The Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc. (ECSI) has received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) in order to fund a weekly shopping and lunch bus for residents of Killingworth on Thursdays. The bus will pick them up at their home, take them shopping in Clinton, and then to ECSI’s Clinton Café to have lunch before returning them home again. Additionally, a shopping bus for residents of Clinton has also been added on Tuesdays. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 860-388-1611 ext. 203.

ECSI is a not-for-profit organization that serves the estuary region of Middlesex County with a variety of programming and services for older adults to help them maintain their health, independence, and well-being. The shopping bus has already been implemented in Old Saybrook and Westbrook and an expansion of that service greatly benefits those members of the community who are not always able to drive themselves.

The CFMC grant will be used to provide older adults the opportunity to grocery shop for themselves, receive a hot nutritious lunch, and socialize with peers. The long-term effect is that seniors are able to maintain their independence and the freedom to stay in their homes.

“With transportation becoming an issue in our area, this grants enables us to serve senior residents in Killingworth, giving them independence and freeing them from fear of isolation, and helping the Estuary Council fulfill its mission,” said ECSI Executive Director Stan Mingione.

For more information on ECSI or how to support its community outreach, contact Heather Milardo at 860-388-1611, development@ecsenior.org, or visit www.ecsenior.org. To learn more about CFMC, contact the foundation at 860-347-0025 or info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.