Submitted by Kathleen Amoia
(March 5, 2024) — The Killingworth Community Fund (KCF) at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) announces some great news for Killingworth. The Fund has received a significant donation from the estate of Laura Englebright for scholarships for Killingworth seniors attending college. And that’s not all! KCF is pleased to announce that it has awarded a $5000 grant to one of Killingworth’s valued nonprofits, The HK Backpack Program.
The criteria for the Laura Englebright Scholarships include financial need, a strong commitment to community service, civic engagement, good citizenship and participation in school and community activities. An essay on the personal meaning of good citizenship, and two letters of recommendation are also required.
This scholarship is not restricted to any particular field of study and the Haddam-Killingworth High School Counseling Office, working with CFMC, has everything in place to award the first $1000 Englebright Scholarship this spring. The Englebright bequest provides KCF with an opportunity to offer a second scholarship to our Killingworth High School seniors. The Ullrich Scholarship for the Arts has been part of the KCF stewardship for years. These gifts provide a strong vote of confidence for the Killingworth Community Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and show a steadfast commitment to our young people.
KCF’s first grant for 2024 was awarded to the HK Backpack Program. This program provides food assistance to HK elementary, middle, and high school students who need nutritious weekend meals during the school year. In addition to 60 backpacks of food 38 weeks a year, the program provides each child a birthday bag and treat bags associated with the holidays. Hygiene products are provided once a month and dental necessities twice a year. Parents with enrolled kids know that additional support and specific items can be supplied if they reach out to the HK Backpack Program.
In her grant application, Amber Newcomer, Founding Director, explained that “The HK Backpack Program is here for the children, but sometimes that means full family support as well. Over the years we have done collections for baby items, clothing, winter coats, Halloween costumes and shoes.” In reality, this is a nutritious meal plus program. The HK Backpack Program fills a need that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“We are just over the moon thrilled for this grant. It is a huge, huge thing for us, particularly at this time of year when needs are greatest and donations are sometimes slower to come in.” Amber explained. She expressed equal enthusiasm for the wonderful volunteers who step up and support the program financially and with what can only be described as labors of love.
Not only is this great news for the Killingworth community, but it is also a fitting example of what is meant by “Helping Good People Do Great Things.” Simply put, that is the mission of the Killingworth Community Fund and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. Working together locally works for the benefit of all as it helps build vibrant communities.
For more information about the Killingworth Community Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, please contact CFMC at 860-347-0025.
