The mission continues: Cromwell Childrens Coalition aids local youth
by Mark Jahne
Editor
Photos courtesy of Jay Polke
The goal today is the same as the goal that was established when the Cromwell Childrens Coalition was created nine years ago.
The CCC raises money for Cromwell children who may need a helping hand. Young people ranging from preschool through high school are eligible to receive assistance that is provided in total anonymity.
The nonprofit organization works behind the scenes with local schools, town agencies and youth organizations. They identify children who would benefit from the CCC’s efforts.
Part of the mission is to ensure that all children in town have their basic needs met and can access the financial support needed to allow them to engage in school and community activities they otherwise would not be able to enjoy.
The child does not know that CCC is providing any assistance. The CCC does not know the names of the children it helps.
Some of the original founders are still active with the group including President Tom Danyliw, past president Rodney Bitgood, Secretary Susan Schein and former first selectman Mertie Terry. They have conducted comedy nights, classic car shows, winter outerwear collections, fall into creativity essays and other events to raise money.
“We’re incorporated and became a 501(c)3 in 2018,” Schein said.
That enables donors to receive a tax credit for their support to the extent allowed under federal tax law.
Danyliw said there are around 15 people who are active members of the all-volunteer coalition. He likes the way it is structured because “as much of the money as possible goes to the kids.”
Terry likes the fact that everything is anonymous. It’s not about anyone getting public acclaim, the focus is completely on helping children.
“We work through the school system,” she said. “It’s all well done.”
She added that the coalition does not play politics and has no administrative fees.
“It has been a struggle at times,” Danyliw added. “Cromwell makes it easy to do this. This town prioritizes its children to an extent that is amazing.”
The town’s Youth Advisory Board presented the coalition with a plaque for its efforts.
“They know who we are and what we’re there for,” he said.
“We’ve got a bunch of things happening right now,” Schein said.
The coalition is currently conducting a fundraiser and recycling event that involves collecting used shoes, sneakers, cleats and boots at all four public schools as well as Cromwell Automotive at 263 Main St. This drive runs until Oct. 30. They will be sold to raise money for youth.
“We’re working with a company from Florida called Fund2Orgs. We are collecting them at 10 different locations throughout the town,” she said.
This will be the fifth year of the coalition’s Rising Stars program. Working with the schools, it identifies students who have performed community volunteer work and honors them for that commitment. The coalition wants to honor those who step up to help others.
“We’ll be honoring 15 students,” she added.
“This is my personal favorite” event, Terry said.
It means a great deal to her because she has spent her life serving the community in politics and with charitable organizations.
Halloween is coming and that means it’s almost Trunk or Treat time. The coalition worked in the past with the combined PTO of Edna C. Stevens and Woodside Intermediate schools to conduct this safe holiday activity.
CCC ran it for a few years but now it’s back in the hands of the PTO. The two groups will continue to partner on this event.
“We do the decorate a pumpkin booth every year,” Schein said. “We took it over during COVID” and returned operation of this event to the PTO when the pandemic ended.
The coalition’s motto is “kindness is contagious.” They said the state of Connecticut liked that approach and provided grant money to support this initiative.
“This is our message to help people get along with each other,” Schein said.
CCC does not try to determine the needs of youth on its own. It prefers to work with the schools and other community groups to guide it to those children who can benefit from its support.
For more information email cromwellchildrenscoalition@gmail.com. CCC does not have a website but it can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Donations may be sent by check, payable to the Cromwell Childrens Coalition, P.O. Box 314, Cromwell, CT 06416.