WESTPORT – Local social service organizations and schools kicked off the 2025 holiday giving season on Thanksgiving by raising thousands of dollars in food for hungry residents, according to the town’s Department of Human Services.
“As we head into the holiday season, many Westport households are quietly struggling to put food on the table,” said Human Services Director Elaine Daignault. “It’s a silent struggle — one marked by isolation and worry — that often goes unseen in a community like ours. We are extraordinarily grateful for the Westport residents and organizations who step up year after year to support families who might otherwise go without.”
Several households receiving assistance last week expressed deep appreciation for programs that allow them to participate in the holiday without fear of stigma.
“I never imagined needing help, and it was so hard to ask,” one parent shared. “The fact that everything is handled privately made it possible for me to say ‘yes.’ My kids will have a real Thanksgiving because of this community.”
Another resident noted, “The support comes quietly and respectfully. It reminds me that I’m not alone — and that this town truly cares.”
The town reported the following organizations that gave this year:
- Westport Woman’s Club provided $11,000 in grocery gift cards to 144 households for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hannukah, empowering families to purchase the foods most meaningful to them. The Club’s Food Closet also plays a vital role year-round; in November alone, it distributed more than $2,500 in groceries and gift cards to Human Services beneficiaries.
- Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA) partnered with the Friends of the Senior Center, the Westport Women’s Club, and Calise’s Food Market to ensure homebound older adults and adults with disabilities receive special catered holiday meals.
Dozens of WCSA volunteers continue to enrich the Senior Center community daily by helping serve lunch and warmly greeting patrons.
- Coleytown Middle School held its annual Giving Assembly, with students and staff contributing $1,695 in gift cards and 55 bags of Thanksgiving foods and breakfast staples.
Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool created Thanksgiving cards for Senior Center participants.
- Temple Israel’s Early Childhood Center donated 70 pies, shared among Human Services, Homes with Hope, and the Westport Housing Authority.
- Gault Energy & Home Solutions provided 10 fresh turkeys for local families.
The Westport Food Fund continues to support food-insecure households. Thanks to donations, Human Services was able to help fill critical gaps—such as supplementing food resources during the loss of SNAP benefits throughout the federal government shutdown—and will continue assisting families over the coming months.
“These acts of kindness mean that many Westporters who may be overlooked or too hesitant to seek assistance will feel seen, supported, and included this holiday,” Daignault said. “Throughout the winter season, we remain focused on basic needs such as heating assistance, food resources, and the added pressures families face when school is out and children are home.”
Holiday Giving Program
The town’s annual Holiday Giving Program has already kicked off for 2025. It will support 153 children from 90 families (and counting) including some residents who work with Homes with Hope, live in Westport Housing Authority properties, and qualifying Westport Public School Open Choice students. This assistance helps ensure parents can provide a few meaningful gifts and adequate food during the holidays and winter school break.
Residents wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution may donate through the town’s WeCare Westport portal.
To donate: visit www.westportct.gov/donate
