December 18, 2012

Piscopo Op-ed: Assistance For Those In Need Regarding Newtown Tragedy

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After the tragic events in Newtown Connecticut, I want to use my normal weekly column to provide some helpful information to you. The community of Newtown, CT will need all of our prayers and support in the coming days, weeks and months and should know that we are there for them.
Those who wish to offer voluntary assistance in the wake of the tragedy should call 211 or (800) 203-1234, according to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Schools should be a safe place for learning, and when an event such as this occurs, it provides us with a stark reminder of how our world has changed. Your child’s physical and emotional safety is of utmost importance.

Here are some resources for how to talk to your kids about what happened.

From the American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

From the National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml
The Newtown Youth & Family Services is collecting donations. Donations can be sent via “Caroline’s Gift,” a fund set up in the 1990s by a local family in memory of their daughter. The Caroline’s Gift fund offers financial support to families who are dealing with a child’s terminal or catastrophic illness.

According to the organization’s website, any donations made to Newtown Youth & Family Services will be donated directly to those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting.

Newtown Youth and Family Services is located at 15 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. For more details on how to donate, call (203) 426-8103.
Another group accepting donations is the Newtown Parent Connection, which accepts donations right on its website ,www.newtownparentconnection.org. Donations can be made via Paypal or any major credit card, and the organization says all donations will be donated directly to those affected by the shooting. For further details, call(203)270-1600.

The United Way of Western Connecticut is also accepting donations in a partnership with Newtown Savings Bank. Check donations may be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown CT 06470, or you can drop off a donation at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location. You can also donate by credit card directly online here:https://newtown.uwwesternct.org

If you would like to comment on this column or other issues of concern to you please do so by contacting my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visiting my website www.cthousegop.com. I would love to hear from you.