At A Glance: Kids In Crisis’s Holiday Central 2023 was a huge success, celebrating the spirit of giving and making a difference for 313 children in 169 families. This annual event, powered by our community’s generosity and volunteer efforts, is a cornerstone of the 24/7/365 support we give to all of the young people we work with and highlights Fairfield County’s support to Kids In Crisis’s children and families.
Celebrating Your Spirit of Giving during Holiday Central 2023
As we step into the new year, it’s the right time to reflect on the tremendous success of last month’s Kids In Crisis Holiday Central 2023. Serving over 313 children from 169 families, this event was more than a giveaway; it was a shining example of our community’s love and care.
At the heart of this year’s Holiday Central was the spirit of giving. Parents could “shop” for free, choosing the perfect gifts for their children. Our incredible donors and volunteers made this possible, whose contributions brought joy and gifts to these families. Your commitment to giving back has been the driving force behind our year of impact!
A special thanks goes to our dedicated volunteers who sorted the gifts, the generous individuals who donated, and the companies that provided financial support. Your collective efforts have lit up the lives of many children and families during the holiday season.
Holiday Central and the Kids In Crisis Youth Development Ecosystem
Holiday Central is a critical component of the Kids In Crisis youth development ecosystem across Fairfield County. This ecosystem ensures ongoing connections with the families we serve through multiple channels. Our Holiday Central beneficiaries include past and present families engaged with our programs like the SafeHaven Shelter, Helpline, Outreach Services, TeenTalk, and more. Most families come to Holiday Central through referrals from our TeenTalk and KidTalk counselors, active in 18 schools across the county. We also receive referrals through our Lighthouse groups, which support LGBTQ young people. We give special priority to families of children who have stayed at our SafeHaven youth shelter. This comprehensive approach helps us build lasting relationships with the children and families in our care.
A Message from Our Executive Director About Holiday Central 2023
Shari Shapiro, Executive Director for Kids In Crisis, said that the program fills an important need for the children we work with.
Looking Ahead to Holiday Central 2024
As we gear up for the next holiday season, we invite you to join us in this meaningful (and fun!) journey. Whether as a volunteer, donor, or supporter, your involvement is important in nurturing the lives of children in Fairfield County. The Holiday Central event is one of many ways we connect with and support our community. It’s a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of collective action.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of our extended Kids In Crisis family. Your generosity made the holidays brighter and reinforced our commitment to the youth you serve 365 days a year through your giving. Let’s continue working together to impact the lives of children and families in need.
Together, we’re not just giving gifts but building a stronger, more connected community. Join us in making the next Holiday Central an even greater success. Sign up to be involved and help us continue our mission of nurturing and supporting Fairfield County’s children throughout the year.
Heartfelt Thanks to All Our Donors
As we close this chapter on Holiday Central 2023, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to every supporter who contributed to its success. While it’s impossible to name everyone, know that every donation, big or small, made a profound impact.
Special thanks to North Greenwich Congregational Church for their generous hospitality in hosting this event. We are also immensely grateful to companies like Bimbo Bakeries USA, Merrill Lynch, Synchrony Financial, and Blue Owl for their financial contributions, enabling us to purchase items not initially donated. Axiom Investors deserves a special mention for their dedicated donations towards holiday meals, making a difference in many families’ celebrations.
Henkel North America went above and beyond by fulfilling the individual wishes of 250 families, bringing smiles and joy to many. We also cannot forget to thank the numerous individuals who selected and purchased items from our Amazon wish list. Your choices were more than gifts; they were gestures of love and care.
Every toy, piece of clothing, and meal contributed has been invaluable. Your generosity has not only fulfilled immediate needs but has also strengthened the bonds within our community. So many groups, like the Yale Alumni Association of Greenwich, hosted toy and clothing collections for us.
Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey at Holiday Central 2023. Let’s continue to make a difference, one child, one family at a time.
Corporate Sponsors
