FAIRFIELD, CONN. - The Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield welcomed a special guest to its March general meeting. Rolanda Smith, Manager for King’s Pantry program of The Healing Tree Economic Development of Bridgeport, was invited to receive a check for $8,000, to support food pantry services in the Greater Bridgeport region. The donation was generated by the proceeds of A Visit to Santa’s House, the club’s annual fundraiser held every December in Fairfield. "It is with much joy that the JWC presents our check to the Healing Tree Economic Development. We are overjoyed that the community supported Santa's House hence we were able to provide to a well deserving organization.” states Lillie Ennis, JWC Co-President.
Each year the proceeds of Santa’s House are donated to the club’s CARE (Consideration And Respect for Everyone) partner. JWC's co-president has announced the decision to extend the partnership with The Healing Tree Economic Development for another year. “Renewing the partnership for a second year was an easy decision! We were excited to deepen our relationships with the Healing Tree Economic Development," shares Lillie Ennis.
Upon receiving the check, Smith commented, “I am on the front lines and see the need every day the Pantry opens its doors to the community. The support given to us will help the program further meet the needs of those needing food.”
The Healing Tree Economic Development, Inc. King’s Pantry program will use the $8,000 grant to support operational cost for the program. “We are grateful to have been chosen to receive this grant made available to us from an organization also made up of committed volunteers,” said Cynthia Gee West, Founder & CEO of the Healing Tree Economic Development, Inc. “Basic essentials such as food remain a high need in our communities especially for families with children and our veterans. In one year we serve approximatively 100,000 meals.”