buford’s Family Restaurant – 126 Poquonnock  Rd., Groton, CT 06340
    • Buford’s Family Restaurant in Groton remains open for takeout. You can view their menu and keep an eye on updated restaurant hours by following them on Facebook: Buford’s Family Restaurant. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)446-1765. Please consider ordering from Buford’s if you’re in the Groton area. Their location makes it easy for EB Groton employees to order meals and pick them up on their way to work or when heading home. Breakfast is served ALL DAY.
  • ​Hot Rod Café – 114 Bank St., New London, CT 06320
    • Hot Rod Cafe remains open for takeout and delivery. EB employees can access a 10% discount by entering the code “ebfriend” when ordering online for pickup at www.hotrodscafenewlondon.com. Employees will need to show their badge when picking up an order to verify discount eligibility. You can also order over the phone by calling the restaurant at (860)447-2320.  If you are an EB employee, the 10% discount code can still be used when placing an order over the phone for pickup or delivery. Hot Rod Cafe offers FREE delivery to EB New London.
  • Franklin’s General Store – Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT
    • Franklin’s is offering curbside pickup until they reopen. Their  jams, jellies, pickled products, salsa, hot sauces, mustards, salad dressings, baking mixes, CT maple syrup and honey, Frontier soup mixes and more, are all in stock. Franklin’s has a HUGE selection of jigsaw puzzles and family games as well. Their famous fudge will be available the minute they reopen. To order, arrange pickup, or ask a question, please call or email Jim at 860-912-6184 or jholley56@att.net.
  • Safe Futures – 16 Jay St., New London, CT 06320
    •  Safe Futures is doing all they can to keep victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking safe and healthy in their emergency shelter, transitional and residential living programs. Right now, these spaces are very full, because this is a particularly dangerous time for victims forced to stay at close quarters  due to COVID – often all alone – with their abuser. If you are in need at this time, please note the following:
    • Safe Future’s 24/7 confidential crisis hotline remains staffed and is in full operation: (860)701-6001
    • Safe Future’s emergency shelter is staffed and has remained open. With the emergency shelter now at full capacity, Safe Futures will work to locate and pay for safe hotel rooms for victims, as well as provide transportation, food and all basic needs.
    • Survivors are safe in Safe Future’s transitional living apartments – comprehensive health safety protocols are in place.
    • Safe Futures is still taking emergency walk-in clients at their New London headquarters and have set up counseling sessions by phone for clients.
    • Safe Future’s court advocates continue to work in court on arraignments and drafting restraining orders, as well as using electronic filing through phone and email when necessary.
    • Safe Futures has been able to continue these vital, life-saving measures because of the generosity of donors. If you would like to donate to Safe Futures, you can do so on their website: www.safefuturesct.org.
    • Please note: At this time when it can be difficult for victims to reach out themselves – if you think you know someone stuck in an unsafe home, please remember that it’s ok to ask “are you ok?” and to perhaps create a safe opportunity to pass on the  24/7 confidential crisis line number: 860-701-6001.
  • Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank – 374 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320
    • The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank distributed more than 2 million meals and snacks through 76 distribution sites last year. As of now, the top items needed are cereal, tuna, peanut butter, rice and soup. Food donations can be made right at the EB gates in the white wood boxes.
  • The Arc Eastern Connecticut – 125 Sachem St., Norwich, CT 06360
    • The Arc Eastern Connecticut is a non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with people living with an intellectual or developmental disability for EQUAL participation and inclusion in the communities of Eastern Connecticut. The Arc serves over 800 people of all ages and offers advocacy, employment opportunities, in-home support, life skills training, recreation, supported residences and person-centered, community based services.
    • The Arc is in need of  iPads and headphones with 3.5 mm jacks, which clients and team members are using to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The Arc can also use donations of puzzles, games, crafts and gardening supplies for use in the agency’s 23 residential homes.
    • Volunteer performers are wanted to give an outdoor show to residents.
    • If you would like to make a donation in support any of the above initiatives, you can do so by calling The Arc’s Chief Development Officer, Andrea Kaiser, at (860) 889-4435, ext. 118. You can also make a donation via mail to 125 Sachem St., Norwich, CT 06360, or online at thearcect.org/donate.
