Press Release
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2:00 p.m.
Amherst College Provides Gift of $20,000.00 to the Town of Amherst to Meet
the Needs of the Poor and Elderly
Questions may be answered by:
Molly Mead, Director, Amherst College, Center for Community Engagement, 413-542-5140.
Larry Shaffer, Town Manager, Town of Amherst, 413-658-7089
Roy Rosenblatt, Community Development Director, 413-259-3117
Nancy Pagano, Senior Center Director, 413-259-3114
The Town of Amherst is delighted to report that Amherst College has donated $20,000.00 to the Town to address the needs of the elderly and the poor during the winter of 2008-2009. Specifically, the Amherst Senior Center will administer $10,000.00 of the gift to provide emergency assistance to needy elderly residents. It is anticipated that the majority of the funds will be used for fuel assistance and medical needs.
The balance of $10,000.00 will be administered by the Community Development Department to provide emergency rental assistance, emergency fuel assistance or emergency shelter. It is anticipated that the Community Development Department will receive referrals from Family Outreach of Amherst, Amherst Survival Center, Not Bread Alone, and the Center for Human Development, and Homeless Outreach.
Larry Shaffer said, “I would like to thank Amherst College for this important gift. We anticipate a tremendous need this winter. I am gratified by the sensitivity and concern demonstrated by Amherst College. This gift represents Amherst College’s commitment to provide important resources to those in need.”
The contribution represents compensation to Amherst College from the filming of a movie, Edge of Darkness, on campus property. The College felt it would be appropriate to share that compensation, $40,000 in total, with the community during these uncertain times. Amherst College also is donating $20,000 to Amherst public schools, to support academic programs.
