February 25, 2015 - Burlington residents who cannot afford food for their families or fuel to stay warm during the frigid winter months will have some assistance from their neighbors, specifically the Burlington Bell Community Fund at Main Street Community Foundation.

The Burlington Bell Community Fund announced a $1,000 grant to the Burlington Food and Fuel Bank to support the services offered. The Burlington Food and Fuel Bank provides Burlington residents with the assistance they need in order to provide for basic needs and improve the quality of their lives.

“We are thrilled to be able to award this grant to such a great cause thanks to the donors who have built this fund,” said Janet Schwartz, Chair of the Burlington Bell Community Fund Advisory Council. “Due to the decrease in fuel prices this year, this grant will allow the Food and Fuel Bank to be able to help more of our neighbors than in previous years.”

The grant was awarded during a small ceremony in January at Burlington Town Hall. Janet Schwartz, Chair of the Burlington Bell Community Fund Advisory Council, and Jarre Betts, Vice President of Programs for the Community Foundation, presented the grant to Ellie Parente, Social Service Coordinator for the Town of Burlington, and Ted Shafer, Burlington First Selectman.

Ellie Parente stated that the Bank has a tremendous impact on the residents it serves. “Last winter the Fuel Bank saved my life,” acknowledged one Burlington woman.

The Burlington Bell Community Fund was founded in 2011 by a group of committed community leaders in Burlingtonto create an endowment fund. The Fund supports charitable projects and programs that will enhance the quality of life for all Burlington residents.