  • Covenant Shelter of New London – 42 Jay St., New London, CT 06320
    • The mission of the Covenant Shelter of New London is to provide emergency shelter, with the goal of obtaining permanent, stable housing for those in need.
    • The shelter is in need of donations of paper products, disposable utensils and containers, and other food service items. This will allow the shelter to continue serving fully cooked meals to older and medically compromised clients who have been moved from the shelter to hotels to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
    •  Donations may be delivered to the office at 42 Jay St. in New London.
  • Groton Senior Center – 102 Newtown Rd., Groton, CT 06340
    • The Groton Senior Center is in need of donations of paper products and cleaning supplies to help seniors sanitize their home spaces. Items can be dropped off at 102 Newtown Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Ledyard Citizens Helping Animals in Need (C.H.A.I.N)
    • C.H.A.I.N’s mission is to be a community resource which supports Ledyard animal control in its initiatives to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home animals in Ledyard and Gales Ferry, CT.
    • C.H.A.I.N is looking for donations of 3- to 5-pound bags of dry dog food, canned dog food, dog treats and gift cards to stores that sell pet food.
    • Monetary donations can be made at paypal.me/ledyardchain.
    • C.H.A.I.N. doesn’t have a dedicated building, so donors can call the President, Cindy Eilenberger, at (860) 287-3504 to coordinate a contactless donation pickup or delivery.
  • Mother’s Retreat – 542 Long Hill Rd., Groton, CT 06340
    • Mother’s Retreat is a residential substance abuse program for women . Women can be self-referred, referred by community providers or referred by state agencies such as DCF and DOC.
    • Mother’s Retreat is currently accepting donations of baby items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, toys, linens and furniture to help several clients who will be giving birth in the next few months.
    • The agency is also accepting clothing and activities for children under age 5, art and craft supplies, hygiene products for women, and gardening supplies for all ages.
    • If you’d like to make a donation, please call (860) 405-2107, ext. 7100, to arrange a time to drop off your donation.
  • New London Homeless Hospitality Center – 325 Huntington St., New London, CT 06320
    • The New London Community Meal Center responds to the needs of New London’s most vulnerable residents by providing nutritious meals in a kind, hospitable and clean environment.
      The meal center is in need of evening volunteers. Please contact PetaRose118@gmail.com or call (860) 536-4784 if you’re interested in volunteering. For more information, you can visit the website: nlcommunitymealcenter.org.
  • ​Noank Community Support Services –  306 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340
    • Noank Community Support Services is dedicated to improving lives by providing specialized and individualized services, the development of healthy relationships, access to resources, connection to the larger community, and hope for the future.
    • Noank Community Support Services is in need of household items including cleaning supplies, paper products and linens, as well as masks and fresh and nonperishable food items; a complete list is available at www.noankcss.org/donate.
    •  Please call the Executive Director, Regina Moller, at (860) 910-1873 to arrange a delivery. Checks can be mailed to 306 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340. You can also make a donation on the website: www.noankcss.org.
  • ​Riverfront Children’s Center – 476 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340
    • Riverfront Children’s Center, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 1996, provides high-quality, individualized early care and education for children ages 12-weeks to 12-years-old.
    • The center is in need of store gift cards, fresh fruit and vegetables, 1% milk, disinfecting wipes and diapers — especially sizes 4 and 5.
    • Cash donations for the Riverfront Family Hardship Fund are also accepted.
    • If you’d like to make a donation, please call (860) 445-8151 or email Michele Dean at michele.dean@riverfrontchildren.org. Checks may be mailed to 476 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340, or dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can learn more about Riverfront Children’s Center on the website: www.riverfrontchildren.org.
  • ​Hygienic Art – 79 Bank St., New London, CT 06320
    • Per state of CT regulations, Hygienic Art’s gallery is closed to the public until futher notice.
    • Their current exhibition can be viewed on their online shop.
    • Hygienicards, a 54-piece set of playing card-sized works by local artists, are for sale for $25, which supports both the gallery at 79 Bank St. in New London and the artists to be featured in the 2021 exhibitions.
    • Please consider supporting Hygienic Arts during this time. If you’d like to make a purchase, please visit the website: www.hygienic.org. You can also give a monetary donation on the website.
