An Overwhelming Thank You for Overhwelming Support

To the editor:

Neighbor to Neighbor would like to thank the Greenwich community for the outpouring of support we received following Hurricane Sandy and leading up to Thanksgiving.  As the new Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, Greenwich’s food and clothing pantry, I am overwhelmed by the capacity of this town’s residents to mobilize resources and deliver them to their neighbors in need.  Our small donation room has been pushed to its limits to hold the coats, blankets and warm winter clothing we have received.  When we lost the meat in our freezer, Barcelona Restaurant replenished our supply.  Kings Food Market donated many cases of fresh bananas, cereal and canned fruit, items always in demand. The generosity of Kings, Morgan Stanley and St. Michael’s Church, among many others, ensured that each of our clients was able to have a turkey on Thanksgiving. 

Thank you to the many, many schools, businesses, religious organizations and civic groups who provided us with donations of food, clothing and much needed funds: The Brunswick School, Christ Church of Greenwich (Alter Guild), Cos Cob Firefighters and Greenwich Youth Football and Cheerleading Leagues, Eagle Hill School, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of Greenwich, Glenville School, Greenwich Country Day School, Hamilton Avenue School, International School at Dundee, Julian Curtiss School, Kiwanis Club of Greenwich, Knights of Columbus, Lulu Lemon, Mothers for Others, Old Greenwich School, Order of Redmen, Prudential Connecticut Realty, Riverside PTA, St. Catherine’s Church, St. Patrick’s Church of Armonk, NY, St. Paul’s Day School, Stanwich School, Sotheby’s International Realty, Temple Sholom, Trinity Church, and the YMCA of Greenwich.  There were so many, I am sure I have left some out, and for that I apologize.

Finally, thank you to the countless individuals who filled your cars with groceries for our pantry, who showed up to help us restock our shelves or sort clothing, and who called simply because you wanted to make a difference.  You did.  You literally brought tears to our eyes.  We are grateful to be part of a community so dedicated to looking after our neighbors who are struggling, whether due to a natural disaster, a family tragedy, or difficult life circumstances.   This season, Neighbor to Neighbor is thankful for the tremendous support of the Greenwich community.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Nancy Coughlin, Executive Director

(Please consider donating or having a food drive today! Urgent needs are: CEREAL, CANNED FRUIT, PASTA, PEANUT BUTTER (REGULAR SIZED JARS PLEASE), JELLY. In addition to donations of food and clothing, we are always in need of sheets and towels. Funds to buy food are always welcome. Thanks so much!)