Nov. 9 – Nearly three dozen local human services organizations are expected to participate in the coming weeks in The Day’s 17th annual Make a Difference campaign, which aims to help individuals and families in need as the holidays and winter weather approach are.
Every year, starting in mid-November, The Day publishes daily short stories outlining specific situations and needs of families or individuals in the region and how people can donate to help. The series begins on Monday, November 18 and will run until mid-December, with information submitted by agencies working directly with the families.
The campaign has generated great interest each year from donors who feel touched by reading about their neighbors who have fallen on hard times due to job loss, medical problems or one of a myriad of emergencies.
The instructions do not identify the individuals or families but provide general information about their needs and how to contact those providing services.
Agency leaders told The Day that they have received an overwhelming response to requests, and that donations will go directly to families in need.
“For our organization, the donations we receive from ‘Make a Difference’ absolutely help a family during difficult times,” Tricia Cunningham, executive director of Always Home, a nonprofit that helps prevent homelessness, told The Day last year. “But what’s really special about The Day’s campaign is that people read about someone’s story, about their personal struggles, and are inspired to make real impact by providing direct help to those who need it most.”
Last December, Always Home asked for help for a sick grandmother who was caring for her three grandsons. Their apartment had just been condemned due to mold.
The Arc Eastern Connecticut sought help for Rusty, a young man with an intellectual and developmental disability who lives with his uncles on a fixed income in a trailer.
The family received blankets, clothing and gift cards for food, as well as gift cards to Dunkin’ Donuts, “Rusty’s favorite place on earth,” said Denise Tift, director of community outreach for Arc. Enough money was donated to buy Rusty a new iPad to replace Rusty’s broken one.
“We have the friendliest supporters in the entire region,” Tift told The Day.
Any interested human service agencies that have not participated in the Make a Difference campaign in the past should contact reporter Claire Bessette at c.bessette@theday.com by Friday, November 15.
c.bessette@theday.com
