Adopt a Neighbor for the Holidays

(Please post a reply to this Blog with ways you or your family intend to spread the holiday spirit this season.)

Service to others and helping youth feel like valued members of a community are two of the highlighted "40 Developmental Assets" that help kids grow up healthy, happy and well rounded (www.search-institute.org). 

This 2011 holiday season has many worthy opportunities in which kids and families can get involved together.  Here are some opportunuties right here in New Canaan.

Santa's Hotline is in full swing again for the 2011 holiday season. The is seeking individuals, families or organizations who would like to adopt a child or family for the holiday season.  In the last several years the program has grown to over 70 holiday wish lists from local children waiting to be filled this year.  Santa's hotline directly impacts kids who live right here in New Canaan.

If you or your group/office would like to participate, please contact 203-594-3076 to give us your name and to receive a wish list.  This is a great way for families or an office to work together on a service project during this holiday season.

The program starts Monday Nov. 21, and gifts can be dropped off at the anytime until Dec. 12.  There are other local toy drives to help Kids in Crisis, Toys for Tots,  The Children's Connection Toy Bank in Norwalk, and more.

Likewise, there are always staple needs around the holidays at our local New Canaan Food Pantry and .  Please keep an eye out at local churches or other faith organizations who will be collecting food for their annual Dove Box food drive.  Donations to the can be brought to St. Mark's basement or rectory. The LFCFB also reported being thousands of turkeys short of meeting the needs of their clients this Thanksgiving.

Residents wishing to make a money donations can impact residents here in New Canaan by donating through:

• Attending the annual
• Purchasing a tree from the
• Your Faith Community
• Human Services Warm Up Fund
• New Canaan Community Foundation
• New Canaan Food Pantry
• New Canaan Recreation Dept "Angel Fund"
•  financial assistance program
• Attend the benefit showing of the 
• Support and have breakfast with Santa Dec. 10

Many faith and service groups will be planning their own holiday celebrations; by doing personal visits to home bound seniors, by caroling, standing out and ringing the Salvation Army bell, helping babysit while parents shop, or helping wrap gifts, etc.  Kids and parents keep an eye out for these great opportunities to get involved and be a resource to your community.

And lastly, adopt a neighbor by shopping locally.  Many of our downtown businesses are owned by or employ your neighbors and friends, and they definitely need our help during this holiday season.  Please support our small businesses.

Again please reply with a post to let us know how you plan to celebrate this season through service.  We'd love to hear about all the great things our community is involved in.

If you are a resident and would like help finding a service opportunity or in need of assistance, please call Human Services Department at 203-594-3076 for assistance.