How Connecticut Ranked 16th In America For Charitable Giving

According to a new study from WalletHub, Connecticut has something to feel pretty good about when it comes to helping others. We landed in the top third of the country in WalletHub's latest charitable states ranking, coming in at 16th out of all 50 states. That's a respectable showing. But I also think we can do better, and I happen to know a pretty good place where we can start working on that.

WalletHub compared all 50 states using 17 different measures of charitable behavior, including volunteer rates, charitable donations, food collection and distribution, and the number of charities per capita. Connecticut earned an overall score of 58.96, ranking 17th for volunteering and community service and 22nd for charitable giving.

Utah took the top spot, followed by Wyoming and Minnesota. At the other end of the list, New Mexico came in dead last. Our neighbors had some mixed results, with New York ranking 21st and Massachusetts coming in at 24th. So, Connecticut, you can officially enjoy bragging rights over at least a couple of the neighbors.

The report also points out just how much Americans contribute. More than 76 million people volunteer across the country, giving an estimated five billion hours of their time each year. Clearly, generosity isn't just about writing a check. Showing up and helping matters, too.

And that brings me to my idea for improving Connecticut's ranking.

I'd love for you to join us for I-95's annual Camping for Cans, taking place November 20, 21, and 22 in the BJ's parking lot in Brookfield. We'll be broadcasting live for three straight days, collecting non-perishable food, cash, and checks made payable to Hillside Food Outreach.

Hillside is a local food pantry that puts donations right back into our community, helping identify and support families who need a hand.

Shoutout to:

Ives Bank
Alltown Fresh
Lesser Evil
Four Seasons Party Rentals
Mitchell Oil
Decker Tool Rental
Coca-Cola Northeast

We can't do it without you!

We'll have a warm tent, so don't let the November weather scare you away. Stop by, say hello, and bring whatever you can. If you can't make the event, leave a donation for Hillside Food Outreach right now online.

Let's see if we can help Connecticut climb a few spots next year.

Here are the Top 20 Charitable States in the U.S.

1. Utah

2. Wyoming

3. Minnesota

4. Maryland

5. Delaware

6. Virginia

7. Colorado

8. Pennsylvania

9. North Dakota

10. Maine

11. Oregon

12. Alaska

13. Montana

14. Iowa

15. Ohio

16. Connecticut

17. Idaho

18. Georgia

19. Illinois

20. New Hampshire

Camping for Cans 2021 Photo Album

Camping for Cans is our annual food/cash drive to benefit the Hillside Food Outreach. Hillside is an organization that feeds those in need all throughout the Greater-Danbury area. For years, I-95 has teamed up with them to get the word out about the needs of our neighbors in the area. 2021 was a smash hit and we raised thousands of dollars and truck loads of food with Hillside and our corporate sponsors. These were some of the many faces that joined us over the weekend (11/19-11/21).

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Camping for Cans 2022

Camping for Cans is an annual event thrown by I-95 to collect cash and non-perishable food items to benefit the Hillside Foot Outreach. Hillside feeds those in-need, in the Greater-Danbury area. Each year we gather in a Brookfield parking lot and have fun in the name of the Greater good. The 2022 CFC was as good a year as we've ever had, take a look.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Take a Virtual Tour of Camping for Cans 2023

Camping for Cans 2023 was a huge hit, here are some of the many people who stopped down to see us in Brookfield and make a donation to help the Hillside Food Outreach.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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