To the Editor:
Whether it was the offer of a hot shower, a cup of coffee, or a warm bed for the night, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the following Nor’easter certainly reminded us of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Many of our Wilton residents need that helping hand, not only after the accidents of nature, but throughout the year.
For more than 20 years, The Wilton Community Assistance Fund (formerly known as the Wilton Interfaith Council) has quietly teamed with Wilton Social Services to provide financial assistance to Wilton residents. Many of you have donated in the past to “Wilton Warm-Up”, the Food Pantry, and other calls for help from the Council. This year we are launching an overall needs fund, The Wilton Community Fund, which will cover all of the services provided by the Council in the past.
The need in our town has increased four-fold over the last four years and continues to remain at elevated levels. Unfortunately, unlike the years prior to the economic down turn, the Fund has struggled to meet 100% of demand.
And yet during the past twelve months, we have provided assistance to a total of 110 families, including 185 adults and 200 children.
- Heating bill assistance to 26 families
- Food pantry assistance to 66 families
- School supplies for 90 students
- Rent or housing cost assistance to 12 families
Who are the recipients? They are Wilton neighbors experiencing short-term financial difficulties due to unemployment, death in the family or illness. Recipients are recommended by and pre-screened by Wilton Social Services.
Wilton Community Assistance Fund provides short term gap support until the resident(s) can return to financial independence or obtain longer term government or other social service assistance.
Please join us in helping fellow Wiltonians by making a generous contribution to the Wilton Community Assistance Fund.
Please send your donation to: Wilton Community Assistance Fund,
P.O. Box 7221, Wilton, CT 06897. Wilton Community Fund (dba Wilton Interfaith Council) is a tax deductible 501(3)( c) and is not affiliated with any religious organization.
Rita Garland and Lynne Vanderslice, fundraising co-chairs
