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IMPACTrumbull is not a fancy organization with a ton of donors. It's a group of Trumbull residents who get together once a month to help a person or a group in need. They perform done-in-a-day projects of all kinds.
"My husband and I were both raised to give back to the community," said founder Jenn Record. "I kept hearing people say they would like to help but didn't know how to go about doing it. They were busy and have their own families, they can't donate a lot of time or money."
So, in 2012, Record sent out an email and had 75 people sign up for the cause within 24 hours. Group members don't have to pay dues or go to meetings. They just receive an email about what's needed in the community and then show up if they can, Record said.
One of the main focuses of the group is to make sure that the children are involved so they learn early that helping and giving back to the community is natural.
"We might be working at a domestic violence shelter, but the kids don't need to know what that means," Record said. "They just know we are painting to help someone. Or putting together bags with hygiene products. They are helping and it's normal."
The group does have several annual projects they get together to perform such as assembling Blessings Bags which are small bags filled with personal hygiene products for the homeless or Care Caddies with larger size items for veterans or women in shelters. They also put together backpacks, and school supplies kits for kids in need. The lists of good deeds goes on like the book drive or the diaper drive for babies who need dry bottoms.
And they have one annual fundraiser, a mini-golf tournament at the Trumbull Library on Martin Luther King Day in January..
"We find the items where we can," Record said. "For instance our travelers will bring back the samples from hotels for our small bags. Or Target will donate items to us, as well as Costco and Five Below."
Some of the places they make sure they spend their times and efforts towards are the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Bridge House, Prospect Street House, Homes for the Brave, Trumbull Food Pantry, and Family ReEntry.
But you might also find them at a neighbors home who is ill doing their yard work. Or helping an elderly person with home repairs.
"People really want to help each other," she said. "It's such a wonderful thing. I'm just a person who sends out emails, a member of a generous and giving community. We, collectively, have accomplished everything together."
To learn more about IMPACTrumbull click here.
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