Danbury’s generosity once again shines
For so many, 2021 proved to be yet another trying year. Still, you found a way to support our neighbors who needed a hand up. As we embark on a new, hopefully brighter year, I want to express United Way of Western Connecticut’s gratitude to the News-Times and the greater Danbury community for their ongoing generosity and commitment to lifting others up, even in the darkest of times. There are countless examples of your generosity throughout 2021, however let me share just a few that stood out.
Thanks to you, every case for the 2021 Giving Fund was successfully funded. In total, we raised $45,000 to make the holiday brighter for 38 families. For Alexandra, it meant the opportunity to settle her family in a new apartment after surviving domestic abuse. For Vilma, it was the ability to breathe easier and make January’s rent despite the unexpected loss of her husband. For Harold, who is permanently disabled from a job-related injury, it allowed his family a small break from the stress of working multiple jobs. Every gift, big or small, had an enormous impact on someone’s life — and your generosity made that possible. Thank you to the News-Times for their ongoing partnership on this initiative.
Throughout the year, we have seen dramatic increases in food insecurity rates because of COVID-19. Our community has not faltered in their efforts to ensure that every person has access to healthy, affordable food. For more than 12 weeks this summer and fall, United Way and Walnut Hill Community Pantry distributed food at Danbury High School. Dozens of people stepped forward to volunteer every Saturday and together, we served an estimated 12,200 households and provided more than 244,000 pounds of produce to residents in need. Countless organizations, community groups, residents, and City of Danbury staff made this ongoing distribution a success. These distributions, coupled with the ongoing work of the Danbury Food Collaborative and local pantries, are vital in reducing food insecurity for our neighbors.
Last, though certainly not least, The Amber Room Colonnade and Doug Polistena made the holiday season brighter for families by providing fully cooked meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve for nearly 100 families. In collaboration with Toys for Tots, we also had the opportunity to provide new toys for those families picking up their Christmas Eve meal. The result: many smiling faces from dozens of children! As with all United Way events, our volunteers and community support made the days that much more special.
After more than 10 years working at United Way, I know just how generous the Danbury community can be. And yet each year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I look back at how our community mobilized and united to support our neighbors. On behalf of our team at United Way, thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do to ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive in the place we call home.