Community Corner

Bringing Christmas to Bridgeport

Trumbull resident Ann Marie Tarinelli and other volunteers fed those who needed it under the John Street viaduct and granted several Christmas wishes.

Ann Marie Tarinelli saw her biological family before Christmas and spent Sunday with her larger family: the struggling of Bridgeport.

Tarinelli and her band of volunteers in her non-profit "Hidden Treasure Bistro" joined other volunteers in feeding mostly Bridgeport residents "under the Viaduct" on John Street near the Route 25/8 Connector overpass.

Tarinelli and her band also gave out Christmas gifts, including blankets, coats, hats and gloves, and dessert, such as cake, cookies, cupcakes and candy canes. Many took food home in styrofoam containers.

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She said she received more donations this year than she has in a while. "My living room is filled with donations. The [donation] boxes were filled every day," she said.

They came from all levels of need: some lived in shelters, others were unemployed or underemployed.

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A woman who identified herself as Patti, from Bridgeport, said she was recovering from knee surgery and performed odd jobs and managed a two-family home where she lived with two roommates.

Lucas Davitt lived in a shelter and used crutches to get around because of a back injury. He said he would spend Christmas Day in New York if he could get a train ticket, and possibly see Rockefeller Center.

Marat Mullagalyamov said he was a doctor in Russia but is looking for work. He wants to become a registered nurse.

Al Gonzales of Bridgeport appreciated all the support. "They're beautiful people. What they do, they do from their hearts," he said.

In addition to Tarinelli, serving under the viaduct were Linda Cervero, who calls herself "The Soup Lady"; Robert Ortowski of "Proceedeth Word International Outreach Ministries"; and April Barron of "Helping Hands Outreach."

Ortowski's group can be reached at 203-549-7096. To support Barron, call 203-908-7700.

Donations, which should be marked with tags, can be dropped off at Tarinelli's home at 18 Country Lane in Trumbull. Call 203-268-5553 for more information. Also, blankets, toiletries and clothing are always needed. 


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