Town Of Westport: 11-01-2021 Release - Westport's Holiday Program Seeks Donations

Press release from the Town of Westport:

11/01/2021 12:00 PM

Human Services Director Elaine Daignault announced today that the Department of Human Services will again sponsor its annual Holiday Giving Program for Westport residents

Ms. Daignault said, “The Human Services’ annual Holiday Program brings holiday cheer to local friends and neighbors facing financial hardship. The annual program is funded entirely by community donations and assists over 100 income-qualified Westport households with school-aged children.”

DHS Family Program Coordinator Annette D’Augelli has been running the program for several years.  During the past two years, the pandemic has increased local needs, with many working parents facing unemployment, underemployment, food insecurity, and chronic stress associated with providing for their families.  

According to D’Augelli, “Our traditional Holiday Giving Program is a beacon of light and kindness benefitting the entire community.  Donating funds and gift cards allow residents and companies to pay it forward while helping an anonymous family to provide food and gifts for their children during the holiday season.”

“Over the past few years, we are seeing more working families who are struggling to meet their family’s needs.  Many work multiple jobs and stretch their incomes to cover basic needs like food, childcare, and housing expenses.  There is little left for gifts or new clothes that children hope to receive for the holidays.”

“100% of all donations go directly to families who qualify for financial assistance throughout the year.  The Holiday Program offers unique, heartfelt opportunities for families to purchase a special gift or two for their children, and perhaps a little something for the parents who rarely buy anything for themselves.” 

“Since the pandemic, Human Services has pivoted from accepting material donations like toys and clothes to gift cards, checks, and cash to protect the health and safety of the community.  Offering gift cards also allows parents to personalize their children’s gifts – no one knows their child’s tastes better than their parents. Allowing parents to shop for their families also enables families to participate in the community’s festive holiday season, feeling confident that their modest gift expenses will not create a monetary shortfall after the season has passed.”

Westport residents and organizations who wish to donate cash, checks, or gift cards to the program are invited to contribute to the “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program” online at www.westportct.gov/donate.  Contributions can be mailed to Westport Department of Human Services at Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.  Donations may also be dropped at Town Hall by appointment.

Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services at 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov for confidential assistance. 

Please contact Annette D’Augelli at adaugelli@westportct.gov or 203-341-1183 with questions or ideas to support the annual program. 

This press release was produced by the Town of Westport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.