Credit unions donate to nonprofits

HARTFORD — Connecticut’s Credit Unions presented checks of $16,000 each to nonprofits Operation Fuel, Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank at a press conference held Oct. 18 to kick off the holiday giving season and to raise awareness of the many Connecticut households that cannot afford their energy bills and nutritious food. The press conference was held at the State Capitol on International Credit Union Day.

“It’s an incredible honor to support organizations like Operation Fuel who provide critical heating assistance to residents across the state,” said David Hinchey, Director of Community Impact, Credit Union League of Connecticut, in a written statement. “Connecticut’s Credit Unions fully support our nonprofit partners who do amazing work in their communities.

The three nonprofits are expecting a significant number of requests for energy and food assistance over the next several months. There are currently more than 500,000 Connecticut households that are finding it difficult to pay for basic necessities.

Operation Fuel will begin accepting energy assistance applications December 3. People who need help should call 211. Operation Fuel provides emergency energy assistance throughout Connecticut to lower-income families and individuals, the elderly and disabled individuals who are not eligible for energy assistance from governmentfunded programs. For more information on Operation Fuel, or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org.