Southington Food Drive Honors Frontline Workers, Late Pastor

SOUTHINGTON, CT – The frontline workers of the Bradley Memorial campus of the Hospital of Central Connecticut, who continue to navigate the uncertainty and risk associated with the coronavirus pandemic, are being bestowed the 2020 Betty Kroher Humanitarian Spirit Award.

“It was the easiest decision we’ve ever made,” said Christopher Fortier, chairman of the award committee. “Our frontline heroes still, after all these months, have no idea what the day holds for them but they’ve been ready to go despite the danger from day one; it’s been unbelievable to witness their courage in such a public way this year.”

The award is named for the late Betty Kroher, first and only executive director of the former Southington Red Cross chapter from 1964 to 1992. Since 2013 the honor has recognized individuals and organizations for their work in inspiring the Southington community.

With an in-person award presentation not feasible in light of rising COVID-19 numbers, organizers this weekend will host a “drive up and drop off safely” food drive to benefit Bread for Life in honor of the doctors, nurses and other staff at Bradley.

The event will support BFL’s Fuel for School and cold lunch programs. Items being requested include mini water bottles, goldfish crackers, pretzels, rice cakes, individual applesauce cups, tuna and chicken pouches, instant mac-and-cheese cups, instant cups of soup, individual pudding, Jello and fruit cups and cereal cups.

The drive will also pay tribute to 2019 awardee the Rev. Ralph Roy, who died in February at 91. He was an activist, author, radio broadcaster and religious leader who served at parishes in New Haven, Hartford, Meriden and Thomaston, among others.

“He was an incredible person,” said Fortier. “He was active in the civil rights movement but never bragged about it. He was arrested as a Freedom Rider and spent time with Dr. [Martin Luther] King. It was something that was deeply meaningful to him and helped define his life, to have a hand in uplifting society.”

The Betty Kroher Memorial Food Drive will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Bread for Life, 31 Vermont Ave., Southington. For more information, or to make a secure monetary donation, visit SouthingtonBreadForLife.org.