Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield (MOW) prepares, packs, and delivers meals to any Ridgefield resident who cannot provide meals for themselves. (Fun fact: MOW is on track to serve 55,000 meals this year!) “Many people find it surprising that we have no income or age restrictions,” said Board member Hilary Aronow. “As long as someone is a Ridgefield resident in need, even if just short-term during recovery from surgery or illness, we are here to help!”
How to give: Many MOW recipients are elderly and live alone, and they love receiving a special note with their meals. Create handmade cards (without glitter or glue) and mail or deliver them to the MOW kitchen at 25 Gilbert Street, Ridgefield, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. You may also make a financial donation by visiting https://www.mealsonwheelsofridgefield.org/donate.
Family & Children’s Aid (FCA) depends on charitable donations to help less fortunate children and families experience the joy of the holidays. “Your support, no matter the size, has the power to make a difference in a child’s life.”
How to give: Bring toys for kids of all ages, new or lightly used coats, food for holiday meals, or gift cards to 80 West Street, Danbury – or order items online and have them shipped directly. Contact Development Coordinator Millie North at millie.north@fcaweb.org or (203) 885-9753 to arrange a time.
RVNAhealth delivers our neighbors unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed. During the holidays, they especially need volunteers, non-perishable food, and financial support. “When you give to RVNAhealth, you help the elderly remain safe and cared for in their own homes, families and children stay healthy, vaccinated, and supported, and vulnerable populations receive critical supplies and oversight by our nurses and caregivers,” said President & CEO Theresa Santoro.
How to give: To volunteer, contact Stephanie Peppe at speppe@rvnahealth.org. To donate to the food pantry, bring items to 27 Governor Street Ridgefield. To make a financial donation, visit https://rvnahealth.org/donate/
Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the community by promoting responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals. During the holidays, DAWS needs donations to cover the costs of food, supplies, medical care, and vaccinations while keeping animals sheltered until they find their forever homes.
How to give: Visit https://daws.org/general-donations/ to provide financial support or https://shorturl.at/bhBN8 to purchase from their Amazon wish list. You can also visit https://shorturl.at/hnoV7 to purchase from their Chewy wish list.
Trackside Teen Center provides local youth with a safe and fun place to socialize with their peers, and engage in enriching activities (see May/June issue for a profile of Executive Director Lori Fields). Trackside and the Wilton YMCA are joining forces and hosting a Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Buddy the Elf event on Saturday, December 9th. The event will feature a sugary breakfast and pictures with Santa and Buddy and assembling personalized Buddy Bags to be donated the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
How to give: Visit https://shorturl.at/xyDTV or text the word BUDDY to (959) 777-7456 to make an online donation that will help fill the Buddy Bags.
Wilton Food Pantry runs a special program during the holidays that gives eligible households gift cards. “This is mostly geared toward families with children in the home under 18,” said Sarah Heath, Wilton Department of Social Services Director, “but we also help seniors and adults in the community who may need or appreciate help around the holidays.”
How to give: Drop off or mail gift cards or a check made out to WCAF to Wilton Social Services, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Ann’s Place provides help and hope to those living with cancer and their loved ones free of charge, relying on the generosity of donors. “Cancer greatly affects family finances,” said Ann’s Place President and CEO Shannon Cobb. “Many clients have a tight budget, especially around the holidays, and grocery and gas gift card donations would greatly help those who are struggling.”
How to give: Drop off or mail gift cards to Ann’s Place, 80 Saw Mill Road, Danbury, or purchase an Instacart gift card and email it to debbie@annsplace.org.
The Evelyn C. Peeler Children’s Holiday Gift Fund program assists Ridgefield families in need during the winter holidays and with their back-to-school needs. This small all-volunteer non-profit organization, operating under the auspices of the First Congregational Church, purchases new clothing and food certificates for families in town during the holiday season and certificates for back-to-school clothing and school supplies. The group works closely with Ridgefield Social Services to identify families in need. With minimal expenses, 99.9% of the funds raised goes directly to these families.
How to give: The organization is supported by private donations and local foundations. Donations are appreciated and may be sent to The Evelyn C. Peeler Children’s Holiday Gift Fund, c/o UPS Store, PMB #218, 54 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Kids in Crisis is a family-focused charity that provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children and families facing crisis. Its Holiday Central wish list was created to distribute food, new clothing, toys, and household essentials to families throughout the area who have used their services. “Kids In Crisis is happy to help make the holidays a joyous time for these families, especially as the need is greater than ever before,” says Shari Shapiro, Executive Director.
How to give: Visit its online wish list (which is continually updated based on families’ needs) at http://surl.li/lcavg to have donations shipped directly. •