Amid a challenging year for many in the New Britain community, the Central Connecticut State University - Ana Grace Project is making it easier than ever before to give to those in need through two virtual events. The third annualLove Wins Community Drivewill take place from November 21 through December 11 to benefit New Britain Youth & Family Services and Maria’s Place. During the same time period, CCSU also will host the inauguralBlue Devil Dash 5Kto raise funds to provide scholarships for New Britain residents attending CCSU. More information is available at www.CCSU.edu/LoveWins.
Here are three ways to participate:
·Shop online for new toys and new winter clothing through wish lists onAmazonandTarget, as well as Amato’s Toy and Hobby. The gift lists were created in partnership with New Britain Youth & Family Services based on the community’s needs. Participants can also donate personal care items and non-perishable food to benefit Maria’s Place, CCSU’s on-campus food pantry.
·Donate electronically to the CCSU - Ana Grace Project programming, which includes a yearly “introduction to college” program for local elementary school students, the Love Wins Community Drive, special “meet and greet” events for students in the community, professional development programs and the Ana Grace and Isaiah James Márquez-Greene scholarship fund which is awarded each year to a New Britain High School student who embodies the spirit of Love Wins.
·Run or walk in the first-ever Blue Devil Dash 5K and raise money to benefit student scholarships for New Britain residents attending CCSU.
About the Love Wins Community Drive
Together with CCSU, Márquez-Greene created the annual community drive as a way to spread the message of “Love Wins” through the spirit of giving and to honor her daughter, Ana Márquez-Greene, whose life was tragically taken during the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Last year, the Love Wins Community Drive raised more than $13,000. Thanks to a generous donation put forward by the Ana Grace Project, this year’s event has already generated $10,000.
In honor of the Love Wins Community Drive, CCSU’s Davidson Hall will once again be lit in purple through the entire period of the event.
“Our goal is to bring the community together and lift up our neighbors, especially during these difficult times,” said Nelba Márquez-Greene. “We are so grateful for the love and support we’ve received over the past two years from the Connecticut community and beyond. Given the virtual nature of this year’s event, we believe it’s easier than ever to get involved.”
About the Blue Devil Dash 5K
Participants in the Blue Devil Dash 5K can register online, select a socially distant and safe route to run or walk during a day of the event and then submit their time online to receive a virtual ribbon. All race entry fees and donations will benefit graduate and undergraduate student scholarships for New Britain residents attending CCSU.