An Outpouring Of Support

To the Editor:

Wow, stupendous, over the top! A few weeks before Thanksgiving, holiday supplies were very low at Connecticut Food Bank, but then, with the help of the media, our plight was told. A gradual momentum built to an incredible outpouring of support from individuals, businesses (both large and small), clubs, and faith-based organizations. In total, more than 31,000 turkeys and 473,531 pounds of food were raised –– enough for over 248,000 meals for those in need. This amount, more than we’ve ever raised, was the direct result of the phenomenal generosity of Connecticut citizens.

Just a few short days prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, we received the biggest single donation of turkeys in our history. Stamford-based Diageo North America donated 12,000 turkeys and 1,000 cases of sweet potatoes –– a staggering amount of food.

And while I offer my heartfelt thanks to those at Diageo who made a singularly extraordinary donation, I sincerely thank each and every person who made a contribution, whether it was of food, funds, or their time, as each meant one more family had food on their table. Once again, I was truly touched by the giving nature of those around me; from the young girl I met carrying a turkey across our busy parking lot to the single mother, once in need of assistance herself, who dropped off several bags of groceries. I cannot tell you how each donation touched my heart, but what really impressed me was how the community, as a whole, rallied together to help those in need. In my line of work, that is the biggest blessing of all, for seeing that helps me better see a day when hunger will no longer be a reality for so many in our state.

Sincerely,

Nancy Carrington

Executive Director

Connecticut Food Bank

PO Box 8686, New Haven                                       December 1, 2003