Press Release - Old Saybrook CARES continues to provide a helping hand to those impacted by COVID-19

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Donors Continue to Support Old Saybrook CARES Efforts Enabling Another Round of Funding

Old Saybrook Residents are Encouraged to Submit Grant Applications

OLD SAYBROOK, CT – January 22, 2021 – The Town of Old Saybrook announced today that due to another donation from Mike Chapin, CEO of From You Flowers, Old Saybrook CARES is continuing to accept another round of grant applications.

The Committee exceeded its initial goal to raise $100,000 in order to address the ongoing needs of as many Old Saybrook residents impacted by COVID-19.  To date, the committee has raised $106,277.77 and provided $96,202 in grants to 72 Old Saybrook residents

Mike Chapin provided the Committee with an initial $30,000 matching grant in 2020.  The second matching grant allows the committee to continue to provide grants up to $1,500 to be used for food, housing, utilities, child care or transportation costs related to job layoffs and/or unemployment due to COVID-19.

To qualify for an Old Saybrook CARES Grant:

  1. Applicant must be a resident of Old Saybrook, CT;
  2. Funds are to be used for basic needs (food, housing, utilities, childcare or transportation costs) related to job layoffs and/or unemployment due to COVID-19;
  3. Applicant may request up to $1,500; and
  4. Only one grant will be awarded per household.

If someone has previously received an OS CARES grant, they are eligible to apply again, though their application will be reviewed after new grant applications are considered first by the Old Saybrook CARES Grant committee, which is organized by Old Saybrook Youth and Family.

Applications are available on the Middlesex United Way website www.middlesexunitedway.org/oldsaybrookcares or at the Office of the First Selectman and can be dropped off at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, emailed to oldsaybrookcares@oldsaybrookct.gov or mailed to: OS CARES Committee c/o Town Hall, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. 

For any individual or family in need of assistance not as a result of the pandemic, there is other assistance available through Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services.

For more information or to make a tax deductible donation visit www.middlesexunitedway.org/oldsaybrookcares or checks can be mailed to Old Saybrook Cares Committee, c/o Town Hall, 302 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

About Old Saybrook CARES

The Old Saybrook program was born from the town’s Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) which brings together our local government, voluntary agencies, community and faith-based organizations, philanthropy and private sector partners to assist with the pandemic response and recovery effort. The LTRC will pull together local resources to meet the needs of town residents, identify gaps and communicate, if necessary, with the State of Connecticut for a response. 

The Steering Committee members include town residents, Mark Ricciardelli, Ashley Smelser, Leigh Morant and Kristen Roberts.   

About the Town of Old Saybrook

One of Connecticut's oldest towns, settled in 1635 and located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook offers a trove of historical and cultural sites. Old Saybrook hosts a thriving business environment, eclectic shops, unique restaurants, and beautiful natural resources from the beach to the coastal forest. There is a small town atmosphere with friendly neighborhoods, meaningful organizations, and a feeling of community and security. History and tradition abound giving the town roots that generate stability and a sense of pride and blend seamlessly with a modern culture. Whether you are visiting, looking for a home, or seeking the ideal business location, you will find it in Old Saybrook.

About From You Flowers®

From You Flowers® is owned and operated by partners with over 35 years of combined experience in the floral industry. It is a member of the multiple florist networks and has delivery capabilities worldwide via their affiliation with over 20,000 premier florists from around the world. It currently employs full and part time employees including, Customer Service Representatives, Managers and Supervisors (day, night and weekend).

From You Flowers® offers a complete selection of personal and corporate floral and gift items appropriate for any occasion and every sentiment and offers a unique Reminder Service designed to provide advance notice and gift selection assistance for important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Customers can make purchases 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week via toll-free 800 number or on the Internet at www.fromyouflowers.com. From You Flowers, LLC offers same-day delivery service on orders placed before 3:00 p.m. in the delivery time zone. Geographic Capabilities From You Flowers® services the United States as well as more than 140 countries worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
(860) 395-3123 or (860) 883-1132