Goodwill does its part for August flood victims

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut (GWNC) rallied its team to support victims of the August flood disaster, which greatly affected Oxford, New Canaan, and Greater Danbury.

GWNC’s involvement began at Quarry Walk in Oxford as they provided boots-on-the-ground support in the days following the flood, handing out food and water, cleaning items, and distributing Goodwill gift cards. Alongside Team Inc. and the American Red Cross, GWNC served as a support system for Oxford residents navigating a monumental disruption.

This cycle of support for the Oxford community has now culminated in a donation of more than $13,000 through GWNC’s Round Up campaign, where customers at Goodwill stores chose to “round up” the price of an item they purchased.

“Goodwill prides itself on being deeply embedded in the communities it supports,” said Heather Marquis, co-Interim CEO, GWNC. “Stepping in to aid victims of the Oxford flood was an easy decision and we are pleased to have found ways to amplify the impact of this effort by incorporating our Round Up campaign in our stores.”

On the day of the worst part of the storm, weather stations in Oxford recorded 16.31 inches of rain on Sunday, Aug. 18. That is more than 3 inches more rain than the previous 24-hour rainfall record of 12.77 inches on Aug. 19 in 1955, further north in Burlington during Hurricane Diane.

“The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period,” Gov. Ned Lamont said at the time as he declared a state of emergency across the region.

While Oxford in New Haven County was the site of the worst flooding including two deaths and a dramatic scene where a house was swept away by the storm. Northern Fairfield County also saw intense downpours, with Newtown reporting 12.45 inches.

Damage was reported across the region, ranging from flooding along the Five Mile River in New Canaan and damage to infrastructure and buildings in the greater Danbury area.

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut is a non-profit organization that helps individuals, businesses, and communities come together to support people with disabilities, economic disadvantages, and other barriers to employment. Last year, GWNC helped 1,190 Connecticut residents find work. Donations of goods and revenue generated from store sales power this mission, providing programs and services strengthening Connecticut families.