TORRINGTON -- Charles Gardner was on the front steps of his home Wednesday when he handed over his entire Social Security check to George W. Bush, or at least someone who looked and sounded a little like the president.

But police here say Gardner's election season contribution didn't go to a politician trying to stuff his party's coffers, but to a gun-wielding man wearing a rubber Halloween mask resembling the two-term Republican from Texas.

Gardner said his weekly routine went haywire just after 11 a.m. as he unlocked the front door of his 767 Migeon Ave. apartment. That's when the man pushed a gun barrel against his temple and demanded money -- or else.

Gardner, 39, said he began collecting Social Security benefits four years ago when doctors told him his kidneys were failing. He was at the hospital early Wednesday for dialysis treatment, then made a trip to the bank to cash his $1,000 check

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