All around town, families gathered for Christmas.
It’s “the most wonderful time of the year.” Gifts spill out beneath full, fragrant trees. A roaring fire adds to the warmth. There is way too much food.
That Hallmark holiday is not reality for everyone, of course.
It’s especially not true for those who don’t have enough food.
Or even a place to call home.
But for residents of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place, and those with their own roofs but bare pantries and no family, this Christmas was better than they could have imagined.
It was a gift from Westporters who do have homes, and food, but who wanted to share the holiday with those who do not.
Homes with Hope — the non-profit that for 40 years has run our town’s men’s and women’s shelters, and food pantry — provided Christmas Eve dinner, and Christmas Day lunch and dinner, for over 2 dozen neighbors.
The meals came courtesy of a local restaurant and Westport residents. They were served by them too.
Kristen Comfort — owner of Zucca Gastrobar — kicked things off Sunday night. She provided a full dinner: ham, salad, vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, dessert and a fruit punch.
“Zucca’s owner and staff were so generous. Our clients were thrilled,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden.
Zucca chefs, with a photo of the Gillespie Center.
Richard and Molly Swersky had never been to the Homes with Hope community kitchen.
But on Christmas Day they — and their daughters Frannie and Vivi, ages 9 and 8 — stopped by to serve lunch (sandwiches, fruit salad, potato salad, dessert). They had a wonderful time with HwH’s very appreciative clients, McAlinden says.
The Swersky family, in the community kitchen. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (far right) was there too.
Christmas dinner was courtesy of Kimberly Konstant, who has volunteered previously in the community kitchen.
The menu included lasagna, chicken parmigiana, vegetables and dessert.
But what’s Christmas without presents?
The Westport Rotary Club donated socks, scarves and hats for all the shelter residents.
Christmas gifts, from the Westport Rotary Club.
McAlinden says, “Westport is a special and unique place. People come daily with gifts and food.
“Thank you to all the kind people of Westport. On behalf of our staff, board and clients we serve, we thank you so much!”
(To learn more about Homes with Hope — including how to donate and volunteer — click here.)
