Jennifer Jackson writes:
Beth Atlas has been an active member of the Westport community for nearly 30 years. In addition to raising 3 children, and running her own nutrition and chiropractic business, she has always found time to volunteer and help others.
Beth Atlas
For the past 17 years Beth has spearheaded the Holiday Store Event for children in Bridgeport. This program provides gifts to over 100 families each year — families who otherwise would have nothing over the holiday season.
The idea is simple. Children at Bridgeport’s Ralphola Taylor Community Center after-school program earn points for good behavior, and trying their best in class.
Then youngsters then use their points to “buy” holiday gifts for their family members.
Incentives for children to behave well and try hard in school are strong, as those who earn the most points shop first.
Ralphola Taylor Holiday Store shoppers …
To stock the Holiday Store in the Ralphola Taylor Community Center gym, Beth organizes the collection of hundreds of donations each year.
She then sets up the donations like a store. Children cruise the aisles to select gifts for their families.
Yet the holiday would not be complete if the children did not receive a gift themselves.
Each child makes a wish. Beth coordinates with the Westport Young Woman’s League to make sure each wish is fulfilled.
Often, these are the only gifts the families receive for the holiday.
Thank you, Beth for creating and continuing this holiday tradition, for nearly 2 decades!
… and volunteers.
Beth does her job. Now “06880” readers can do ours.
Donations of new, unwrapped presents are being accepted through December 10. There will be a collection, facilitated by What Up Westport, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (across from Thomas Road) on December 7 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). To drop donations off other than that time, contact Marcy Sansolo through What Up Westport on Facebook.
Gift ideas for children include books, dolls, board games, stuffed animals, educational toys, arts and crafts, cars and trucks, Legos, games and sports equipment.
Gif ideas for men include cologne, tools, scarves, hats, gloves, wallets, grooming kits, headphones, slippers, mugs, watches and electronics.
Gift ideas for women include perfume, costume jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, makeup kits, manicure sets, nail polish sets, slippers, toiletries, books and picture frames.
You can roder online using special links. All items will be picked up by Marcy Sansolo. Savvy + Grace (for all donations, the store will add an ornament with your name to a Westport Downtown Association Christmas tree). Awesome Toys. Amazon.
This is always such a special event and Beth has done an amazing job reaching out to the community for gifts. The kids light up when they find something they think their mom, dad, sister, brother or other family member will love. This is a very well deserved Unsung Hero!
Kudos to you. I’ll certainly donate
Dan: Thanks for sharing Beth’s story. She really is an amazing individual and her efforts to help these children help themselves is truly inspiring. The best part is how the kids earn their money for the holiday shopping event. To see the smiles on these children’s faces is the best gift each holiday season. Thank you Beth Atlas for all you do for your community!
I just love this.
Beth is definitely a hero, for her many contributions to our community. Thank you Beth!
Thank you for honoring Beth Atlas. She has worked hard every year to make the Holiday store a reality. It has been a joy to see the happiness she brings to so many children.