One of my favorite quotes from the Bible can be found in Acts 20:35, which states, "in everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” As the community is still reeling from the COVID pandemic, we must follow the Lord's word and assist our fellow neighbors through their dark days. At any given moment, any one of us can face a financial hardship that can stress a person's mental and physical health. 

With the summer season winding down and children preparing for the upcoming school year, the cost of new clothing and classroom supplies can quickly accumulate and put a strain on parents' pocketbooks. Since the price tag for educational expenses can easily eclipse a hundred dollars per child, struggling families in Greater Danbury need to know that there are services available to assist parents in providing the best quality education for their young ones. 

For over thirty years, the United Way of Western Connecticut has assisted working families in Fairfield and Litchfield County with essential school supplies for children through their Back-to-School drive. Families that United Way qualify as "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed” (ALICE) households are awarded a backpack filled with pens, pencils, paper, and other core school supplies. The agency also gives families gift cards that assist in helping kids start their school year on a positive note. 

United Way's program for needy families is impossible without the community's assistance through monetary and school supply donations or both. The agency is accepting donations from community members and businesses through its website (https://www.uwwesternct.org/backtoschool) until August 12. Later in the month, the donated items will be distributed to qualified families at their supply drives in Danbury and New Milford in time for the start of the school year. 

For more information on United Way and the variety of services it provides for the area, visitwww.uwwesternct.orgor call 860-354-8800.