“Cannolis For A Cause” In East Haven Benefit Those Hit by Virus

EAST HAVEN, CT - An East Haven bakery that had to close its doors to Covid-19, laying off workers while doing so didn’t spend a second feeling sorry for itself.

Petonito’s Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe located at 190 Main Street in East Haven wanted to give back to all of those on the front lines working tirelessly during this pandemic.

The owners said: “ We created a program called Cannolis for a Cause. We took to Social Media to ask our customers to nominate people and places that they felt were deserving of some free cannolis. The response was overwhelming. Countless floors and departments at Yale New Haven Hospital and Saint Raphael’s Hospital were nominated. Grocery stores, Veterinary Hospitals, Convalescent Homes, Fire and Police Departments, Animal Shelters, Banks, Pharmacies, DJ’s in East Haven and more. We were able to fulfill everyone’s request, over 65 orders were filled.

“We donated over 1500 cannolis, chocolate covered, regular size, giant, miniature and cannoli dips. Everyone was contacted that was nominated and an abundance of people came to the bakery Sunday, April 19th to pick up the orders in our hallway. Keeping social distancing everything was labeled and certificates were given out to everyone.

This was our small way of giving back to the community. We are so appreciative of everything that others are doing. Our Shoppe has been closed for a month now, and our employees have been laid off. My family which consists of my husband Michael, daughter Amanda and son Michael and myself Regina Criscuolo took on this project and filled and boxed all of the cannolis. It was such a rewarding feeling to be able to give back to a community that we love so much!”