Health center holding ‘Drive Away Hunger’ event

TORRINGTON — Community Health and Wellness Center has been busy caring for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. The center was awarded recently $25,000 by Union Savings Bank Foundation, Danbury, in acknowledgement of these efforts.

“The pandemic has caused significant disruption throughout the community, with a large impact on our most vulnerable populations, which include homeless individuals, low-income families, and at-risk young children, adults, and the elderly,” said CEO Joanne Borduas. “We are very grateful to Union Savings Bank Foundation for providing us with their generous gift, and will use the funds to help us continue to care for our patients and prepare for future needs. And as a community partner, we want to continue to pay it forward and give back where we can.”

To help people who are facing food insecurity during this public health crisis, CHWC isusing of the funds to host a “Driving Away Hunger” initiative at its 469 Migeon Avenue facility from 3-5 p.m. May 13. The center will give away100 satchels of nonperishable food items to residents on a first come, first serve basis. Residents in need are invited to drive through or walk to the parking lot, where staff will give each family or individual a satchel of food to take home.

“We wish to sincerely thank the helpful staff at BJ’s Wholesale Club as well as Big Y manager Tracy Lambertson and employees Devin Dzedzik and Lindsey Kulbash for assisting us with shopping for food provisions for our initiative,” Borduas said.

In addition, the center is donating $500 to both the Friends in Service to Humanity/FISH shelter and New Beginnings. The Union Savings Bank Foundation’s donation will also be used to address the needs of CHWC’s operations in the months ahead, as well as be earmarked for in-house initiatives that will reward employees for the sacrifices they made and long hours they worked.

“The greatness of our community is most accurately measured by the caring compassion of its members,” says Borduas. “Together, we can change things one helping hand at a time.”

To reach CHWC, visit www.chwctorr.org/ or call 860-489-0931.

Contributed photo / Community Health & Wellness Center of Greater Torrington CEO Joanne Borduas shows the collection of items that will be distributed May 13 in Torrington.