Community Connect event set this Saturday

Are you struggling and looking for ways to make things better for your family? The third-annual Putnam County Community Connect is Saturday, Oct 7, at the Fairgrounds Community Building from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

This is a one-stop shop where people in Putnam County can receive services or sign-up for services in one place on one day. Participants may sign up for free Christmas gifts with Giving Tree, talk to Medicaid and Medicare Navigators, get help with gas utilities, meet with mental health and addiction services, find services for those with a disability or the aging, check out new job opportunities, food pantry locations, library services and other agencies that help with children’s needs.

Then there are all the free options — health screenings by Putnam County Hospital, vaccinations by the Putnam County Health Department, underwear, one meal bag per family, haircuts and gift cards for gas/groceries given away every 30 minutes. Top it off with a free boxed lunch from Myers' Market.

On that day, CenterPoint Energy will be able to help anyone whose gas has been turned off.

Additionally, WICAA will be able to accept applications for energy assistance. Anyone who has applied before will only need proof of income and a copy of energy bills. First-time applicants will also need an ID and Social Security card.

Sponsors for this event include CenterPoint Energy, the City of Greencastle, Putnam County Hospital and Getting Ahead in Putnam County from Gobin Church.

Heather Weaver saw this event in Terre Haute and wanted to bring it to Putnam County.

“I have seen first hand how this community can come together to help those in need and I want to make it more easily available to others,” Weaver said.

Weaver and Lori Miller of Getting Ahead in Putnam County co-chair this event, working with a team of serving agencies.