The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘Tie One On’ keeping people warm
TORRINGTON — Thursday was breezy and cold — a day when wearing a scarf around your neck was a good idea.
Thinking of those who might need something warm to wear, employees at the Community Health & Wellness Center in Torrington, held a “Tie One On” event Thursday.
They donated 50 scarves and tied them around trees and fences in downtown Torrington, making them available to the homeless and others in need.
The CHWC staff of “elves” visited Coe Memorial Park, the area of Trinity Church and the YMCA.
Patricia Martin joined her friends for the event.
“There is so much need,” she said in an email. “We discussed yesterday how so many people are taking the outerwear, scarves and hats we have made available in the ‘warm fuzzy’ area in the medical waiting room (at the health center).
“We have had so many express their gratitude, that we have decided to continue to seek employee donations and offer the goods throughout the winter.”
On Friday, Martin reported that nearly every scarf had been taken, making “Tie One On” a successful effort, she said.
The donation program has been held throughout North America, from Winnipeg, Canada, to Wilmington, N.C.
The Torrington scarves display a colorful hang tag that reads, “If you need me, tie me on! I am here to keep you warm.”
“In the spirit of taking care of our most vulnerable population, Community Health & Wellness Center of Torrington is making scarves readily accessible for anyone in need,” said Joanne Borduas, CHWC chief executive officer.
“We are happy to do our part as a larger collective effort. The best gift my staff and I can receive this holiday season is knowing we are able to do some good in our community — that somewhere, someone is able to stay a bit warmer.”
A rack of outerwear is available in the waiting room lobby of the medical facility and adorning a Christmas tree with scarves, hats, and gloves.
CHWC is located at 469 Migeon Ave., Torrington, and 115 Spencer St., Winsted, with the following satellite locations: FISH of Torrington, 332 South Main St., Torrington; Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert St., Torrington; The Open Door Soup Kitchen, 160 Main St., Winsted; YMCA Emergency Shelter, 480 Main St., Winsted; Torrington Soup Kitchen, 220 Prospect St., Torrington; and Oliver Wolcott Technical School, 75 Oliver St., Torrington.