To help those in need, buy a “mitten” at a local store. Not just any mitten. These particular mittens serve as a $5+ donation to Connecticut Food Share (CFS), which helps locals facing food insecurity. The Mitten Project, now in its fifteen year, is an initiative from Westport’s Earth Animal (a store dedicated to providing pet products and food, including natural options).
Last year’s mitten drive raised more than $40,000 for the CFS. This year, the goals is $45,000 ‚ and they make it easy to help. Now through December 31, simply buy a “mitten” at a participating store, which will also have donation boxes. Also, cashmere mittens, advent calendars, and seasonal wreaths will be sold on December 3, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Earth Animal, which will match every dollar that is donated.
“Our loyal customers are generous in spirit. For fifteen years, the Mitten Project efforts have been astounding, and I know we will all rise to the occasion to help our neighbors once again,” says Merritt Goldstein, co-owner of Earth Animal. She is also overseeing the mitten project GoFundMe campaign.
If you’re more hands on about celebrating and giving, check out one of the “Sip and Shop” events. Here are the local places and dates:
- Nov. 16: Scout & Molly, 283 Post Rd. E., Westport, 2-6 p.m.
- Nov. 17: Outdoor Design and Living, 1301 Bronson Rd., Fairfield, 4-7 p.m.
- Nov. 17: J. Mclaughlin, 342 Pequot Ave., Southport, 1-5 p.m.
- Nov. 17: The Post, 1799 Post Rd. E., Westport, 3-6 p.m.
- Dec. 8: Millie Rae’s, 1011 Post Rd. E., Westport, 4-6 p.m.
- Dec. 8: Mo’s Wine and Spirits, 957 Post Rd., Fairfield, 7-9 p.m.
- Dec. 8: Milestone Restaurant, 2 Main St., Redding, noon-5 p.m.
MORE WAYS TO HELP
Pies: Nov. 14-18, check out the Wakeman Town Farm Pie Sale, because all proceeds will go to the CT Foodshare. Easy as placing an order for your favorite homemade pies: apple, apple crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, and pumpkin. Place your orders: www.wakemantownfarm.org. Pick up date is Nov. 22, 3-7 p.m. at Wakeman Town Farm, 134 Cross Highway, Westport.
Wreathes: Dec. 3, head up to Appleberry Farm in Newton to pick up a wreath, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It supports Wreaths for a Good Cause for Earth Animal.
Pet Pantry: All seven Pet Pantry locations will offer their customers an opportunity to support Earth Animal’s 15th Mitten Project. Each eligible customer who receives a Pet Pantry mailer over the holidays will be given an opportunity to make a $5 donation benefiting the Connecticut Food Share. Runs through the end of the year.