For years, Westport’s Human Services Department has run 2 important spring collections. Community donations provide critical support to families needing financial assistance for summer camp programs, and the end-of-school-year celebrations that so many others take for granted.
For parents of kids, the pandemic has made the need even more urgent. Lost social and educational time — combined with fewer affordable structure activities, and adult stress — has driven financially insecure families into greater distress.
Childcare and summer enrichment programs — registered for without a second thought by a number of Westporters — are crucial for children in those circumstances.
After a rough year, summer activities are important.
Camps are in a bind too. After not opening last year, they’ve been unable to offer the same number of discounted tuitions as in the past.
Just as important — for 8th and 12th graders’ social well-being — is having appropriate clothing for graduation ceremonies. Cash and gift card donations help parents with those purchases. They may also hep families share a special meal, to recognize their children’s achievements.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault invites residents to contribute to the department’s Family to Family programs: “DHS Campership Fund” and/or “DHS Ceremonies and Celebrations Fund.”
No one wants to feel left out at graduation.
Every dollar counts. An average week of day camp in the area is $300.
Click here; under “Seasonal Program Name,” click the fund(s) you wish to contribute to. Checks can be sent to Human Services Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 (indicate which fund on the memo line).
Questions? Email adaugelli@westportct.gov, or call Annette D’Augelli at 203-341-1050.
