Darien Men's Association Raising Money For Local Residents This Month

Information via Darien Men's Association

DARIEN, CT — As part of their ongoing commitment to community service, the Darien Men’s Association is once again “ringing the bell for Darien Human Services” in front of Palmer’s grocery store during the holiday season.

This fundraiser has been a long tradition for the DMA and has grown from two days on one weekend in mid-December to four days on two consecutive weekends.

Donation collection occurred on Dec. 14-15, and will continue this weekend, Dec. 21-22.

Thanks to Palmer’s generous donation of the space in front of their store, and the generosity of their shoppers, the amount collected to provide aid to Darien residents in need of food, energy support, clothing, household products and much more has grown from $1,000 to $5,000 over the past few years. With the addition of a fourth day this year, the hope is that this will grow even higher.

As costs remain high for many goods and services, the need for support has never been greater. Ali Ramsteck, the director of human services for Darien, recently spoke to the DMA about her department, the many programs it supports, and the ongoing need for economic assistance. All the money collected at Palmer’s stays within Darien to help residents in need.

The DMA was established in 1977 to provide a forum for retired and semi-retired men to find good fellowship, friendship, and fun via a range of activities to nourish body and mind and provide service to the local community. The group is associated with the Darien Community Association and conducts its general meetings at the DCA’s Meadowlands facility every Wednesday morning from Labor Day through Memorial Day.

DMA members also meet in smaller groups at other times to participate in a wide range of community service, social, athletic, and cultural activities.

The highlight of the Wednesday meetings is the speaker program that features talented speakers from all walks of life. Recent speakers have addressed sports, entertainment, history, health and well-being, education, world affairs, government, literature, art and business.

The DMA currently has 350 members from Darien and surrounding communities. It continues to grow and welcomes those interested in joining to contact the organization at dariendma@gmail.org.