  • ​D’Angelo – 587 Long Hill Rd., Groton, CT 06340
    • The D’Angelo on Long Hill Road in Groton remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order for takeout or delivery, please call the restaurant at (860) 446-8263. You can view the full menu on the website: www.dangelos.com.
  • La Mia Pizzeria – 19 Halls Rd., Old Lyme, CT 06371 (Old Lyme Shopping Center #7)
    • La Mia Pizzeria remains open for takeout and delivery. The restaurant hours have temporarily been shortened  to Tuesday-Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. La Mia Pizzeria is now offering gluten free and vegan pizza by request. If you would like to place an order, please call the restaurant at (860) 434-1676 or order online by visiting the website: www.lamiapizzeriact.com. You can also get your pizza delivered right to your door with La Mia Pizzeria’s NEW delivery service.
  • College Pizza – 262 Pequot Ave., New London, CT 06320
    • College Pizza in New London remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860) 574-9955. You can also order online from the website: www.newlondoncollegepizza.com.
  • Filomena’s – 262 Boston Post Rd., Waterford, CT 06385 (Utopia Centre #1)
    • Filomena’s in Waterford remains open for takeout only. They have a special takeout menu that can be found on the website: www.filomenascafe.com. Filomena’s is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860) 437-1010.
  • ​Four Brothers Pizzeria & Restaurant – 6921 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    • Four Brothers in North Kingstown remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (401) 885-0453 or order online from the website: www.fourbrothersri.com.
  • Seven Moons – 6900 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    • Seven Moons in North Kingstown remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (401) 885-8383 or order online from the website: www.sevenmoonsonline.com.
  • NK Chicago Pizza – 7673 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    • NK Chicago Pizza in North Kingstown remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (401) 295-1550. You can view the menu on the website: www.nkchicagopizza.com.
  • ​D’Angelos – 6857 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    • The D’Angelo in North Kingstown remains open for takeout and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (401) 885-4528 or order online from the website: www.dangelos.com.
  • ​Nino’s Pizzeria – 1031 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Montville, CT 06382
    • Nino’s Pizzeria in Montville remains open for takeout and curbside delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860) 848-2020. You can view the full menu and stay up to date on special deals by following the pizzeira on Facebook: Nino’s Pizzeria.
    • From Nino’s Facebook Page: Nino’s is offering a different daily family special every day. This will be offered at a discounted rate to try to bring a small sense of normalcy to you all (and us too!)
  • Osmino’s Grill – 639 Bank St., New London, CT 06320
    • Osmino’s Grill, a Salvadorian restaurant and pizzeria in New London, remains open for takeout. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)442-7673.
  • Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub – 117 Long Hill Rd., Groton, CT 06340
    • Ninety Nine Restaurant in Groton remains open for curbside pickup and delivery. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)449-9900. You can also place an order online by visiting www.99restaurants.com – select “Order Online” and search for the Groton location. When this is done, the available menu items will appear.
    • Curbside pickup hours: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Delivery hours: 11:15 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • The Mariner – 21 W Main St., Mystic, CT 06355 
    • The owners of The Mariner in Mystic recently opened a new restaurant across the street called Via Emilia. The restaurant was open only for about two weeks before businesses closed due to COVID-19. You can support Via Emilia by dining at The Mariner, which will be having outdoor seating and takeout every day of the week. To place an order, call the restaurant at (860)536-5200, stop in, or order online from the website: www.themarinermystic.com.
  • L&M/Yale Hospitals
    • Please consider making a donation to L&M and/or Yale hospital during this difficult time.
    • The hospitals are in need of:
      • Bottled water | head covers | face shields | body suits (made to cover uniforms; currently some healthcare workers are using garbage bags) | cloth masks (to help make the N95 masks last longer | button ear offloads (extension straps for masks) | gel pad inserts for shoes | mints, hard candy & gum (healthcare workers can’t eat while at work)
    • If you’d like to make a donation, please reach out to Tammie Patterson at (860) 287-4820.
    • Additionally, a few times a week at 3 p.m.  or 7 p.m. (weather permitting), Tammie has been standing outside of L&M to show her support during the shift change. If you’re interested in joining Tammie in support of healthcare workers, please give her a call and she will meet you there.
