Social Capital Inc. would like to extend a sincere, heart-felt “thank you” to everyone that donated to help a local resident in need last week. As a community connector, SCI attempted to contact as many organizations that we could find when a local resident contacted us after running out of fuel assistance and going without oil for three days. We were concerned when we were unable to locate any emergency assistance to help this individual.

Fortunately, SCI was able to get a local oil company, Stoneham Fuel to match funds to heat the resident’s home as long as we could raise the remaining balance. SCI was pleasantly surprised to see how quick members of the community stepped up to donate. We quickly surpassed our goal of raising $199.95 and were able to immediately help the resident.

SCI would like to thank all of the individuals who donated towards this cause as well as Stoneham Fuel for graciously matching the donation. SCI also thanks Jaime Haggerty, Editor of the Woburn Daily Times, whose story informed the community about this pressing need. Finally, we would like to thank Lennon Insurance Agency for their immensely generous donation towards this cause.

Due to the positive response from the community, we have set aside the additional funds raised to help other residents in need. SCI is convening a group of community groups and individuals to see if we can find a longer term solution to dealing with emergency situations like this in the future.

If you are interested in taking part in these discussions, please come to the community meeting on Wednesday, January 30 at 11:00 am at the Boys and Girls Club of Woburn. We will be meeting upstairs in the library.

Founded in 2002, the mission of SCI is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. We envision a nation where individuals are strongly connected to their neighbors and play an active role in shaping the destiny of their communities. This increase in ‘social capital’ will result in communities that are safer, healthier and more vital. For more information about SCI please visit: http://sciwoburn.org.