On Jan. 31, the Families Helping Families (FHF) Board of Directors unveiled the group’s 2016 dollar commitment—$42,000—to the Clinton community. FHF works with public and civic organizations to collect food, funds, and other necessities for those in need.

The announcement was made at the Clinton Lions Club 10th annual pancake breakfast to benefit FHF.

The breakfast, which was held at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, drew 253 people, raised $2,355, and brought in more than 225 pounds of nonperishable food, according to FHF President Miner Vincent. (Although the annual breakfast is free and open to the public, donations are welcome.) This year’s collection brings the 10-year total for the pancake breakfast to nearly $14,000 and 4,000 pounds of food.

FHF gives to the Clinton community in several different categories. Top in terms of dollars committed are FHF’s Fresh Produce and Families to Families programs, at $12,000 each.

“We buy fresh produce at wholesale prices for the Clinton Food Pantry,” says Vincent. “During the holidays, we like to make sure there’s an abundance of fresh food for everyone, so that a family in need has a table that looks like our table.”

The Families to Families program provides critical support in times of crisis.

“Sometimes there are unexpected hardships, such as hospitalizations or auto repairs, that make it hard for people to keep up with everyday expenses,” says Vincent, “so we’ll provide gas or grocery cards or help with utility bills. And there are no forms to fill out. The last thing we want to do is make it harder for people.”

When asked how FHF is able to identify what needs exist and where, Vincent says, “We have a lot of ears in the community.”

FHF’s Clinton Kids Initiative provides clothes, backpacks, after-school snacks, and other items in short supply; it will contribute $10,000 toward these needs in the coming year.

Cans for Clinton replenishes the food pantry so that their shelves stay “relatively well stocked year-round,” says Vincent. “There are two major giving seasons—the second week of November until Christmas, and the two weeks around Easter—when a lot of people are in a giving spirit. But the food pantry is in need of supplies throughout the year, and that’s where Cans for Clinton steps in.”

FHF will contribute $2,000 toward this goal in 2016.

FHF’s Energy Assistance program, administered through Clinton Youth & Family Service Bureau Coordinator of Social Services Cheryl Church, will provide $6,000 in fuel assistance for families in need. Vincent notes that this year’s commitment is lower than usual for good reason: falling oil prices have left a surplus in last year’s Energy Assistance budget.

To learn more about Clinton Families Helping Families, call 860-669-5592 or visit its Facebook page.