Helping one of Santa’s helpers
Friends describe Dan Finn, a bus driver for First Student school bus company in Ridgefield, as Santa’s helper, the guy who is always trying to help. Now he needs a little help for himself.
Finn, 54, who for years has operated the Stuff a Bus outside Party Depot on Danbury Road to collect toys for the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots, is out of work without short-term disability benefits while he recovers from a foot bone infection.
He needs money to cover the bills, the costs of living, and he’s looking to the community for help.
“He’s been out of work since October and he’s not returning until at least February,” said Sharon Angevine Scott, a fellow school bus driver who is also Finn’s union representative. “His insurance covers the medical bills except for what’s out of pocket, but there’s no money coming in.”
Finn’s trouble began with a stress fracture, which became infected. He needed multiple surgeries to clean the bone so it could heal properly. He’s not able to walk in the meantime, so he’s staying at a rehabilitation facility in Stamford.
The place online to go to make a donation is www.youcaring.com/daniel-finn
Finn said by telephone that he has another driver doing the Stuff a Bus program. He began the program to help Toys for Tots because he is a former U.S. Marine who has served as a volunteer firefighter and seen children who had nothing for Christmas.
“Every child should have something for Christmas,” he said.
“If I can help one kid, my mission is accomplished,” he said.
Now people are helping him. Friends have contributed more than $3,000 toward his $11,000 goal as of Dec. 17.
“I didn’t even want to do it (open a funding account), but I’ve had several people say do it, and the outpouring and support has been great. I’m totally blown away,” Finn said.
For those hesitant to contribute over the Internet, mailed donations may be sent to Finn care of Sharon Scott, 2 Victor Drive, Ridgefield 06877.
Scott said she is more than glad to help.
“Because I know what a nice guy Dan is. He’s always trying to go out of his way to help others. I want to give back a little,” Scott said.
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