United Way Of Western Connecticut Emergency Basic Needs Campaign Infuses $87,000 Into Local Community

DANBURY — An economic downturn not seen in generations has left many in our community unemployed with savings or investments quickly dwindling. In turn, a financial and programmatic domino effect has put intense strain on agencies that provide emergency food, clothing, shelter, and health care.  The need for these types of services has surged in some cases by more than 40 percent, while funding for social services has shrunk to its lowest level in years.  

In response, United Way of Western Connecticut reached out to the community to ensure local programs that provide emergency basic needs services can continue their work in helping families and individuals get back on their feet.  Over a two-month period, United Way’s “Take Five to Give 5” campaign raised more than $52,000 for agencies throughout northern Fairfield, southern Litchfield, and Stamford. Organizations serving greater Danbury and New Milford received $27,300. Of the proceeds raised, 100 percent went directly to services for this campaign.

In this area, the Salvation Army-Danbury Community Emergency Services food pantry received $3,000; The Amos House Transitional Living Program, a transitional shelter, received $5,000; Danbury-based The Bridge to Independence and Career Opportunities (TBICO)  received $2,500 for its Key Rings Security Deposit Assistance program; the Association of Religious Communities (ARC) received $8,000 emergency aid assistance; AmeriCares Danbury was given $5,000 for medical access for uninsured and underinsured; and New Milford Department of Social Services, in partnership with Salvation Army and Martha & Mary Outreach Community Center, received $3,800 emergency assistance.

“There is an amazing network of volunteers and donors in our community that is always at the ready to roll up their sleeves and get things rolling,” said Michael Johnston, United of Western Connecticut CEO. “This was truly a community-driven campaign; many donations occurred online as supporters, some with a history of giving, some new, helped to spread the word through emails, ecards, and blogs.”

In addition to raising dollars, the campaign advocated for underinsured and uninsured people to use United Way’s free FamilyWize prescription drug discount card. From May to July, residents in the UWWC region saved $35,000 at local pharmacies. This represented an increase of  four percent of average monthly savings.

Local schools and businesses played a crucial role in raising money for the campaign. Hawley Elementary School in Newtown conducted a spare change drive, raising $300 for the cause.  And in a massive show of support, Cartus dedicated proceeds from its annual Walk & Roll event to the Take Five to Give 5 campaign, contributing $23,500.