Printer Friendly Version - Effort to Buy New Handicap Van for Clinton Dispatcher Gets a Boost

In a single day, weekend warriors shopping at Steward’s Ace Hardware in Clinton were responsible for raising $2,500 toward the purchase of a new handicap-accessible van for one of the town’s 911 dispatchers. The money came from customers’ direct donations to Families Helping Families (FHF) as well as a portion of the store’s sales that day set aside for the cause. Pictured from left are FHF board member Mari Lee; Cherie Sears-Thompson and Todd Steward, owners of Steward’s Ace Hardware; Izzy Lee; FHF President Miner Vincent; and Clinton Chief of Police Vincent DeMaio.Photo courtesy of Families Helping Families

Thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, Clinton police dispatcher David McDonald is a few steps closer to getting a new handicap-accessible van. He’s now two-thirds of the way there.

On July 31, Steward’s Ace Hardware Company donated 10 percent of its sales from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the effort, raising $430 for Families Helping Families (FHF). Combined with straight donations from customers, FHF—which has promised to match all publicly raised funds dollar for dollar, up to $3,000—collected nearly $2,500 for McDonald’s cause.

In 1983, at age 20, McDonald was injured in a diving accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Through extensive rehabilitation he has regained limited use of his arms and hands and is able to work part-time and drive. For the past 26 years, he has been employed as a police dispatcher—first in Old Saybrook for 18 years, and more recently in Clinton. Getting back and forth to work is possible because of a handicap-accessible van that accommodates his wheelchair and is outfitted with hand controls. The 20-year-old vehicle, however, has had extensive repairs and persistent mechanical problems.

Fellow dispatcher Tasos Clados launched an effort last fall to raise $30,000 to purchase a replacement. In 10 months, a GoFundMe page that he started has raised $10,495. The online campaign, together with private donations and a Family Fun Day event at Fireman’s Field in Old Saybrook, has raised $17,000 toward the purchase of a new van. FHF’s latest fundraising effort with Steward’s Ace Hardware brings the total to nearly $20,000.

Once a new van is purchased, the State of Connecticut will fully outfit it with handicap-accessible equipment specific to McDonald’s needs, such as hand controls and a lift, at no charge. The driver’s seat will be removed, and latches that secure McDonald’s wheelchair to the floor will be installed.

To contribute to the effort or track its progress, visit www.gofundme.com/tc5c3h6g.