Community Comes Together to Support More Than 550 Children Through Kids In Crisis Holiday Central

GREENWICH, CT – More than 550 children opened gifts, warm clothing, and grocery gift cards this holiday season. Serving more children than last year, this showed a major increase in the growing need for support among local families. Because of the kindness and generosity of volunteers, local businesses, schools, faith communities, local community groups, and donors, children are stepping into the new year feeling warmer, safer, and less alone.

Over the course of 14 days, Holiday Central became a center of care and hope. The local community fulfilled 301 Amazon wish list items, distributed 149 grocery gift cards, and worked side by side as 30 volunteers helped set up the shopping experience while 27 shoppers assisted families as they selected gifts for their children. In total, 24 companies participated through giving trees, donations, volunteering, or packing gift bags, alongside 12 schools, faith communities and local groups that donated toys and clothing.

For families facing hardship, housing instability, or crisis, Holiday Central is more than a seasonal program. It is a reminder that they are seen, supported, and not alone during what can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

“Behind every number is a child who felt remembered and a family who felt less alone,” said Shari L. Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids In Crisis. “This year, we saw an increase in calls and requests for support starting before Thanksgiving, showing the rising need in our community. Thanks to strong outreach and our partnerships with local businesses, schools, faith communities, volunteers, and local community groups, we were able to meet that need so families felt supported during a season that can be especially hard.”

Holiday Central is made possible entirely through community generosity and reflects Kids In Crisis’ mission to support children and families through prevention, intervention, and ongoing care. The program supports the organization’s year-round services, including its 24/7 Helpline, SafeHaven emergency shelter, and school-based counseling programs, TeenTalk.

As Kids In Crisis looks ahead, the organization remains focused on the programs that children and families rely on every day. The community is invited to support by attending the upcoming Kids In Crisis Gala – Journey Into The Jungle, an evening dedicated to raising vital funds for the organization’s life-saving services and strengthening the safety net for children across Fairfield County.

To learn more about the upcoming Kids In Crisis Gala, Journey Into The Jungle, purchase tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/LAz/ or email events@kidsincrisis.org for details.

About Kids In Crisis

Kids In Crisis provides 24-hour support to children and families throughout Fairfield County, including emergency shelter, counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families. Through programs like SafeHaven, TeenTalk, and the 24/7 Helpline, Kids In Crisis ensures a community where all children are happy and safe.