“We had a 39 percent increase in our back-to-school program, so we’re anticipating an increase based on that,” said Olive Hauser, director of social services. The department’s household supply closet had more than a 100 percent increase in use.
The holiday giving has already begun, Hauser said. A recent gift drive at the Darien Playhouse was successful, and families have begun reaching out to see how they can help. The Darien High School Community Council is collecting donations, and a donation drive by the Depot’s Cops and Kids group has stocked the household supply closet. “We can hardly walk in our supply closet this year.”
“I’m always a little worried this time of year whether we’ll have enough,” Hauser said. The beginning of the holiday season can be a little slow, but she is hoping it picks up by the time the department opens its holiday store at Town Hall on Dec. 11.
The department has set up three giving trees: at Town Hall, the Darien Rowayton Bank and Halstead Real Estate. The trees are decorated with gingerbread men, each with a request for a specific gift. Residents can donate gifts such as balls, dolls, trucks, books or gift certificates.
“It can be hard to appreciate, but for a family strapped for cash, a gas card or a Stop & Shop card can be one of the best things they can get,” Hauser said. “A CVS gift card may not necessarily seem like the best Christmas gift, but it really is.”
The holiday store will be open from Dec. 11 through 21 in Room 119 of Town Hall.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
