Westporters care.
We care about our friends and neighbors. We care about kids and older folks in need, here and in nearby towns and cities.
We want to help — particularly in this holiday season.
But we don’t always know how.
Here are a few great ideas.
The Westport Police Department Local Union #2080 and Police Benevolent Association host an annual Holiday Toy Drive. Thousands of donations benefit underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County, and beyond.
Westport police officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — and cash donations — in the ASF Sports parking lot (1560 Post Road East) on Saturdays and Sundays, December 8, 9, 15 and 16, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Collection boxes will also be set up from Monday (December 3) through December 16, at:
- Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road (24 hours a day)
- Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- ASF Sports, 1560 Post Road East (weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Questions? Email jruggiero@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-6017.
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Westport’s Department of Human Services annual, confidential Holiday Giving Program helps over 400 residents each year.
Donors contribute gift cards to local stores, supermarkets and gas stations. Cash donations are welcome too; Human Services staff uses them to make purchases for clients.
Checks (payable to “DHS Family Programs,” with “Holidays” on the memo line) and gift cards may be mailed to or dropped off at: Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 200, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information, email hsyouth@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1069. Individuals and families needing extra support during the holiday season should call 203-341-1050.
A new online option helps Westport’s most vulnerable residents this season — and beyond. Over 400 individuals and families in town meet the federal poverty level.
The “WeCare Westport” portal provides access to 7 funds:
The Barbara Butler Fund connects at-risk youth with enrichment opportunities.
The Residents in Need Fund provides emergency financial assistance for food, shelter, utilities, medical expenses and other critical needs to Westport residents meeting income guidelines.
The Senior Client Needs Fund serves seniors on limited or fixed incomes during periods of financial hardship.
The Family-to-Family Fund supports offers help with unforeseen expenses during times of financial hardship.
Toquet Hall, located downtown, offers social, cultural and recreational opportunities to teenagers.
Prevention and Educational Programming gives free education and awareness events addressing substance abuse, mental health and parenting education.
Donors who want to help but have no preference of which population to assist can direct funds to the Area of Most Need. This assists residents of any age, when most urgently needed.
To donate to any of these 7 funds, click here.
In recent years, Bridgeport’s Cesar Batalla School has become a favorite destination for Westporters hoping to help youngsters enjoy the holidays.
The school serves children in high poverty brackets. Some live in shelters. 100% are fed breakfast and lunch at school.
Their families have no money for basic necessities — let alone holiday gifts.
Westporters can provide some of those gifts, for children in pre-K through 3rd grade.
It’s easy: Click here to order online from Amazon. Orders from the Wish List will be shipped directly to the school. They are also accepting donations at the Family Resource Center in the school (606 Howard Avenue, Bridgeport). Call 203-579-8526 for drop-off times. For more information, email blabrador@bridgeportedu.net.
In addition, Lucy’s (23 Jesup Road, next to Green and Tonic ) is taking donations for the Cesar Batalla School. Unwrapped new toys can be dropped off Mondays through Saturdays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5pm).
If interested, act now! Gifts will be given by Santa on December 20.
In 2016, Westporters donated these gifts to the Cesar Batalla School.
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(These are only a few ways to help. To add your own favorite cause, click “Comments” below.)
Dear Dan-
Lucy’s in both Westport (23 Jesup Road- next to Green and Tonic ) and Ridgefield (427 Main Street) is taking donations for the Cesar Batalla School this year as well! Supporters can drop off an unwrapped new Toy to any of our stores locations, Mon through Sat 10am to 6pm and Sun 12-5pm! We will be taking donations to the school Bi-weekly from now until dec 20th! Thank you so much for spreading the word to help the School – it’s a really special place !
Sincerely –
Lisa Savone