Governor Rell Announces Statewide

‘Day of Caring & Compassion for November 7

Firefighters Across Connecticut Will Help Collect

Non-Perishable Food for Connecticut Food Bank, Foodshare

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced a statewide “Day of Caring & Compassion” on Saturday, November 7, when 15 fire stations around Connecticut will serve as collection centers for donations of non-perishable food to help replenish the state’s two main food pantries.

            “November 7 will be a one-day push to fill – and I mean really fill – the shelves of Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank ahead of the coming holidays,” Governor Rell said at a news conference at the Torrington Fire Department. “Working with fire departments in every corner of the state, our goal is to collect as much non-perishable food as possible. Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank will organize pick-ups from the fire stations later in the day – and from there it will go to food pantries and people in need all across Connecticut.

            “It is important to be clear that this is a collection of non-perishable food – things like pasta, peanut butter, canned goods and so on,” the Governor said. “The firefighters will not be collecting cash or non-food items. But our hope is that the generous people of Connecticut will – once again – open their hearts to help feed people in need this fall and winter. The world-wide economic slump continues to take a brutal toll on Connecticut and the effects are deeper than we have seen in years. So I am making a special request for help, because if you are in a position to give, your help is needed more than ever.”

            Fifteen fire stations in cities and towns across the state will serve as collection centers. (See attached list.)

            Governor Rell noted that while economists are beginning to see some small signs of improvement, far too many Connecticut families are still feeling the effects of layoffs, salary cutbacks, home foreclosures and other financial stresses.

            “As more of our Connecticut neighbors are falling into hard times because of the prolonged recession, it’s incumbent on those of us who can help to do so,” said Nancy L. Carrington, Executive Director of the Connecticut Food Bank. “This Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion is one way you can help meet the growing need in our communities. Statewide, the demand for food assistance has grown by more than 20 percent from the previous year – and many men, women and children are seeking food assistance for the first time.”

            Gloria J. McAdam, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, added: “The number of people seeking help at local food pantries in the Hartford area has increased by 30 percent just over last year. Many are in this position for the first time. Although they were donors in the past, they now find themselves on the other end of spectrum, asking for help, instead of being able to give it.”

            Governor Rell said the Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion is just one of several efforts under way to help provide assistance to families in need. Earlier this week, the Governor announced the start of the annual Operation ELF – an acronym for Embracing Lonely Families – which provides gifts, gift cards and other necessities for families of deployed troops from Connecticut. In the coming weeks the Governor will also launch the annual Governor’s Care & Share drive, a collection among state employees to help needy residents.

            “The statewide Day of Caring & Compassion on November 7 is a chance for everyone in the state to make a difference,” Governor Rell said. “It is really a chance for the generous people of our state to shine – and I know they will once again rise to the occasion.”