Fighting The Blues For

The Holidays

By Kendra Bobowick

Some people are “really down,” around Christmastime, said Kevin’s Community Center Clinic Director Linda Pinckney. “The heart grows heavier, not lighter, and they wish us a happy holiday and smile, but they have nothing.”

She said, “I see it more now because people are out of work.” They may have lost their job, or in some way they may be down on their luck, she said. “I think Christmas adds another stress to people trying to get by.”

People over 18, primarily from Newtown, with some from Roxbury and Bridgewater, who are uninsured or underinsured take advantage of the free health clinic that is open Wednesdays, which is where Ms Pinckney meets them. “Even one day a week we see people, they were laid off,” or are enduring hardships, she explained.

Thinking of how best to help this season, she said, “Gift cards. People need groceries.” Gift cards for local stores would be a help, she said. “One woman I am thinking of said it’s hard even to buy groceries.”

Pastor Joey Newton of Newtown Bible Church is also aware of neighbors in need. “I think people may know the kindness they would like to receive — invite [neighbors] for a meal, maybe give them a gift,” he said. Speaking on behalf of his church, he said, “We’re trying to meet those needs as we’re able.”

He spoke recently about the concept that gifts — or lack of gifts to give — “causes people to be down.” He spoke of kindness: “To be a friend, to be giving, it’s pretty basic. We should be like that year-round.”

Take the opportunity to “be there” for a friend or neighbor, he advises. While some people may miss the gifts they want to give their children, they should also recognize blessings. Be thankful for health, life, and family, he said. “Do the best you can.”

In practical ways, residents and church members can find practical ways to express kindness, provide food, and meet needs.

Pastor Gregory Wismar believes in cross-generational sharing. Offering an example of holiday giving, he told the story of a mother, father, and their 2-

year-old.

“The woman approached with cards,” he said. They had signed a handful of holiday cards, their son had added “his 2-year-old scribble.” She asked that the cards get to a Lutheran home in Southbury, “for people who might not have enough,” he explained. “How nice!”

His advice for the season is to think of people of a different generation. Younger people thinking of the elderly, and older people thinking of children. “We need to remember the other generations,” he said. Or, “Reach across the generational lines and pick someone unlikely.” Using the couple and child with the holiday cards as an example, he said, “They made them for people they don’t know.”

Also, think of residents nearby. “People may have family far away, or very little family; they’re in our neighborhoods.”

This week he was spreading his own holiday message as he visited the shut-ins. “I bring the message of Christmas and I am also a link to the church, etc. It’s part of Christmas.”

The director of the nonprofit outreach organization Golden Opportunities, Knettie Archard, insists that smile for others can brighten the season. “It makes things happier, lighter,” she said. Her advice? “Make a point to visit someone who might not have much company, or may be lonely.” She sees the benefits through her organization as volunteers meet with the elderly, often in nursing homes, who welcome the companionship. “Spend some time, bring them eggnog,” she said. “Help relieve the loneliness by spending an extra few minutes.”

She notes, “Holidays can be tough for people who are alone; just a few minutes makes then so happy.”

Contact Pastor Wismar at 203-426-6300, Pastor Newton at 203-426-6484, or Ms Archard at 203-426-3301.