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Ridgefield's United Way Offers Ways To Pay It Forward For The Holidays

DANBURY, Conn. -- The holiday season is upon us and the United Way of Western Connecticut in Danbury has organized many ways. to give back to those who are less fortunate.

The holiday season is upon us and the United Way of Western Connecticut in Danbury has organized many ways to give back to those who are less fortunate.

The holiday season is upon us and the United Way of Western Connecticut in Danbury has organized many ways to give back to those who are less fortunate.

Photo Credit: contributed
The United Way of Western Connecticut is collecting boots and books for low-income preschoolers in Danbury. To donate, contact Stacy Schulman at (203) 826-8479.

The United Way of Western Connecticut is collecting boots and books for low-income preschoolers in Danbury. To donate, contact Stacy Schulman at (203) 826-8479.

Photo Credit: contributed

“There are so many ways you can make the holidays brighter for those in need in our area,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut. “Whether it’s new boots and books for toddlers or essential health and hygiene items for seniors, United Way makes it easy for you to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“Many low-income children don’t have the best footwear for playing outside in the winter,” said Stacy Schulman, director of corporate relations and special events. “By pairing the boots with a book, we make it a special gift for young children.

"Also, seniors living on limited incomes can always use personal care items," Shulman said. "Our Youth Volunteer Corps is putting together kits the week of Dec. 12. Donations are still welcome for both projects.”

Here are some of the United Way projects:

  • Coat Drive for Project Homeless Connect: Now in its 10th year, the project is hosted by Western Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut Mental Health Agency. Coats must be received no later than Dec. 6.
  • Holiday Care Kits for Seniors: To provide 100 seniors with a kit of personal care items, donations of the following items are needed: travel size shampoo, deodorant, travel size hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, travel size lotion, comb/brush and adhesive bandages.  
  • Boots and Books for Danbury Public School Readiness Program: A winter boot drive will provide boots for 60 children to be kept in the classroom to promote winter play in the preschools. Along with the boots, United Way requests an age-appropriate book that the children can take home and read with their families. Boots and books must be received the week of Dec.12. 
  • Santa’s Workshop: This grassroots, volunteer-driven effort creates a winter wonderland for low-income children from infants to age 12. This year’s Santa’s Workshop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at St. Paul’s Church in Danbury. The program needs donations of new toys for infants to children age 12, in addition to coats, hats and gloves/mittens. New, unwrapped toys and items must be received no later than the week of Dec. 12.
  • United Way of Western Connecticut is collecting PJ’s & Books for children and teens at Kids in Crisis, which provides free, emergency residential care for children and teens.  PJ’s for all ages are needed, however drawstring PJ sets for teen boys and girls (Jr./Adult Sizes S-XL) are especially helpful. 

The United Way of Western Connecticut serves Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford and Sherman.

For more information or to contribute to any of the programs, contact Stacy Schulman at 203-826-8479 or stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org.

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