Harwinton Delegation Honors Local Volunteers During ‘Back to School’ Drive to Benefit Oklahoma Families

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) was joined by State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), and Harwinton First Selectman, Michael Criss, as the Harwinton delegation participated in a collection drive for families affected by the deadly EF-5 tornado that struck Moore, OK in May.  Also present on behalf of State Senator Jason Welch (R-31) was legislative aide, Jill Fitzgerald.

“I’m proud to support this effort led by John DiCostanzo and his colleagues,” said Rep. Piscopo.  “I thank the group for their tireless and continued efforts to support the people of Moore, OK.  As Connecticut’s ‘Tax Free Week’ approaches (Aug. 18th-24th) and families across the nation prepare their children to go back to school, please consider purchasing an extra item to donate to this cause.”

The morning ‘Back to School’ collection drive was held in collaboration with a group of local Harwinton business owners, who’ve coordinated two prior relief efforts since the tornado struck in May.  This is the third collection effort by the group, who again, will be personally driving all donated items to the people of Moore.

Originally from Sandy Hook, CT, the members of the group are committed to pay forward to the people of Moore, OK, the kindness and generosity that was received when the tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred last December.  A group members’ son is a surviving first grader of the massacre.

“These local volunteers are making a difference, and I am proud to support their remarkable efforts,” said Senator Witkos.   “In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, many people focused on helping our community to heal and recover from a truly unimaginable event.  John DiCostanzo and his fellow group members have taken an additional step to help the people of Moore, Oklahoma to recover from the destructive tornado that devastated buildings and schools.  I thank them for their commitment to help these students prepare for the return to school.  If you have an opportunity to donate school supplies, I encourage you to support this important effort.”

The group remains in contact with local relief groups in OK, who have advised that the current need is for school supplies for the area children who will be attending school at alternate sites while their schools are rebuilt.  The elementary schools were badly damaged, and, in the case of Plaza Towers, completely destroyed, by the tornado.

“Even months after the tornado struck this small Oklahoma town, Harwinton residents have not given up their crusade to help.  Their determination and passion for helping others is a testament to us all.  I applaud their efforts and encourage the community to donate whatever items they can so the children in Moore, Oklahoma can begin the school year on a positive note,” said Sen. Jason Welch.

During the event, the State Legislators presented group members John DiCostanzo, Howard Wood, Alexander Marti, and William Faucett with citations by the CT General Assembly, for their continued humanitarian efforts to benefit the people of Moore, OK.  Absent from the event was Peter Barresi.

“We truly feel blessed that we are able to help our brothers and sisters in Moore, OK by continuing to provide support for their rebuilding efforts in the wake of disaster,” said DiCostanzo.  “Without the help of everyone who helped fill our trailers on multiple occasions, the invaluable support of our state and local officials, and the magic of social media, we would not be nearly as successful in our mission.”

Donations will continue to be collected through the month of August.  Donations may be brought Mondays-Fridays from 8am-5pm to: Nexus Consulting, 200 Birge Park Rd. Ste4, Harwinton.

To make a donation outside of this drop off time, please call (860) 605-9111.

Donations needed at this time are school and activity supplies: -pens, pencils, crayons, markers, colored chalk, rulers, etc. -backpacks, lunchboxes, rulers, etc. -balls (baseball, football, soccer, tennis, softball, etc.) -bats, gloves, gym socks, shin guards, mouth guards, shorts and t-shirts -musical instruments: consider donating unused/old instruments.  They do not need to be new, but they   should be in playable condition.