AdobeStock/New Africa
The Briarcliff Manor-based Gullotta House has donated more than 120,000 meals, and counting, to those facing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19.
When Matthew Gullotta founded his kindhearted nonprofit in 2015, he could scarcely believe that one day, he and his staff would provide in excess of 100,000 meals to area residents who were facing food hardships. Offering those in need services that range from help with transportation to providing clothing and even building walkways for handicapped individuals, the Gullotta House has been doing lots of good work from its Briarcliff Manor base.
The 501(C)(3) came about as a result of some hardships in Gullotta’s own life, including a fire that displaced his family, as well as several others. It was after Gullotta became an Ossining Rotarian and Ossining Chamber of Commerce board member that he realized the power of volunteer work.
Today, the work of the Gullotta House has a broad reach. It stretches from working with small area businesses to help people afford new brakes for their tires, offering access to powered wheelchairs, providing funds for transpiration to hospitals, and offering clothing and shoes to fire victims.
“Prior to COVID, we had served about 5,500 meals,” says Gullotta. “As of February 2021, we’ve provided 120,000 free, hot meals,” which includes approximately 40,000 deliveries to homebound residents, for free.
“We need donations to extend our Free Hot Meals campaign, which costs us $3,000 to $5,000 each week. We have events like our Charity Polar Plunge, which raised $30,000 this year, and our upcoming Charity Rubber Duck Race, in May, when we hope to raise $10,000-plus,” Gullotta says.
Gullotta has big plans for his eponymous nonprofit, including increasing the number of board members and community advisors, partnering with more local businesses and organizations, and working closer with schools, as well as state and county agencies. Those interested in helping out can head to www.gullottahouse.org for more information or call (914) 525-0744.