The “Valley Has A Heart” food drive collected 55 cart-loads of non-perishable food, and $1,622 in donations.
The food drive was held at three Stop & Shop stores in the Valley — in Ansonia, Seymour and Shelton — on Feb. 19.
There were nearly 60 volunteers from age 6 to 65 and older helping in the three locations and despite the bitter cold their spirits were especially high as the generosity of those living in the lower Naugatuck Valley became evident.
“This year we had more volunteers helping to collect, load and transport the donated food back to Spooner House for safe storage and eventual distribution,” explained Executive Director, Susan Agamy. “We are always grateful for the items we receive during these drives, “ Agamy continued, “however, considering the kind of winter we’ve had, we could always use more food and cash to see those in need through until spring… if it ever comes!”
Those who were unable to attend the drive are still encouraged to help.
Checks should be made payable and mailed to: Area Congregations Together, Inc., Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton CT 06484. Donations may also be made via PayPal by clicking on the Donate button at www.actspooner.org.
Deliveries of non-perishable food items are also accepted at the above location Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or to set up a special time for food delivery call 203 – 225-0453.
In Ansonia, donations for the Spooner House’s Kathleen B. Samela Memorial Food Bank may also be brought to the office at Christ Episcopal Church 56 Cliff Street Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call 203 – 734-2715 to arrange for drop offs at another time.
Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc. (ACT) was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Naugatuck Valley’s social service network. Today, Spooner House is operated by ACT and is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 250 men, women and children each year. Spooner House is recognized as one of the most comprehensive emergency shelter programs in Connecticut and provides a week’s supply of groceries each month to participating families throughout the Naugatuck Valley. Last year the food bank program provided 125,000 meals to 2,700 people in the valley, 900 of them children. Spooner House is devoted to helping clients establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Area Congregations Together, Inc. is a partner agency of the Valley United Way.
