Gift Tree 2015

Darien Human Services Says 1 in 20 Darienites Live in Poverty: You Can Help Them

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Darien Human Services is encouraging residents to help their neighbors through the Gingerbread Man Tree in Town Hall. Every year during the holidays, the Darien Department of Human Services reaches out to these residents and provides toys, gifts, clothing and gift cards to families and seniors in need. Although the economy has improved slightly in recent months, people continue to struggle, and about 5 percent of Darien residents live at or below the poverty level. The Gingerbread Man Tree is located in the lobby and is decorated with colorful gingerbread men labeled with various gift ideas. Here are some:

Feed A Mind — Children’s Books, Educational Games/Toys or a Gift Card to a Local Book Store

Spread the Holiday Joy — Gift Card for Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, or Kohl’s
Buy a Holiday Meal — Gift Card for Stop & Shop, Palmer’s or ShopRite
Help a Neighbor Get To Work — Gift card for Gas
Keep a Family Warm — Donations to Darien Human Services Gift Fund to help pay for heat
Give a Gift of Clothing — Socks, Leggings, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Sweat Shirts and Sweat Pants
Make a Wish come True — Trucks, Cars, Sports balls, Dolls, Legos, Games, Sleds, Arts & Crafts

These gifts will directly benefit needy children, families, and seniors in town.

Ox Ridge School holiday giving Darien Public Schools photo 911-29-16

Ox Ridge, Tokeneke Students Lend a Hand to Those in Need

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Backpacks and food were among the items collected recently to support local communities and organizations. At Ox Ridge Elementary School, the Kids Care Club collected enough supplies to provide well over the “50 backpack” goal that was set. The Ox Ridge Kids Care Club is an organization of students and parents who are dedicated to living the school code by engaging in community service projects. _______________

— This article is from the Darien Public Schools “News of the Week” newsletter. _______________

As part of the year-long celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary, the Kids Care Club held a “backpack” drive to collect, package, and distribute school supplies to families in need in neighboring communities.