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WESTON, Conn. A day of helping refugees, the homeless, seniors, veterans and drug and alcohol addicts will take place Saturday, June 16, at the annual Norfield Giving Fair sponsored by Norfield Congregation Church.
More than 130 people have signed up to participate in giving events. They have also raised money that will be given to a variety of community service organizations.
The Norfield Giving Fair dates to 1902, and this year marks the 111th event. Traditionally it was a Strawberry Festival, and it evolved over the years. But this year weve changed it because people are experiencing tough times, said Taffy Miller, chairman of Outreach at Norfield Church, 64 Norfield Road. In the past, it's been a tag sale. But this year, nothing is for sale and everything is being given away. It's a service event.
One group that will benefit is the International Institute of Connecticut Refugees, which hosts refugees from the Congo and the Middle East. They have nothing, and we matched up families that will be filling their homes with goods and spending time with them, Miller said.
The Norfield Giving Fair is a wonderful idea," said First Selectman Gayle Weinstein. "It reminds us of the spirit and values of service that mean so much to all of us in Weston.
The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a strawberry breakfast at Norfield Church. Teams of volunteers will check in, have a bite to eat and set off to begin their projects at 9 a.m. Most of the projects will take place off-site, although some will occur at the church, including a dance for disabled adults.
A free barbecue dinner at the church begins at 6 p.m., with all townspeople invited. Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Lee Richardson will kick off the evening, and the St. Luke's Steel Band from New Haven will perform at 7. The music will be followed by a slide show highlighting the work done by the teams.
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