Bridgeport Rescue Mission funds increased this year with donations from the 2015 Wilton Kiwanis citrus sale.
Wilton Kiwanis partnered with Grace Community Church contributing $3,300 through citrus purchases and cash donations. This amount was doubled via the rescue mission’s matching challenge program. In addition, the Wilton Kiwanis Foundation donated 136 cases of fresh fruit to the rescue mission valued at $1,632, bringing the total benefit to $8,232.
With comparable contributions to the rescue mission in 2013 ($5,750) and 2014 ($7,128), the Wilton Kiwanis/Grace Community Church Partnership has generated a $21,110 benefit to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission in 2013-2015.
In 2014 the mission served more than 400,000 meals and provided 40,000 nights of shelter. In addition, it expanded services to care for homeless mothers with children.
Thanks to Kiwanian David Hapke, his citrus committee distributed 1,450 cases of grapefruit, oranges and tangerines (more than 40,000 pieces of fruit). Total net funds raised was $17,100 (including the $3,300 donated to the mission).
All funds raised will be distributed to local worthy causes in upcoming months. Also, 275 of the 1,450 cases were donated to local food pantries.