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The requests for help come from school staff for assistance in purchasing the new clothing for graduating students, Westport's Department of Human Services Director Barbara Butler said.
“Last year, thanks to the generosity of the Westport community and the schools’ PTAs, 36 Westport students were able to purchase new special event clothing for their graduations from middle and high school,” Butler said. “This year, the number of requests is considerably higher.”
“The public can help fill the need for this year’s graduating students and lift a bit of the expense burden from their families by making a tax-deductible donation,” Butler said.
She said her department had received numerous heartfelt notes of thanks and the photographs of the proud young people as they walked across the stage or stood with their relatives on this special day.
Individuals looking to send a school staff member a gift can make a donation in their name to the fund. Donors are asked to note the teacher’s name and the donor’s or student’s name. A formal letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the honored individual.
“If donors prefer, gift cards of any amount (American Express, Visa, Master Card, or Trumbull Mall/Westfield Shopping Center) are most welcome as well,” Butler said.
Checks can be made payable to “DHS Family Programs” (memo line: ceremonies) and will be accepted through June. Donations may be mailed or delivered to the Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, Room 200, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Residents who are aware of individuals who could benefit from this program should contact Patty Haberstroh, family program coordinator at hsyouth@westportct.gov or 203-341-1069 in the Westport Department of Human Services.
Social work staff there will assure that families in need meet financial and program criteria and are helped.
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