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United Way of Meriden and Wallingford News

Web Site: http://www.unitedwaymw.org
35 Pleasant St., Suite 1E, Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: (203) 235-4403 Fax: (203) 235-4404

The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford mobilizes resources to create lasting change.

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United Way Holiday Program Details

November 2, 2009

Adopt-a-Family Program: Our Adopt-a-Family Program connects individuals, groups and organizations with a family in need during the holiday season. All of the families are screened by our agencies to determine eligibility, so you know your generosity is going to those among us who need it the most. Your participation in this program makes a significant impact to ensure that local families will experience the wonder of the holidays, and it is a remarkable way for your family, your office, your organization or your friends and you to LIVE UNITED�.

Our families provide a "wish list" along with the ages, gender and sizes of their children. We will match you with a family and provide you their wish list. You would be responsible for purchasing the items on your family's wish list and bringing the unwrapped gifts to their agency in time for holiday delivery. If this program sounds right for you, please let us know you want to participate!

Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner, Gift Baskets, and Other Donations: Other ways you can help families in Meriden and Wallingford through our Holiday Programs include purchasing supplies to make a Thanksgiving meal. Food baskets are usually made up of traditional non-perishable holiday food items, such as ham, canned vegetables, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, canned pie filling, and gravy. A grocery store gift card can be included to help the family purchase perishable items like a turkey and fresh vegetables.

Another way to reach out a helping hand would be through collecting supplies to fill a theme basket. Kitchen items are always appreciated � perhaps you are able to organize a collection of related items such as dish detergent, dish towels, paper towels, non-perishable food items, etc. Local agencies have a huge need for the following food items: Healthy cereals (i.e. Cheerios, Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Shredded wheat, Raisin Bran, etc.); Canned meats, tuna, and peanut butter; Baby food (any kind!)

Personal care and toiletry items also make excellent donations that serve to enhance a family's situation. Food stamps do not cover the cost of expensive (but necessary!) toiletry items that our families greatly need. Below is a short list of the essential items that our local agencies requested for their families in need: Diapers, baby care products (i.e. baby shampoo, lotion, and wipes); Toilet paper; Paper towels; Tissues; Personal care products: Shampoo & Conditioner; Deodorant; Toothpaste; Toothbrushes (adult & children's toothbrushes needed!); Q-tips; Razors; Towels.

Donations of gas cards and food cards are great ways to invest in your community, and they are always distributed to deserving families among us. Please join us in our goal to LIVE UNITED� this holiday season! We need people like you who recognize the importance of improving the quality of life in our community. With your steadfast support of our Holiday Programs, together we will elevate families among us to share in the goodness of the holiday season. Every single effort to help strengthen families in our neighborhood makes a difference to improve the condition for all of us. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Sarah A. Chorzempa, Coordinator, The Volunteer Center, United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, Tel: (203) 235-4403, ext. 12.

Member News is provided as a service of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and is also featured in the monthly "Chamber News" newsletter mailed to members.