State Residents To Benefit From Generosity Of Care And Share Campaign

HARTFORD — Governor M. Jodi Rell announced on December 22 that the 25th annual Governor’s Care and Share Holiday Drive collected nearly six tons of nonperishable food and $11,000 in cash donations from state employees to benefit Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank.

“Our state employees have once again embraced this worthwhile challenge and now thousands of struggling Connecticut families will benefit from their generous spirit,” said Gov Rell. “That spirit has always been brightest in tough times. The national recession has clearly made this year one of those tough times. I could not be more proud of Connecticut employees for helping truly make this a holiday from the heart.”

Gov Rell said the employee donations coupled with a special Care & Share food drive challenge she launched this summer have raised nearly $160,000 for Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank, two of the largest antihunger organizations in the state. The governor dedicated $25,000 to each organization in July and challenged private citizens, state employees, and the business community to match her initial $50,000. She began the summer campaign at a time when residents were contending with record-high gasoline prices and soaring grocery bills.

Food Bank and Foodshare estimate that a $5 donation can feed five adults for a day and a $10 donation can serve two senior citizens for five days.

 “The response was overwhelming and I am so grateful for everyone’s help. I am never surprised, but always humbled by the kind, generous nature that defines the people and businesses of this great state,” Gov Rell said. “By working together we are able to help so many people feed their families. The holiday spirit has always been alive and well in Connecticut.”