Just 5 more days until Christmas.
As we rush around crazily — buying, wrapping, delivering and mailing gifts; preparing treats and meals, and doing squillions of other things — it may be hard to think beyond our friends and families.
But Westporters do.
A post earlier this month offered dozens of non-profit ideas for “06880” readers to give end-of-the-year gifts. From kids to animal welfare, the environment and literacy to women’s issues, our online community opened their hearts (and wallets).
I know from many grateful volunteers at a number of organizations how much those donations helped. Thank you to all who contributed!
(There’s still time! Just click here to find a cause that’s important to you.)
For 40 years Westporters have supported Homes with Hope’s supportive housing programs and pantries, with donations of funds, food and time.
“06880” readers also responded quickly and generously to our appeal to help heat 2,000 homes in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.
Yesterday, when we were $3,348 from our $60,000 goal, a local couple stepped up with a pledge of exactly that amount. Thanks to their gift — and so many others, including 2 large checks — the winter will be a bit warmer for thousands of residents, thousands of miles away.
Those generous gestures come on top of so many others. Small acts of kindness — to coffee shop workers, Amazon deliverers and postal carriers, hair stylists and manicurists — go a long way for recipients.
So does donating to toy and clothing drives, and bringing and serving food at Homes with Hopes’ Gillespie Center.
Thanks to everyone who is part of “06880,” for making our community — and our world — a little bit better.
You’re not looking for pats on the back.
But here’s one anyway.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
