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Human Services Updates: Blood Drive, Taxes & More

January 15, 2025
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Cupped hands gently holding a small, hand-knitted red heart with a white cross stitched in the center. This image symbolizes care, compassion, and support, often associated with healthcare, blood donation, and charitable giving.

Blood Drive

One year ago, the American Red Cross declared a national emergency due to the shortage of blood. They continue to see the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. There's been a 40% decrease in the number of people donating. Let’s correct that in 2025!

Make an appointment today to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Jan. 31 from 8:30 am -1:30 pm. in the Center Building Gym. Scan the QR code or click this link to make your appointment today!  Future dates for Woodbridge Human Services’ Blood Drives include April 28th and September 15th.

QR Code for Red Cross Blood Drive

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The program (VITA) will begin on February 4th and run Tuesdays from 9-noon until April 8th. VITA is a free tax preparation service available to individuals who are income qualifying, to people who have a disability, or to those who speak limited English. For a list of required tax documents and to schedule an appointment call 203-389-3429.

Food Pantry

Residents in need may call for access to non-perishable food each month. If interested in donating, the food pantry needs dish soap, cleaning products, laundry soap, peanut butter and jams / jellies, coffee (both ground and instant), shelf stable milk, olive oil, condiments- especially ketchup, canned chicken, pasta sauce, snack foods, and personal hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, razors, and shampoo.  

Energy Assistance Program

Qualifying residents may schedule an appointment to apply for the 2024 – 2025 CT Energy Assistance Program administered by TEAM, Inc. For more information regarding this program, please call Social Worker Judi Young at 203-389-3429.

Emergency Preparedness

Please make sure you and your neighbors are prepared for weather emergencies. Lists of important phone numbers and items for an emergency supply kit are essential. Supply kits should contain bottled water for 3 days, batteries, flashlights, a manual can opener and canned food, pet food (if needed), and more. For a comprehensive list please see the Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness. In the event of a power outage, or weather emergency, older residents and disabled residents are encouraged to register for the Emergency Call list. Residents who have medications requiring refrigeration, medical equipment that requires electricity to operate, or other special needs should contact the department to be added to the list to receive a call ahead of forecasted weather emergencies.

This is an opinion not necessarily endorsed by the Woodbridge Town News.

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