SHELTON - Local first responders are teaming up to support people in Moore, Oklahoma in wake of the tragic tornado that recently hit the area. Echo Hose Ambulance, along with the Fire Department and Shelton Police Department, are assembling care packages that will be sent to the EMS, Fire and Police Departments of Moore. The various departments are looking for assistance from the public in collecting items. If someone would like to help, they can donate new items including, but not limited to, non-perishable easy to pack food, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, adult sized t-shirts, socks, underwear, and tank tops.

Shelton officials are also including cards to show support and thanks.
The items and support cards can be dropped off at the Shelton Police Department, 85 Wheeler St., the four Fire Houses, and at Echo Hose Ambulance, 100 Meadow St.
For more information or any questions about acceptable items please contact Jeff Caporaso at 203-895-2607 or emtinct@yahoo.com

The American Red Cross is helping those impacted by the tornado outbreak this week, which left many survivors homeless. 
The organization is assisting first responders and is providing shelter, food, distributing relief items and clean-up supplies.

HOW TO HELP : You can always help by  making a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

HARTFORD - The tragic death of Alyssiah Wiley marks the state’s third homicide allegedly stemming from intimate partner violence this year, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Wiley’s long-time boyfriend faces murder and kidnapping charges in connection with her death.

"Intimate partner violence is a serious issue in Connecticut," said Karen Jarmoc, coalition executive director, in a statement. "Our state has averaged 16 deaths annually as a result of domestic violence over the past decade. And while we have established strong measures to protect victims in Connecticut, there is clearly more work to be done."

The coalition’s member agencies provide emergency and support services such as safety planning, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, support groups and court advocacy. These services are all confidential and free of charge.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the statewide toll-free hotline at (888) 774-2900 to be connected to a local domestic violence agency in your area, including The Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield County, which is located in Bridgeport and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Visit the organization’s web site at http://www.ctcadv.org.

HARTFORD – State residents are being asked to “Help a Hero” this week, by donating items to homeless veterans.

State Rep. Jack Hennessy, who is chairman of the legislature’s Veteran’s Affairs Committee, is asking constituents and others to participate in the Help A Hero event outside the Capitol Building on Wednesday, May 22.

Items that can be donated include health care and hygiene items for men and women, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, grooming kits, personal care items for men and women, socks, underwear, t-shirts, hats, gloves, boots, umbrellas and more. Gift cards and cash donations will be accepted for veterans in need of work clothes and other non-donated items.

The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. outside of the Capitol building, at 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford.

2013 Survivors of Homicide, Inc. Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, July 20
Grassmere Country Club
130 Town Farm Road
Enfield, CT 06082

8 a.m. - Registration

9 a.m. - Tee Off (9 Hole Scramble )

11 a.m. - Social Hour (Cash Bar)

12 p.m. - Lunch Buffet

Following Lunch there will be music, entertainment, raffles and door prizes.

Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place and more!

 Entry Fee: $70 per person. This includes 9 holes of golf, cart, and lunch.

Buffet Only: $30Children 6-12 years old: $10Children Under 6 Free

Buffet includes: Chicken, Ribs, Corn on the Cob, and side dishes.

Payment is allow available online.

Visit the web site http://www.survivorsofhomicide.com for more information.

The Connecticut Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is hosting an event this weekend to raise funds and awareness for its programs and services.
The event will be on Saturday, May 4, at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St.


Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

Register online at www.walklikemadd.org


According to its web site, MADD uses the money it raises in the following ways:

• They offer support programs to help victims cope with their tragedy and loss of a loved one at no charge.
   
• MADD provides legal support to victims as they go through the judicial process.
   
• MADD provides equipment to local police to better detect and arrest drunk drivers, such as  preliminary breath testers, passive alcohol sensors, in-vehicle video cameras, signs, lights and cones for setting up sobriety checkpoints.
   
• MADD actively works with state and local legislators to adopt tougher laws against drunk driving and close the loopholes in many existing laws.
   
• MADD implements educational programs to limit access to alcohol among elementary, middle school, high school, and college students.