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Health & Fitness

Hurricane Sandy Leaves Wake Up Call for Person-to-Person


In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy throughout Fairfield County, Newman's Own Foundation awarded a $25,000 Emergency Assistance Grant to Darien-based Person-to-Person.

Newman’s Own Foundation Answers With $25,000 Grant

 

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy throughout Fairfield County, Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman, awarded a $25,000 Emergency Assistance Grant to Darien-based Person-to-Person.

The grant is part of a strategic commitment from Newman’s Own Foundation to help those most severly affected by the storm, both in the near-term and in ongoing recovery efforts. P2P will use the grant specifically towards the purchase of a generator and to improve the communications system for the agency.

The need – and overwhelming impact of the disaster -- became painfully apparent to the agency, when the 45 year old organization found itself without power for 6 days, lost $1,600 worth of food from its Darien Food Pantry, and had no internet or phones for 7 days.

“What a wake-up call for P2P!” said Ceci Maher, Executive Director. “As an emergency assistance agency, we were distressed by our inability to help in a time of great need. It was devastating to throw away food due to a power outage, and frustrating to spend an entire week without being able to help those who needed us most. This support from Newman’s Own Foundation will make a significant impact on our ability to provide assistance.”

“We are saddened by the hardship felt by so many people along the East Coast in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” said Robert Forrester, Newman’s Own Foundation President and CEO. “We are grateful to Person-to-Person and their extraordinary efforts in serving those in need throughout this difficult time.”

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About Person-to-Person
For nearly 45 years, Person-to-Person has provided emergency assistance to low-income individuals and families residing in Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Having recently merged with CCA, the agency has facilities in Darien and in Norwalk and serves residents living throughout Lower Fairfield County. In 2012 the two locations collectively provided 449,316 meals, served more than 23,000 people, provided emergency financial assistance to 1,241 families, collected and distributed more than 50,000 bags of free clothing, and provided 170 students with scholarships for college. Person-to-Person is a volunteer-driven, community-supported agency which, through a sharing of goods and talents, responds to individuals and families who lack basic necessities or resources to improve their lives. For more information contact P2P at 203-655-0048.

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