Bright light shone through

Date: 11/21/2011

In the midst of the darkness that prevailed over the region last week, one bright light shone through — that being the Hampden Senior Center.

Being designated an overnight shelter, Jane Budynkiewicz from the Health Department along with her husband Michael and Selectman Vinnie Villamaino quickly went into action, setting up cots, bringing in a wonderful dedicated kitchen staff and arranging for a medical person and a local police officer to be present around the clock.

Many thanks to the Wilbraham Selectmen who offered food and other needed supplies and especially a big thank you goes out to the volunteers who offered their services to keep things running smoothly.

Having an 88-year-old mother-in-law from Springfield without electricity/heat, my husband and I decided to bring her to the Center. No questions were asked of where she lived. They just welcomed her with open arms. I cannot say enough of the week she spent there. They kept her warm, well fed, safe and loved.

Hampden is truly blessed to have such a wonderful facility.

Mary Jane Chabot

Hampden.