A Thanksgiving of Hope: Cornerstone Community Rallies Together After Rockville House Fire

In Rockville on Thanksgiving evening, a devastating house fire left two families without

shelter. The Cornerstone Community Kitchen, collaborating with various organizations,

became a beacon of hope, providing essential support to the affected families. Anonymous donations, including three turkeys on November 21st, set the tone for compassionate gestures. The State's Attorney Office of Tolland County and Chrysalis Center made substantial contributions. Rollande's gift of knitted "lap robes" added a touching dimension, providing comfort to mothers in shelters.

Brightpath Ellington Childcare and Northeast School PTO, along with individuals and organizations, generously supported those in need. The Cornerstone team and volunteers worked tirelessly on Thanksgiving preparations, ensuring a warm and comforting meal for all. On Thanksgiving morning, the efforts culminated in a heartwarming feast, with the Cornerstone team serving 53 meals in the dining room and providing an additional 17 for take-out. Support extended beyond Thanksgiving, with Cornerstone distributing six large boxes of meal prep items and turkeys.

The aftermath of the tragedy saw Cornerstone expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a compassionate community. The Rockville community's generosity extended beyond tangible goods, with the Community Kitchen at Cornerstone receiving over $15,000 worth of in-kind donations. Remarkably, more than 50 turkeys were contributed, symbolizing both abundance and heartfelt commitment.

What made this outpouring of support extraordinary was the humble nature of many contributions. Numerous individuals engaged in "drop-and-go" donations, illustrating a pure and genuine desire to give back in small ways. These unsung heroes, who gave without seeking recognition, played a crucial role in ensuring that Cornerstone had the resources needed to assist those affected.

While the value of in-kind donations exceeded $15,000, the true worth transcended monetary measures. Each bag of food and every turkey donated represented a small act of kindness that, when combined, created a ripple effect of compassion—a safety net for those grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The community's commitment to supporting the Community Kitchen reflected a genuine understanding of the power of unity and compassion during challenging times. Rockville emerged as a community bound together by shared values and a s

pirit of giving, showcasing an extraordinary level of compassion and generosity.

Cornerstone extends a heartfelt thank you to all those who quietly donated, whether it was a bag of groceries or a frozen turkey. These unspoken contributions made a significant difference in the lives of those facing adversity. The quiet heroes of Rockville exemplified the true meaning of community and kindness, demonstrating that profound acts of kindness often come from the quietest corners of the heart.

Pat Kupec

Community Kitchen Administrator