Project Warmth helps struggling Monroe families keep the heat on in the wintertime and the Monroe Food Pantry puts food on the table, but there are some needs these town programs cannot meet. The Rotary Club of Monroe created the Helping Hand Fund to fill in the gaps, and presented a donation of over $6,163 to the cause during a short event at the Monroe Senior Center Thursday morning.
Monroe Community and Social Services Director Kim Cassia, whose department will allocate the funds, said it will make a difference in people’s lives. Outside of its programs, she said the town has bought coats for the homeless, paid for scholarships to camps, and bought gas and grocery cards, among some of the needs.
Monroe Rotary President Ken Kellogg said his club loves to support the Food Pantry and Project Warmth, but decided to work with Social Services Coordinator Mary Ann Kalm to learn what needs are falling through the gaps.
“The Rotary’s focus is always to make an impact and to define that need,” Kellogg said Thursday. “I want to thank Mary Ann, because we had a long conversation on where those areas of need are.”
If someone needs an Uber ride to get to a job interview and help themselves, Kellogg said the fund can be used to assist them, as well as providing for things like gas money or a hot meal, because neither the Food Pantry nor SNAP can do that.
Money raised from the Monroe Rotary Club’s annual Service Above Self Golf Tournament was used to establish the Helping Hand Fund.
To donate to the Helping Hand Fund, click here.
Upcoming Rotary Events
The Rotary Club of Monroe has two events planned, including a blood drive at United Methodist Church and a comedy night fundraiser.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Rotary Club will sponsor a blood drive at UMC of Monroe, 515 Cutlers Farm Road, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. For an appointment, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).
Blood donors can receive a $20 gift card to a merchant of your choice. Visit rcblood.org/heart for details.
The Rotary Club of Monroe and Connecticut Comedy for Cash presents a Comedy Night at the Chris Bargas Golf Club at Whitney Farms, 175 Shelton Road in Monroe on Saturday, March 7.
The opening act features Rick Roberts, the headliner is Billy Winn and Tony Liberati is the featured act.
Tickets cost $80 and include a full dinner and the show. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $800. For tickets, call Monroe Rotary President Ken Kellogg at 203-650-6850 or send an email to rotaryclubmonroe@gmail.com. For information, visit the club’s Facebook page.
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