Help Children In Need Ahead of The Holidays!

November 20, 2024


The state will issue payments soon to eligible participants for the Connecticut Renters' Rebate Program. Please see below for details on the payment timeline.

You have an exciting opportunity to get yourself and others in the holiday spirit! Members of the community are invited to donate toys to local children in need ahead of Christmas. Keep scrolling to learn how how you can get involved.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Renters' Rebate Program Payments
  • Let's Talk About It: Holiday Celebrations
  • Native American Heritage Month
 
Renters' Rebate Program Payments
Elderly or totally disabled residents who applied for the Renters’ Rebate Program should receive payments on or before November 30. Those who applied and do not receive a payment by December 15 should contact the Renters' Rebate Program Hotline at (860) 418-6377.
People renting an apartment, room, mobile home, or living in cooperative housing may be eligible for this program. Renters' rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single people. The rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies.
Click here for more information
 
Let's Talk About It: Holiday Celebrations
With the holidays approaching, now is a good time to let the community know about upcoming events and how to make Christmas memorable for children in need. Dawn Niles, who co-chairs Windham/Willimantic CARES, previewed everything you need to know on my radio show “Let’s Talk About It.”
 
Let’s start with the Holiday Light Parade Extravaganza and Tree Lighting at Jillson Square. Main Street will be closed for the parade beginning at 5:45 P.M. on Friday, November 29. Children will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Windham Community Center, where they will gift books.
The Windham Center Tree Lighting will be held at 6 P.M. on Sunday, December 1. Join the fun as Santa makes an appearance on a fire truck at 18 Windham Center Road. There will be caroling and cookies too!
 
There will be a pair of toy collection drives around town on Saturday, December 7. Help us stuff a fire truck at Walmart in North Windham (474 Boston Post Road) from 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. or please drop off a donation at BJ’s Whole Sale Club (1589 Main Street) from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
In addition to those toy drives, Windham/Willimantic CARES is asking the community to provide toys and monetary donations for families in need. You can drop toys off at:
  • Apollo Pizza (685 Windham Rd.)
  • Blondie's Diner (1681 Main St.)
  • Papa Gino’s (95 Storrs Rd.)
  • Town Hall (979 Main St.)
  • Cupcake for Later (798 Main St.)
  • Liberty Bank
  • That Breakfast Place (37 Boston Post Rd.)
Windham/Willimantic CARES is accepting applications for the gift giveaway until Monday, December 9 at midnight. CLICK HERE to apply. Nearly 500 families have already applied.
 
Click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Dawn Niles explains how you can help families in need this holiday season.
 
Native American Heritage Month
Connecticut’s Native communities have shaped our state’s heritage and continue to lead efforts in cultural preservation, education, and advocacy.
 
Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor and learn about the cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples and celebrate their enduring legacies.
Click here to learn more about Willimantic's history