Politics & Government

Danbury-Area Town Relief Effort

Union Savings Bank, Danbury, Newtown, New Milford, Bethel and Redding, have pooled money to help people suffering immediate losses from Hurricane Sandy.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton announced Danbury and several area towns have partnered with Union Savings Bank to lead a relief fund initiative to help Greater Danbury victims of Hurricane Sandy.

"Our friends and neighbors in the Greater Danbury area have been severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  We are aware of the financial and emotional devastation of such a catastrophic event," Boughton said. 

"We are honored to have Union Savings Bank join us as we begin this initiative to alleviate some of the burden on our residents."

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During the struggle to regain normalcy, many victims are in need of monetary relief.  As a result, the City of Danbury has created a separate account established at Union Savings Bank named Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund - Greater Danbury.  Danbury made an initial donation of $5,000, and Union Savings Bank donated $2,500 as seed money for the fund.  Additional towns are expected to contribute to the seed money including Newtown who has agreed to $1,000. The fund will need additional donations from local businesses and individuals to make it a public/private partnership.

"We hope that with these initial donations we can encourage individuals, organizations and businesses to do the same" explained Mayor Boughton.

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Union Savings Bank President and CEO Francis Dattalo said "Partnering with the City of Danbury provides us with a great opportunity to support and benefit those in need.  We are pleased to make this financial contribution to help those seriously impacted by Hurricane Sandy, one example of our commitment to the communities we serve."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can simply walk into any Union Savings Bank branch in Danbury, Newtown, New Milford, Brookfield, Ridgefield, New Fairfield or Bethel and make a monetary contribution in any amount to the fund. 

New Milford Mayor Pat Murphy said, "I encourage everyone to stop-in at their local Union Savings Bank Branch and to make a donation to help our fellow residents and neighbors."

Given the proven success of the partnership between the United Way of Western CT and the City of Danbury, we will have the organization assist in the administration and distribution of these funds to residents in need in Danbury, Newtown, New Milford, Bethel, and Redding. The United Way will vet recipients to make sure the money reaches people in need.

Donations will be accepted beginning on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 through Wednesday, December 12, 2012.


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