This Week We Highlight the
Webster Community Chest
Since 1948 the Webster Community Chest has been helping our neighbors in the greater Webster community with the generous help of our residents. Each year the needs of our neighbors are different, but they are always ready as an organization to provide different resources through the Benefits Counselor Mary Ellen McDowell. Neighbors helping Neighbors, the theme of the Community Chest campaign, rings clear each year as your donations make it possible to help someone buy medicine, help with car repairs, or pay rent when an unexpected emergency happens.
In the 2008 year, the Webster Community Chest assisted many in our area. They are the organization that many first think of when times are tough.
- 2,010 calls to the Community Chest
- 2,210 visits to the Tuesday Surplus Food Distribution
- 500+ people served in the Food Cupboard
- 72 emergency visits to the Food Cupboard
- 224 holiday food baskets
- 34 children received a summer recreation scholarship
- 45 families received emergency financial assistance
- 72 children received Christmas gifts
The Webster Community Chest maintains the Medical Equipment Loan Closet with the assistance of the Parks & Recreation employees who sign the equipment in and out. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes and crutches are available, at no cost, to residents of the greater Webster community.
The Chest provides assistance with food for those Webster residents in need. The Food Cupboard is set up as a mini grocery store of nonperishable food and personal care products. All items are donated by Webster businesses, churches, schools, scout troops and individuals. The Food Cupboard is open by appointment and the individual is asked to provide proof of Webster residency and the reason they are in need. Shopping at the Cupboard is free and available on a temporary basis until a crisis is past or other solutions are found.
Each Tuesday evening there is a distribution of perishable food (vegetables, fruit, bread, dairy products, etc.) that has been regularly donated by Wegmans (Holt Road and Eastway), Hegedorns, BJs, Starbucks, Schutt's, Panera Bread, and Diamond Delights Bakery. Families who meet income guidelines are welcome to come as often as needed. Approximately 40 dedicated volunteers oversee this weekly program. After a Webster resident registers by confidentially showing their household income and expense information, they are welcome to come on a weekly basis for this food that can supplement their own resources. There is NO cost for these services.
To learn more and find out how you can help this effort, visit their website.