All of us – I hope – enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with our families and friends. But now that we have eaten our fill of turkey and begun to look forward to the joyous winter holidays still ahead, it is time to think about caring for those in our communities who have reason to dread the upcoming cold days and months. 

This year’s expected high heating costs will force all of us to make somewhat painful adjustments in our household budgets, but surely some families will be harder hit than others. Those of us who need help are undoubtedly grateful for the region’s food and fuel banks. Those of us fortunate enough to have enough ought to be grateful – and express our gratitude by doing what we can to help those groups and organizations dedicated with helping our neighbors.

 An excellent plan to begin seeking help – or ways to help – is Infoline, which you can reach by dialing 2-1-1, or by accessing its website at www.infoline.org. Information provided on the Infoline website includes contact information for food and fuel banks across the state.

Southeastern Connecticut is fortunate to have so many organizations that make it their business to provide much needed help to the people living in our communities. For example, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center provides many much needed services for area communities, including a free emergency food pantry and fuel assistance. This not-for-profit agency can be reached at 860-599-3285, or at www.the-pnc.org. Groton Social Services, operated by the town, provides food and fuel assistance to local residents. For more information, call 860-441-6760, or check out the website at www.town.groton.ct.us 

Among the many, many local and statewide organizations ready and willing to help are the Thames Valley Community Action Agency (860-889-1365, www.tvcca.org); The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut  (860-464-7281, www.uwsect.org), Operation Fuel, Inc. (860-243-2345, www.operationfuel.org), and Connecticut Food Bank (203-469-5000, www.ctfoodbank.org) Nor surprisingly, many of these organizations work with government and local groups to provide services. Of course, the state also offers programs, notably winter heating assistance through the state Department of Social Services (1-800-842-1132, www.ct.gov/dss).

Please consider doing what you can to help these organizations that do so much to improve the quality of life in our communities. Here, I think it important to note that the groups I mentioned is not intended to be a comprehensive list of every place that southeastern Connecticut residents can seek, or offer, help.  This is just a starting point; there are plenty of religious and civic organizations in our area that do wonderful things and would, I am sure, welcome your help. For example, several area churches sponsor the Sunshine Kitchen, which serves meals from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday at Fitch Middle School in Groton. Mary Chapman, the director, said that all are welcome to join them. Those interested in learning more, volunteering or making a monetary donation can call her at 860-460-3405. Ask your friends and neighbors to tell you about their favorite community programs. You will be glad you did.
             As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Information regarding the many important other important issues addressed by the General Assembly is readily available on our website at www.cga.ct.gov. Of course, you can always call me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1421 or send me an e-mail at Catherine.Cook@cga.ct.gov.