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A Windfall of Support for Community Dining Room

As Community Dining Room (CDR) continues to expand shoreline services, the Branford non-profit recently received a windfall of support from two unanticipated donations.

CDR Executive Director Judy Barron recently accepted a CDR donation of over $50,000 from the estate of a Branford resident who loved giving back to his community. That donation was followed by contributions of brand-new major appliances and other needed equipment and supplies, contributed by the family of a former CDR volunteer.

"It's been a great few months at Community Dining Room," said Barron.

CDR recently received a donation of $50,464 from the estate of Peter Davis. That was followed by the donation of a new freezer and washer/dryer as well as other contributions, donated by William and Barbara Lyons in memory of their daughter, Christina Morgan Lyons.

Barron said the unexpected and much appreciated support will help CDR continue its nutritional program needs, help with much-needed upgrades, and further CDR's efforts to deliver "more than just a meal" to residents in need.

Based in Branford's Patricia C. Andriole Volunteer Services Center, CDR serves communities stretching from East Haven to Old Saybrook.

Long-time Branford resident Peter Davis grew up in Stony Creek and was an active volunteer in his community until his passing, at age 58, in 2015. A member of the Stony Creek Vol. Fire Department, he gave of his time to many local charities. A brother, John Davis, and niece, April Davis, met with Barron to deliver a check for a total donation of $50,464. Barron noted Davis' estate also contributed to Branford Fire Department, Branford Rapid Intervention Team and CT Foodbank.

Barron said the financial boost is "huge" for CDR.

"We have on-going nutritional needs, so that's going to put us in a great position with continuing support for the community. And it allows us to continue to branch out (and) bring in more referrals; to work and collaborate with other organizations in the community, and maybe bring in additional services," said Barron. "It will also help us with much needed up dates for the facility," including new dining room chairs and other needed equipment.

Along those lines, recent donations from Branford residents William and Barbara Lyons will certainly help. The couple donated appliances, equipment and other needed items in honor of their daughter, Christina "Tina" Morgan Lyons, who passed away in 2014 at age 50.

The Lyons' contribution included the delivery, installation and extended warranties on a stand-up washer and dryer and an upright freezer. The couple also donated new mats for the kitchen and dining room, new insulated bags for home delivery meals, a commercial salad spinner, oven mitts for volunteers and school supplies for CDR's Backpack Program. Just ahead of the first week of school, CDR's backpack initiative provided dozens of kids in need with backpacks filled with school snacks, breakfast cereal and supplies.