  • Cultura: Antojitos Puertorriguenos – 78 Broad St., New London, CT 06320 
    • Cultura, a Puerto Rican restaurant located  in New London, remains open for takeout. Please consider supporting this business, which opened just two months before shutting down due to COVID-19. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (959)201-6980. You can view Cultura’s daily menu and restaurant hours by following their Facebook page — Cultura: Antojitos Puertorriquenos.
  • ​Rustic Café – 516 Boston Post Rd., East Lyme, CT 06333
    • The Rustic Café in East Lyme remains open for takeout. Currently, the hours are 4pm-9pm daily. You can follow the restaurant on Facebook to stay up to date on hours of operation and restaurant specials: Rustic Cafe. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)691-0477. You can view the full  menu on the website: www.therusticcafe.com.
  • ​Hally Jo’s Corner Restaurant – 165 Main St., Deep River, CT 06417
    • Hally Jo’s Corner Restaurant remains open for takeout. To place an order, please call the restaurant at (860)526-8838.
  • CATS Tutoring
    • EB employee Dave Cassenti’s tutoring business, CATS Tutoring, is offering  free sessions with parents and students to help with distance learning. All sessions are done entirely online and over the phone. These services will  be offered for the remainder of the academic year. If interested, please contact Dave at (860)574-1574 or dave@cats-inc.com.
  • Mask Makers in Connecticut
    • Mask Makers in Connecticut  is a Facebook group that was created for the Ledyard, CT community. The group is “sewing for the frontline,” creating masks and organizing  drop-off and pickup times for those in need. Need a mask or interested in sewing for the Mask Makers team? Join the Mask Makers in Connecticut  group on Facebook.
    • Wayne’s Service Plus is a family owned and operated auto repair shop in Providence, RI. Wayne’s is open and in need of work at this time.
    • Wayne’s Service Plus is offering EB employees and their spouses a special oil change deal of $20 for a normal oil change and $40 for a full synthetic oil change. Both of these options will come with a free check list, followed by a full vehicle check-up by a technician.
    • Your employee badge (or spouses badge) must be presented to receive this offer.Wayne’s Service Plus – 269 Silver Spring St., Providence, RI 02904
    • Please call the shop with any questions you may have: (401) 455-0282. You can visit the website to view hours, reviews, services offered and more: www.waynesservice.com
  • Wayne’s Service Plus – 269 Silver Spring St., Providence, RI 02904
    • Wayne’s Service Plus is a family owned and operated auto repair shop in Providence, RI. Wayne’s is open and in need of work at this time. Wayne’s Service Plus is offering EB employees and their spouses a special oil change deal of $20 for a normal oil change and $40 for a full synthetic oil change. Both of these options will come with a free check list, followed by a full vehicle check-up by a technician. Your employee badge (or spouses badge) must be presented to receive this offer. Please call the shop with any questions you may have: (401) 455-0282. You can visit the website to view hours, reviews, services offered and more: www.waynesservice.com
  • Friends of Animals in Need – 105 Narragansett St., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    • Friends of Animals in Need is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance for veterinary care to economically challenged companion pet owners to avoid the surrender, abandonment or euthanizing of  beloved pets. The Coronavirus has caused an increase in clients seeking assistance with veterinary care. Additionally, because of the virus, Friends of Animals in Need have also been unable to hold fundraisers to enable them to continue with their mission. EB employees can help by going to the website at www.animalsinneedri and making a tax-deductible contribution. Friends of Animals in Need has no building and no paid staff, so 100% of your donation will go towards their mission. If you prefer, you may also send your contribution to:
    • Friends of Animals in Need
      105 Narragansett St.
      North Kingstown, R.I.
      02852
  • Somewhere In Time – 3175 Gold Star Hwy., Mystic, CT 06355
    • Somewhere In Time is a cafe in Mystic that provides hearty American breakfast and lunch classics. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7AM to 2PM with breakfast and lunch options served all day and weekly specials available. The restaurant is currently offering takeout and outdoor seating. To place a takeout order,  please call the restaurant at (860) 536-1985. You can also order online via the website: http://somewhereintimecafe.com/
  • When Pigs Fly – 97 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, CT 06385
    • When Pigs Fly is a quaint eatery in Waterford that serves breakfast and comfort foods daily. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7AM to 2PM and is currently offering takeout and outdoor seating. To place a takeout order,  please call the restaurant at (860) 444-1110. You can also order online via the website: http://www.whenpigsflycafe.com/.