Give five minutes to make a difference in our community

Last year, Anthony, a 53-year-old man with a wife and 10-year-old son, developed a chronic illness and became unable to work. After recovering from his initial health crisis, he was left with an ongoing illness and a permanent disability.

Despite this, he knew he could work part-time, and he still needed to help provide for his family. It was especially important to him to resume working after the toll his health problems had taken on the family finances. Soon Anthony found work as a part-time mechanic.

However, he needed money for uniforms before he could begin the job, and he wouldn't get paid until two weeks after he started working. It looked like his chance for a new start wouldn't happen. But then he was referred to a local emergency aid program.

They gave him a grant to purchase the work uniforms. He wasn't used to needing "charity," but accepting this support ultimately meant a better life for his family.

Community members just like YOU helped Anthony, but he is not the only one in need. An economic recession has left many in our community unemployed. Family and personal savings and investments are rapidly dwindling.

The programs providing basic needs in our neighborhoods are seeing a 40% increase in new families coming through their doors.In order to serve this new influx, more funding is necessary.

Please join in and help The United Way of Western Connecticut emergency campaign to raise funds for programs

that provide basic needs services, such as food, shelter, clothing and healthcare for residents throughout Western Connecticut. The goal is to raise $250,000 in five weeks.

Through your donations, programs providing help for people like Anthony provide a place to turn for the rapidly growing numbers of families coming to United Way - families that have nowhere else to seek help. Here is how you can help - "Take five to give five." Thismeans just 5 minutes, $5 or more, 5 friends, 5 weeks - whatever you can manage.

Give to the United Way's basic needs campaign and help a family have enough food to put on their table, pay for their necessary medicines, and know they have a place to sleep tonight.

Tell five friends about how they can make a change. Use your network, share the stories and ask them to donate to the campaign. Your gift multiplies with every person you connect with.

Cut out the FamilyWize discount prescription card at the center of this page and hand it out to anyone lacking insurance.

This is a real and concrete way to make things easier for your friends and neighbors.

 

Learn about other ways to get involved in your community by going to www. TakeFivetoGive5.org and see how easily you can step up and do your part to help us spread the word!