Easton Receives United Way Grant For Coronavirus Relief

EASTON, CT — United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has awarded the town a grant to support residents impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Presentation was made to Alison Witherbee, director of Human Services.

The COVID Relief Grant provides emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities and critical bills to help keep families in stable homes. This is the second round of grants from United Way to aid those affected by the pandemic in Fairfield County.

"We are grateful for this grant to support Easton residents, especially young families who have lost employment income during the crisis," said Witherbee. "Primarily, the funding will help those struggling with utility bills to stay warm during these cold months. It will also provide grocery store gift cards so that school-aged children get the nourishment they need."

The grant of $4,000 was presented by United Way CEO Jeff Kimball and Easton resident Sarah
Lehberger, content marketing manager for the local non-profit. It follows support provided to the
town last spring in the form of electronic gift cards to meet immediate family needs.

"Our neighbors need our help, and many of them are seeking help for the first time in their lives. We're honored to work with the Town of Easton to bring help and hope to those who are suffering," Kimball said in a news release.

In the past year, Easton residents' requests for help to United Way’s 2-1-1 Infoline have nearly doubled. To meet the demand in the months ahead, Witherbee is hoping to expand the town’s food pantry. United Way is helping to facilitate donations through its website, and encourages contributions to the pantry project online.