NORWALK – On Monday, March 23, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) will join leaders from Person-to-Person of Norwalk, assisting with packaging and delivery of food donations being provided to families in need. During tough financial times and the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in southwestern Connecticut, it is imperative now more than ever to support and protect members of the community who may be struggling with temporary unemployment, layoffs or other economic repercussions.
Sen. Haskell will volunteer alongside others Monday morning at 10 a.m. at Person-to-Person’s Norwalk food pantry located at 76 South Main Street.
“In these unprecedented times, we need to make sure we protect every member of our communities. That means adopting social distancing, social isolation and quarantining to protect the health of our neighbors, family and friends, but it also means looking out for those who may be struggling,” said Sen. Haskell. “I am thankful Person-to-Person and other local charities are taking this responsibility seriously and look forward to helping them I encourage everyone who can to find ways to help their local community, whether through assisting elderly or high-risk neighbors, volunteering, making food donations or making monetary donations. We must rise to the challenge together.”
“As we work diligently to continue to meet the escalating needs of the families we serve year-round, as well as respond to an increase in the number of those needing food and emergency financial assistance, we are grateful for the support of our local, state and federal officials during this unprecedented crisis,” said Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person-to-Person. “We must all work together to ensure that our most vulnerable populations receive the critical support they need to remain safe, healthy and stable. We know that there is an especially difficult road ahead for many people and we remain ready to help.”
Person-to-Person is one of many food banks, nonprofits and other community organizations assisting members of the community struggling with the economic effects of layoffs, temporary unemployment and the continuing COVID-19 outbreak. It serves residents of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. P2P, as it is also known, is supplying shelf-stable groceries along with protein, produce and dairy to employees furloughed due to COVID-19 and residents with incomes below 235 percent of federal poverty guidelines. It is further providing emergency financial assistance to those who need help with rent, security deposits, utilities and emergency expenses. Those seeking help are asked to call 203-655-0048.
P2P is also accepting donations of food, toiletries, paper goods, diapers and gift cards at its 1864 Post Road location in Darien and its 76 South Main Street location in Norwalk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Please call 203-621-0703 for more information about donating or volunteering. It is also accepting funds through a virtual food drive at www.p2phelps.org.