More than 40 families "adopted" by town workers and residents
[SinglePic not found]Town employees helped in a number of ways: contributing proceeds from a Holiday Bazaar, assisting with food collections, gift wrapping, other monetary donations, and delivering donated Christmas trees.
When times get tough, it seems, people get giving…
And that’s certainly true of Town of Mansfield employees who have pitched in to “adopt” more than 40 families.
The town’s Department of Human Services traditionally connects donors with families in need during the holidays. This year, town staff far exceeded their contributions of past years.
Donors also included local churches, civic groups and children, teachers and staff at the elementary, middle and high schools.
Town employees helped in a number of ways: contributing proceeds from a Holiday Bazaar, assisting with food collections, gift wrapping, other monetary donations, and even delivering donated Christmas trees.
These gifts were supplemented by contributions from the Mansfield Holiday Fund, an independent group that raised more than $11,000 this year, donated by 167 families and individuals.
Kathy Ann Easley, a social worker in the Human Service Department who coordinated all of these efforts said all this generosity is inspiring. “It has been truly remarkable to see the spirit of giving and generosity embodied by our employees and our residents,” she said.
Recipients of this holiday- giving program were overwhelmed by the outpouring, and in many cases they broke down in tears upon receiving their gifts, said Human Services Director Kevin Grunwald.
“It’s remarkable, because we’re all facing budget cuts and uncertainty here – and despite that, they could still look outside themselves,” he said.
“We’ve also had residents calling here, asking what they can do,” he said.
The “adopted” families received food – including the fixings for a holiday meal – and gifts that can be given to their children
“People aren’t asking for a lot,” Grunwald said, and recalled that one adult, when asked what he might need, said ”I’d like a knitted winter hat.”
“The staff of the Department of Human Services would like to thank all for their contributions, and to wish all of our residents a happy holiday,” Grunwald said.
Monetary contributions can be made year-round to the Town of Mansfield’s Special Needs Fund, sent to the Dept. of Human Services, Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT 06268.
For more information, call the office at 429-3314.
For More Information
http://mansfield.htnp.com/news/122208town_adopts_40_families.html
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