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February 28, 2006
March Men's Retreat Update
There a few more openings for you to register for this years Retreat at Holy Family Retreat Center in West Hartford CT. I also have room for you in my HDHM Van to you need not have to drive. Your personal private room is waiting for you. You may make a copy of the registration form and bring it with you Friday night. Hope you can join us. You will not regret it.
Peace to you.
Posted by hdhm at 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2006
News Times Article New Milford Food Bank Drive
Filling a need
Donors stuff food pantry to overflowing
By Angie Jeffrey NEWS-TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Photos by
The News-Times/David W. Harple
Peter Brady, left, hands boxes of nonperishable foods to volunteers as they unload two trucks full of donations for the New Milford food pantry. Donations to food pantries often dwindle after the holidays. Last month, New Milford's food pantry was nearly empty.
Peg Molina, New Milford's director of social services, estimated the pantry cupboard would be bare within three weeks. The pantry delivers a bag of groceries to 90 families each week.
She asked Peter Brady of Brookfield for help.
Brady sent an e-mail to the 1,610 members of his Handy Dandy Handyman network, seeking donations of food.
Fast forward to Valentine's Day.
Brady and 11 volunteers loaded what they collected into two trucks loaned by the Gulf station at Four Corners and headed to New Milford.
There, Bridgewater's Steve Greene and Brookfield residents Bob Elston, Chris Bader, Mike Stankiewiicz, Burt Aikman, Mike Mancusi, Billy Manton, Eric Riddle, Dave Riddle, Richard Sanislo and Brady became an efficient assembly line, carting food to the second floor of the Social Services building on hand carts loaned by Home Depot.
Longtime pantry volunteers Pat Reise and Monica Nyary were astounded by the amount of food.
"I have never seen it this full before," Reise said as she stocked and organized cans of soup, juices, pasta, sauces, fruit, cereal, and peanut butter and jelly in the pantry.
When Molina asked Brady for donations, Brady set a goal of 100 40-pound boxes of food, and set out 100 empty boxes in his garage, which he dubbed the Food Receiving Depot.
He offered to shop for those who wanted to donate, but did not have time to shop.
People dropped by daily with donations – some 2,000 people – and at the end of three weeks, Brady's garage held 507 40-pound boxes of nonperishables.
Cash donations from 56 people totaled $2,740.
Richard Sanislo, who met Brady in 2002 and has volunteered for past Handy Dandy Handyman projects, was astonished by the outpouring.
"I walked into Pete's garage and my jaw dropped when I saw all the food," Sanislo said.
Brady said donations came from individuals and groups, including local high schools, elementary schools, five Scout troops, eight church congregations, and a number of local small businesses and larger corporations.
One-hundred-seventy-two cases of food were donated by Cendant Mobility in Danbury, 68 boxes by the Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, and 42 by the Mako swim team at the YMCA in Brookfield.
Clayton's Mercantile Supply in New Milford donated more than 500 boxes for packing food, along with three pallets of food, which will be delivered to the pantry when needed.
There was so much food – more than 10 tons – a total of 20,280 pounds – that some was sent to the New Milford Methodist Church, an adjunct of the food pantry. The church will store it until it is needed.
Brady also gave Molina a check for $2,000.
Because Barbara DeAnzeris, coordinator of the Danbury soup kitchen, told Brady it also needed help, he donated the remaining $740.
Donations to New Milford's pantry keep arriving. "We have had people coming in almost every day to drop stuff off," Molina said. "Many of them have heard through Peter's organization and others through another e-mail that I sent out to the New Milford community."
"I couldn't believe it. This is just an awesome event," she added, calling the food drive "the hugest in our history."
Molina was particularly pleased to see so many people from different towns reach out to help.
"We are all one community – this food drive has surely shown us that," Molina said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Peter Brady's organization at peterbrady@hdhm.org
Posted by hdhm at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2006
New Milford Food Drive News Times Article 02/07/06
Brookfield helps to stock New Milford food pantry
By Angie Jeffrey
NEWS-TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Photo by Autumn Pinette
Members of the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry of Brookfield, from left, Peter Brady, Eric Riddle, Steve Green and Burt Aikman, collected more than 100 boxes of donated food items to help replenish New Milford‘s townwide food pantry.
When Peg Molina saw New Milford's cupboard getting bare, she turned to Brookfield's Peter Brady.
As director of social services in New Milford, Molina is in charge of its food pantry, which helps feed 80 to 90 families a week.
Brady, the founder of Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry, was glad to help replenish its shelves. He sent out a mass e-mail to everyone in his network — more than 1,600 volunteers — asking for help.
"On Feb. 3, they may have to close the food pantry due to lack of food for very needy clients in her community," Brady told them.
He immediately set a goal of 100 cases of food, which he estimates will be enough to keep the doors of pantry open through April. He offered his garage as a food receiving depot.
According to Molina, social services director since June 2002, the food shortage comes and goes.
