U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy

Take Five to Give 5:
A Rally for the Community

Almost every weekend, I set up a card table at a grocery store in the Fifth District, to hold office hours to hear what's on the minds of the people of western Connecticut. These sessions, known as "Congress on your Corner" events, have changed in tone in recent months. The best way to describe them is sobering.

Job losses have hit Connecticut's families hard, and just paying the bills is becoming a huge challenge for many hardworking people.

I've talked to small business owners who are facing a choice between cutting benefits for people who are more like family than employees, and allowing their business to collapse under the weight of exorbitant health care costs.

I've listened to people tell me about how their insurance plan dropped their coverage because they developed an illness that they thought was covered, but wasn't.

My office has directed dozens of panicked callers who are one paycheck away from losing their home to the resources they need to keep it.

And I've been able to help seniors who are on their last drop of home heating oil get emergency assistance.

These are stories I hear every day, and they are a continual reminder of the work we, as a community and as a country, have yet to complete to repair our economy.

In Washington, we've made some progress. We've cracked down on predatory credit card practices, and we have taken steps to boost job creation. And with President Obama leading the charge, we are about to tackle health care reform to lower costs and provide more choices in coverage.

I am honored to have the opportunity to create real solutions for some of the problems that are plaguing Connecticut's economy, but it certainly doesn't take a career in public service to make a difference in your neighbor's lives.

Now is the time to rally around our shared challenges, and face them together. Your donation - of time, energy, or money - can help make a real, measurable difference in your community during these tough times. One way to rally your own network of friends and colleagues is by taking part in United Way of Western Connecticut's Take Five to Give 5 campaign to raise money for local programs that provide emergency basic needs services. You can make a donation as small as $5 to the United Way, or you can forward this blog post to 5 friends and ask them to spread the word, or you can volunteer 5 hours of your time at a local food pantry. No matter what you do, you will be making a difference.

Now, more than ever, taking responsibility for our corner of Connecticut will put us on the path to recovery and strengthen our future for the next generation.

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (CT-5)
The State of Connecticut
 

Learn more about Take Five to Give 5 at:
http://www.TakeFivetoGive5.org

Comments

[Alecia Andrews]

Congressman Christopher Murphy’s comment “to rally around our shared challenges and face them together" is what builds a strong and caring community. This is what is needed now, for so many of our friends, families, and strangers, who are going through a difficult time and so clearly need our help.

Congressman Murphy’s support of UWWC’s Take Five to Give 5 campaign is consistent with his own efforts to create positive and lasting changes in our community and our nation. His meeting and listening to residents, whether at the local grocery store or on the telephone, speaks volumes about his dedication.

Please help us by taking time now to $5, $10 or more towards this worthy cause and make a difference today.

[Michael Johnston]

Congressman Murphy speaks eloquently about the stories of residents of Western Connecticut that are facing extraordinary times. The elderly and hardworking blue collar families are often the most devastated by this economic crisis and we need to work on all fronts - private, governmental, and non-profit - to sew up the holes in the social service safety net. As Chris points out, one of the ways to do that is to "Take Five to Give 5".

Just $5, telling 5 friends or donating 5 hours of volunteer time will make all the difference in the world.

[Jim Schmotter, President, Western Connecticut State University]

Congressman Murphy correctly observes that government, no matter how caring or efficient, cannot alone meet the pressing needs of our fellow citizens in the Danbury region today. The sincere efforts that he and other dedicated government leaders are making in these difficult times must be complemented by those of ALL of us who can help. That's what the UWWC's "Take Five to Give 5" campaign is all about. Every gift, every message to a friend, every bit of positive energy will make a difference for neighbors in need. Please join us!