Brooker Memorial was one of 49 organizations that received a grant this month from the Northwest CT Community Foundation (NCCF) as part of its critical needs program. A total of $116,000 was awarded to assist the area’s most economically distressed residents. Grants will help provide the most basic of necessities–food, warm clothing, and shelter.
The $1,500 received by Brooker helped provide holiday gifts to 10 children as part of its Angel Tree program that is also funded through the Ruth Chadwick Care Closet. Volunteers shop for gifts from lists provided by parents. The gifts were distributed Thursday, Dec. 11.
“We are grateful to the Northwest CT Community Foundation for supporting Brooker Memorial and the Ruth Chadwick Care Closet. This grant helps us serve more families facing hardship, ensuring that Ruth’s legacy of care and compassion lives on in our community,” said Christina Emery, executive director.
The Care Closet raises funds that are given to families connected to Brooker, who are experiencing financial difficulties including, but not limited to, a death in the family, fire, loss of employment or sickness. Donations for the Care Closet are still being sought at brookermemorial.org/donate/.
The Care Closet honors Ruth Chadwick, who died in 2012, after serving as an active community volunteer, a corporator at Brooker and a board member for 27 years.