"It is typically into mid-February and March that donations begin to dwindle, and January is always a tough month for many of our clients," she said.
Seventy-five percent of the clients have jobs; most are families with children. Others are disabled or elderly people living on Social Security checks.
As supplies dwindled, Molina sent an e-mail to many New Milford town workers and local organizations.
"I had heard of (Brady) in the past," Molina said, "but it was my administrative assistant (Angie Santana) who first thought of Pete."
"We have had a lovely response from everyone so far. Every day people walk in with food for us. We will just store it all in our closet and use it as needed."
In addition to individual donations, Brady has appealed to church and youth groups, scout troops, high school athletic teams and other student groups to help New Milford's needy. He is confident they will exceed their goal.
Brady and a team of volunteers will wear their signature red HDHM shirts when they drop off the food donations to Molina on Monday.
One enterprising young Girl Scout sent Brady an e-mail asking him to consider her plan.
She suggested if Brady encouraged everyone to buy all of her Girl Scout cookies, he would not only meet his goal of providing 100 boxes of food, he would be helping the people at the food pantry meet their goal and, of course, she would meet her cookie sales goal, as well.
"All of the donors could receive a tax-deductible receipt to help reach their own goals, too. So you see, Mr. Brady, it's a win-win-win-win situation. What do you think?" she wrote.
"Our future president of the United States," Brady joked.
If Brady delivers as much food as he expects, Molina said the pantry should be good until the annual fundraiser Walk-a-Mile for a Meal in April.
"It will tide us over very nicely. One of the most delightful things about this has been the fact that so many people from other towns have been so helpful to us.
"People are working as one community — it's just great," Molina said.
Brady also has been thrilled with the response. Collecting the donations has been a full-time job these past few weeks.
"It is beyond my comprehension. I am a religious person and I believe what is happening is the work of God. It is in his hands — I am just his employee."
The food pantry needs non-perishable items such as peanut butter and jelly, cereal, pasta and sauce, macaroni and cheese, children's juices, canned soup and tuna. To donate, call Peter Brady at (203) 740-1243.
Posted by hdhm at 07:42 PM | Comments (0)
Brookfield helps to stock New Milford food pantry
Brookfield helps to stock New Milford food pantry
By Angie Jeffrey
NEWS-TIMES CORRESPONDENT
Autumn Pinette
Members of the Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry of Brookfield, from left, Peter Brady, Eric Riddle, Steve Green and Burt Aikman, collected more than 100 boxes of donated food items to help replenish New Milford‘s townwide food pantry.
When Peg Molina saw New Milford's cupboard getting bare, she turned to Brookfield's Peter Brady.
As director of social services in New Milford, Molina is in charge of its food pantry, which helps feed 80 to 90 families a week.
Brady, the founder of Handy Dandy Handyman Ministry, was glad to help replenish its shelves. He sent out a mass e-mail to everyone in his network — more than 1,600 volunteers — asking for help.
"On Feb. 3, they may have to close the food pantry due to lack of food for very needy clients in her community," Brady told them.
He immediately set a goal of 100 cases of food, which he estimates will be enough to keep the doors of pantry open through April. He offered his garage as a food receiving depot.
According to Molina, social services director since June 2002, the food shortage comes and goes.
"It is typically into mid-February and March that donations begin to dwindle, and January is always a tough month for many of our clients," she said.
Seventy-five percent of the clients have jobs; most are families with children. Others are disabled or elderly people living on Social Security checks.
As supplies dwindled, Molina sent an e-mail to many New Milford town workers and local organizations.
"I had heard of (Brady) in the past," Molina said, "but it was my administrative assistant (Angie Santana) who first thought of Pete."
"We have had a lovely response from everyone so far. Every day people walk in with food for us. We will just store it all in our closet and use it as needed."
In addition to individual donations, Brady has appealed to church and youth groups, scout troops, high school athletic teams and other student groups to help New Milford's needy. He is confident they will exceed their goal.
Brady and a team of volunteers will wear their signature red HDHM shirts when they drop off the food donations to Molina on Monday.
One enterprising young Girl Scout sent Brady an e-mail asking him to consider her plan.
She suggested if Brady encouraged everyone to buy all of her Girl Scout cookies, he would not only meet his goal of providing 100 boxes of food, he would be helping the people at the food pantry meet their goal and, of course, she would meet her cookie sales goal, as well.
"All of the donors could receive a tax-deductible receipt to help reach their own goals, too. So you see, Mr. Brady, it's a win-win-win-win situation. What do you think?" she wrote.
"Our future president of the United States," Brady joked.
If Brady delivers as much food as he expects, Molina said the pantry should be good until the annual fundraiser Walk-a-Mile for a Meal in April.
"It will tide us over very nicely. One of the most delightful things about this has been the fact that so many people from other towns have been so helpful to us.
"People are working as one community — it's just great," Molina said.
Brady also has been thrilled with the response. Collecting the donations has been a full-time job these past few weeks.
