Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you accept donations of clothing, furniture, dishes, etc.?
A: We are currently not accepting donations of those items. If you have any of these that you would want to assist a local family with, we encourage you to contact WAIM at 860-456-7270 or Stafford thrift store at 860-684-6121.
Q: Do you accept monetary donations?
A: Yes we do. We prefer a check made payable to Willington Human Services, 40 Old Farms Rd in Willington, and we will be happy to put it in the fund that you request- food pantry, fuel bank, Veteran’s needs, or general donations. All of our donations are earmarked for residents, completely transparent, and tax deductible. Please let us know if you would like a receipt for your donations.
Q: What programs do you run during the year?
A: This department’s goal is to improve the life of our residents. We offer many programs for those with income constraints, such as our Holiday meals and gifts, back to school assistance, and Renters Rebate, as well as offering a Food Pantry, Fuel Bank, Diaper Bank, and more. We also offer programs for helping you to save money and improve mental health, such as our Clever Whatever and Zentangle classes. We frequently run food drives and raise funds for our Fuel Bank and our Veteran’s fund. In addition, we also run several programs in collaboration with Parks and Recreation, including Summer camp and school vacation camps.
Q: What is the food pantry?
A: The food pantry is a small room located in the town offices that provides emergency canned and dry goods, cereal, and often bread to residents in need. This is funded entirely by resident donations.
Q: What are the times the food pantry is open and what do you have/accept?
A: We are open Mondays from 4-6pm and Fridays from 10-noon. We accept non-expired, unopened canned and dry goods only. We accept donations any time the town offices are open.
Q: What is Mobile Foodshare?
A: Mobile Foodshare is a bi-monthly event where a truck of food comes to the town offices, carrying produce and sometimes meats, dairy, and more. This service is a collaboration between CT Foodshare and this department, and is available for anyone to attend. We ask that you remain in your vehicles during the distribution, which occurs between 11am and 11:30 am every other Wednesday.
Q: What is Renter’s Rebate?
A: Renter’s Rebate is a tax abatement program for Renters 65 and older, or totally disabled. You can apply between April 1 and October 1 each year, and can receive up to $700 back! Contact this office for more information and to see if you qualify.
Q: What services do you offer to help with electric or heating costs?
A: For electric bills, we have several options to help you. We can help you apply for the state’s energy assistance program, which is for moderate to lower income residents and is available for all types of home heating. We can also assist you with some of your supplier’s programs, like Matching Payment and New Start, which can lower your bills or allow them to forgive part of a balance owed. We also have a fuel bank, which provides a one-time delivery of heating fuel to a home.
Q: How can I help out?
A: Thank you for wanting to assist us in assisting others! We have a lot of activities you can help with- some are even great for families! Please reach out to us and let us know of your interest and we will be in touch!