There’s no greater gift than the gift of giving. That joyous feeling one gets when you putting a smile on someone else’s face—whether a family member, friend or stranger—that’s what the holiday season is all about. If you’re a Stamford resident looking for ways to spread some holiday cheer, here are a few key donation and collection opportunities worth checking out.
Toys for Tots is a beloved holiday tradition that collects new, unwrapped toys for distribution as Christmas gifts to the less fortunate children of the local community. The program is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, with an ultimate goal of delivering a message of hope for the future of our country through something as simple as a new toy at Christmas. Stamford’s branch of Toys for Tots, which has been successfully coordinated by George Ducanic for 23 years, is now in full swing. Keep your eye out for the signature boxes around town at locations such as the Bank of America, Donut Delight and other local businesses. Gift wrapping parties will be taking place on December 15 and 16, so be sure to get your toys in soon!
The Salvation Army has been serving Stamford citizens since 1884. An international movement, the non-profit provides nearly 30 million Americans with social services each year. The Stamford branch’s Holiday Assistance Program collects Christmas toys in addition to distributing clothing and bedding to children in need. So the next time you see a signature Salvation Army Red Kettle on a nearby street corner, take a moment to donate, and help fulfill the goals of this worthy cause during the holidays and throughout the entire year. You can even contribute on your mobile device! Click here to donate now.
Host to one of the largest regional holiday gift collection programs, Inspirica has been gathering, organizing and delivering personalized, wrapped holiday surprises to children in Fairfield County and beyond affected by homelessness, HIV/AIDS, or poverty since 1989. Help deliver smiles to children of struggling families this holiday season by dropping off a gift at various Stamford locations including Agabhumi, Gofer Ice Cream, Halstead Property Country Living, Bankwell, St. John’s Episcopal Church and of course, Inspirica’s headquarters at 141 Franklin Street.
Domus, or the Latin word for “home,” is exactly what this local Stamford organization aims to provide. It works to create loving relationships and a dependable, warm place for children to heal from trauma and follow a path toward greater opportunity. Be a hero for kids and their families by donating to support this year’s collection of gifts and food for the season. Please deliver any non-perishable items to 83 Lockwood Ave by December 17. Click here for details.
The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County
You can never go wrong when donating to a food bank during the holiday season. The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is accepting monetary contributions, as well as perishable and nonperishable food items to be dropped off at the non-profit’s Stamford warehouse store. After all, the holidays do tend to revolve around a hearty plate of food and cherished family dinners. So, help to make this a reality for your fellow Stamford neighbors by donating, sponsoring a drive, or volunteer at this local food bank today.