Waterbury Establishes Family Independence Hurricane Relief Fund

WATERBURY, Conn. — It’s named Independence, La., but now this hard-hit Louisiana town is anything but independent. The wrath of Hurricane Katrina left the close-knit community 0f 1,800 without homes, schools, power, sewers or water. Waterbury Companies operates a manufacturing plant nearby and is the area’s largest employer.

“The people of Independence are part of our extended family,” said Robert Grant, vice president of marketing. “We feel very responsible to help the community get back on its feet. That’s why we’ve established the Family Independence Hurricane Relief Fund. Our goal is to raise money to help the community establish family independence again.”

While Waterbury Companies has come to the aid of its storm-weary employees, helping the stricken community is a larger task. A team of employees at the company headquarters in Waterbury are manning the phones, soliciting donations from customers, vendors and affiliates around the world. “For us to get Independence up and running again, we need to inject the community with an infusion of cash,” Grant said. “We’re trying to raise $250,000 and 100% of it will go to helping families in the area and rebuilding the community. We’re asking the people of Connecticut, especially from Waterbury where we’ve made our home since 1812, to help Independence become independent again.”

People wishing to contribute to the Family Independence Hurricane Relief Fund can visit the Waterbury Companies website at www.watco.com for more information. The company is also accepting donation checks through the mail. Checks should be made out to “Waterbury Companies Family Independence Hurricane Relief Fund” and mailed to: Family Independence Hurricane Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1812, Waterbury, CT 06722.