DANBURY, Conn., Dec. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) today announced an update on the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, a charitable fund established jointly by UWWC and Newtown Savings Bank to support the Newtown community following the Sandy Hook School tragedy. 

"We want to express our deepest appreciation for the support the Sandy Hook School Support Fund has received," said Kim Morgan, CEO, UWWC.  "The needs facing Newtown will be many and diverse, and the Sandy Hook School Support Fund will be a vital resource as the community grieves, heals and rebuilds."

"We hope that people will continue supporting this incredibly worthwhile effort," said Morgan.  "The Sandy Hook School Support Fund will be administered and managed by members of the Newtown community.  We think it is critical that the needs and priorities of the fund be determined locally."

The fund is designed to receive only general, undesignated contributions.  Neither UWWC nor Newtown Savings Bank will take any percentage of the fund for administrative or any other purposes; 100% of contributions will go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.  As of December 26th, the Sandy Hook School Support Fund has received over $3.5 million.

Additionally, the Town of Newtown recently announced that a transition team has been formed that will be undertaking the task of developing a structure and an organization that will serve as the community-based board responsible for the administration and management of the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

UWWC also offered its appreciation to the many businesses and organizations that have contributed in-kind goods and volunteer services that have been put to immediate use by the Newtown Volunteer Task Force, an organization established by Newtown residents.  These contributions have enabled the Newtown Volunteer Task Force to manage the outpouring of support from around the world.

"From computers to office supplies, the generosity of many companies and organizations has been vital to developing an organized response to donations, volunteers and other forms of aid," said Morgan.  "The needs in the days to come for items that will help in organizing and deploying support in the community will be great, and we appreciate this amazing help." 

To make a monetary contribution to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, please visit http://www.uwwesternct.org/.   You can also support the Sandy Hook School Support Fund with a $10 donation by texting NEWTOWN to 80888. 

Donations can also be mailed to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT, 06470

In addition to making donations at any Newtown Savings Bank branch, four banks have also announced that customers can donate to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund at their branches, with 100% of the contribution going directly to the fund.  The banks are:

• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• ChelseaGroton Bank
• Union Savings Bank

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT

United Way of Western Connecticut advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to be a part of the change. For more information about United Way of Western Connecticut, please visit: www.uwwesternct.org. 

SOURCE United Way of Western Connecticut