Ashford is a small, rural town in Eastern Connecticut. Many of us have worked together on various Town boards and in local groups, such as the Clean Energy Task Force and the Conservation Commission. We have come together to find ways to support small businesses and LMI/ elderly residents in our town during the COVID-19 crisis. The idea is to purchase local products, and donate them to our town's food bank or to elderly residents in need. A local farm makes cleaning products, another makes soap. Our local distillery is making hand sanitizer. These products are in high demand at our local food bank. We would like to purchase these products and others, as needed and available, in order to meet these needs in our area. We would also use the funds to support volunteers in their efforts, for example, purchase of materials to sew masks for nearby senior housing, health cliniics or individuals. Another sewing project is washable shopping bags, beneficial in order to allow shoppers to wash them after every trip. We plan to coordinate firewood donations by local firewood businesses or tree services, or home owners with wood to spare, with families in need of wood for heating. A small portion of the funds would be used for printing costs for information and children's activities that encourage and educate about sustainable lifestyles.Our goal is to meet urgent needs during this crisis and to build stronger ties in our community.