"It is beyond my comprehension. I am a religious person and I believe what is happening is the work of God. It is in his hands — I am just his employee."
The food pantry needs non-perishable items such as peanut butter and jelly, cereal, pasta and sauce, macaroni and cheese, children's juices, canned soup and tuna. To donate, call Peter Brady at (203) 740-1243.
Posted by hdhm at 05:55 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2006
Food Bank Update Feb.4, 2006
Where do I begin?
I set out with what I thought was a well managed idea of gathering 100 mixed cases of food for many hungry families in New Milford who would otherwise go without as of the week of February 13. I also thought the plan was over estimated with 100 cases as it seemed too lofty a goal.
Todays count:
288 packed cases with an additional 42 checks in the total amount of $2,000.00
Average check received has been $50.00
Chris Bader and Eric Riddle prepare to pack. Boss Man keeps packing 288 cases in garage and loving it.
We have one week left in this drive and many churches, corporations, schools, youth groups, and scout troops who have boxes and bags of groceries still have to be delivered to my garage.
Is this amazing or what????
After being 3 days into my program, it became apparent that God stepped in with HIS plan, and he asked me to step aside and pack, pack, and pack those cases which I have been doing ever since.
If you are reading this note today and you have had doubts that there is a GOD, read my lips. "There is a God" and he is always present. If you can not read my lips, then re-read this e mail from the top and learn for yourself, I did not do this alone.
Thanks to you all who have already provided this food. It is a bit overwhelming. If you are still planning to participate, please do so before Sunday Feb 12 so I can have time to pack it for the rented truck we will have for the Monday Feb 13 delivery to the Food Bank in New Milford.
So you see, you are a highly motivated group of volunteers, and I am thrilled you are among the supporters of this very worthy cause. The Lord tells us to "Feed the Hungry" and you are.
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad".
Next up-date Sunday Feb 12.
Thank You.
PS: You may drop off any food items at my garage doors where there is a covered table. Any financial support should be sent to my home address made payable to HDHM Ministry which will generate a tax deductible receipt you will receive from our bookkeeper in March.
--
Pete Brady Boss Man
Posted by hdhm at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2006
Van Donation Update February 1, 2006
Last week, a very generous donor provided the HDHM Ministry with a free Van valued at $10,000 to improve the life of a most needy family. After the committee reviewed all 20 family profiles submitted, it was decided to grant this vehicle to a single mom who wrote the profile below. We have edited out any personal identification to protect her privacy. This was a very difficult task by the committee as all candidates deserved this vehicle but unfortunately there was only one unit. If you would like a Tax Deduction and would be willing to donate a working auto, we have 19 other families in need of vital transportation. Thank you.
Dear Mr. Brady and Selection Committee Members,
First, let me open by saying that the idea of some wonderful person donating such a vehicle blows my mind. Some day I hope to be on that end of the deal. By that I mean, to be able to help somebody’s everyday life in such a HUGE way.
Next, if there is a family who needs this right now more than mine, please make sure they get this gift, because God has always given me what I need when I needed it and so maybe at this time my need is not as great... but in case it is, here is my situation:
I do have a car at present. It is an old car with 168,000 miles on it. I was told recently by the mechanic that my transmission is going and that I should start to look for something else. The problem is that I need either a wagon or mini van because my wheel chair has to be kept in the back and it is too difficult for me to lift in or out of a trunk. Additionally, a wonderful woman died and left her electric scooter to me which has made my life much easier. I can now do my own errands, scoot my way around my daughter’s campus during parents’ weekend and even go shopping on my own. However, in order to fit the scooter into the back of my wagon, we have to remove the seat and the basket, which is fine when I am not alone, but I cannot seem to manage the assembly by myself because of the limitations in my hands, making me dependent again (ugh!). The mini van would solve this problem, because it could be rolled up a ramp into the back fully assembled.
Also, this van has power locks and windows which are more then a convenience for me. I can not always roll down manual windows making it very difficult when approaching a toll. The second problem is that we exist solely on my social security check. I am now trying to work part-time because with my daughter turning 18, the amount I receive monthly has been reduced, leaving not enough to cover living expenses. Physically I can not do much for too long but thankfully I can work some. There is just absolutely no extra money to buy a car. This would be a God-send.
I am a single mom with two teenagers. The oldest is away enjoying her first year at college, (she received a full scholarship for high grades and financial need) the younger is enduring his first year of high school. I was injured more than 11 years ago in a car accident and suffered a spinal cord injury which left me as a quadriplegic, but I function independently. I can walk, for short distances with the aid of a cane and drive, as long as it is an automatic. My hands are very limited, but I have all kinds of gadgets to aid me in everyday life and when there is no gadget, I have my children. For most of the years since my injury, my daughter was my “Home Health Care Aid”. Now that she is gone off to college my son has tried to step into that role. It is a time of great adjustments and we are both putting forth our best effort although at times it is trying!
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
Thank you for doing all the great things that you do.
Posted by hdhm at 07:41 PM | Comments (0)