‘Neighbor helping neighbor’
West Haven is known for many things, and some of them we are sorry to say, are not the most edifying. Too often, in fact, the negatives of the community seem to be the only things heard about us: our corrupt political environment; poverty, our unkempt neighborhoods. These are the things that many in the region think about when they think of our city.
There is one aspect of life here, however, that does bring well-deserved attention: the way West Haveners take care of their own. Whether it be a benefit outing to aid someone in need, or collection for this or that specific charity to help a fellow resident, West Haveners are known for their generosity. We once heard someone marvel at the turnout at a benefit outing helping a local resident. “You West Haven people really care about each other,” one person was heard to say. It is true.
As we head into the annual holiday season, many of us are bombarded with requests for contributions or donations of some sort. Glossy brochures and well-written subscription letters are produced all asking if you would help people in need. All are worthy. All need your help. We, however, believe the adage “Charity begins at home,” is most appropriate at this festive time. And we say this with no prejudice again any organization seeking funds.
Collections for the needy are especially important at the holidays, and, while the city maintains ways of helping during the year, it is at this time that (to quote Dickens’ A Christmas Carol), “It is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.”
One agency that has been at the forefront of helping those in need is the West Heaven Emergency Assistance Taskforce, known by the acronym, WHEAT. The brainchild of the West Haven Clergy Association four decades ago, WHEAT has been there when families and individuals need assistance, whether it be with food, or with some other type of assistance, WHEAT has been there for thousands. Now an independent agency, the people running it have worked tirelessly with volunteers fill every need.
Upon its inception the collection of foodstuffs became a traditional part of the community’s fabric almost immediately, and it has continued ever since. This publication has printed stories, pictures, and reminders about collections for WHEAT through its existence, and our staff, working for previous publications are aware of the work it does.
In the past weeks more photos and reminders have come through. We know the people of the community will be generous and help. “Neighbor helping Neighbor” is the philosophy of WHEAT. We urge our readers to do what they can, contribute what they can in food or dollars to help their neighbors.
Finally, we congratulate Rose Majestic for her 17-year stint as executive director of the agency and wish he well in her retirement. Rose has guided WHEAT with a steady hand and has been its “face” to the community. She has worked hard and has brought WHEAT through some difficult times. We thank her for her work.
We see that Michael Savenelli is taking up the mantle of the organization. We wish him well in his new endeavors and know that he will continue the good work begun so many decades ago.