Our Advent Giving Tree program is off and running. We are collecting financial donations to support:
 

• Neighbors’ In Need: which provides financial assistance to parishioners and Simsbury-area residents who are having a difficult time with skyrocketing grocery bills, heating costs, auto repair bills, shot water heaters and much needed furnace work not to mention assistance with medicine. Your support makes life easier for those in need. In the last few weeks the rectory has seen people calling who have not had hot water for months, a single dad seeking help with food insufficiencies, medical needs for a young child, and a homeless family looking for clothes. And while these needs are only reinforced by the cold weather, the needs remain all year long. Simsbury, believe it or not, is not immune from the realities of the market place or sickness or suffering. Your help is the “antidote” to someone’s need. Thank you!

• Malta House of Care: provides medical diagnosis, treatment and assistance with medical needs for those who have no insurance. Many are “working poor” either without medicalinsurance due to part time work or those who are working and cannot afford copays or deductibles which come with most plans and certainly with the Affordable Care Act insurance policies. Malta has served more than 40,000 Hartfordarea residents in need over the last 10 years and continues to see increasing numbers coming to their mobile van locations. It is hard enough to be diagnosed with heart issues or diabetes or cancer and then to compound that fear with the inability to pay for a doctor and medical care—one can only imagine the stress that adds to an already stressful life. May God bless you for your care and donation. There is still time to donate; I see envelopes left on our trees.