By Brenda Maguire
Correspondent
Over the years the Farrell Treatment Center, a substance abuse center on Main Street in New Britain, has been in need of additional money to provide various items for their patients. And each year the center is able to get the necessary funding thanks to the Archdiocese of Hartford and its annual Archbishop’s Appeal, a fundraising service.
“It’s amazing. We’ve been getting it now for 15 to 20 years and it’s a relief when it comes because we’re struggling every year,” said Pat Scarlett, administrative assistant at the center. “We depend on it.”
This year the appeal, titled “The Miracle of Sharing,” has raised $9.5 million.
“In this economy, it says a lot about people wanting to help the unfortunate,” said Maria Zone, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Hartford.
There have been 48,741 pledges from members in all 213 parishes that are part of the Archdiocese of Hartford. The average pledge is $197. Nearly 300 organizations will receive funding through the Archbishop’s Appeal. The Bristol Community Organization, at 55 South St. in Bristol, a nonprofit agency that serves low-income families, will use the money for its Dial-A-Ride program, which provide rides to handicapped and elderly residents. Money from the Archdiocese also goes into a fund for emergency needs.
This can be used for clients who may need a bus card, groceries or any other emergency needs.
“We certainly appreciate it,” said Tom Morrow, executive director of BCO. “We have this small fund we can turn to to help people in emergency situations.”
Other local organizations that receive funding through the Archdiocese’s campaign include the Christian Fellowship and Zion food kitchen in Bristol, the VNA Hospice Program of Central CT, Inc. in New Britain, Bread for Life in Southington, St. Phillip’s house in Plainville, and Newington Food and Fuel Bank. The appeal has already surpassed its goal by $1 million and fundraising will not end until Dec. 31. The Miracle of Sharing title was inspired by the biblical story of Jesus multiplying five barley loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 men.
Archbishop Henry J. Mansell spoke at a reception on Tuesday night in Southington to thank more than 800 major donors to the appeal.
For more information go to http://archdioceseofhartford.org/annualappeal.htm, or call (860) 541-6491.
Brenda Pantano 