North Haven Accepting Sign Ups For Holiday Food & Toys

NORTH HAVEN, CT — (From the Town of North Haven): The Department of Community Services for the Town of North Haven announces that North Haven residents are now welcome to reserve their names for the Annual Season of Giving Program.

The mission of the Town of North Haven’s Community Services’ Annual Season of Giving Program is to ensure that North Haven families who are experiencing financial hardship have gifts to provide their children (18 and under) during the holiday season. Additionally, this program is also to ensure that families with food insecurities can also prepare a nice holiday meal.

Holiday Toy Selection Program is intended for North Haven families experiencing financial hardship, with children ages 18 and under. Appointments are available from Dec. 12 through Dec. 16. Parent(s)/Guardians must present a driver’s license, birth certificates for each child in the household and proof of hardship. Forms of proof of hardship include but are not limited to: Social Security benefit letter, State of CT Connect card, Husky card, SNAP benefit letter, Care 4 Kids letter. This program is intended for parents, guardians and/or direct caregivers only.

The Holiday Food Distribution will take place on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the gym at the Recreation Center, 7 Linsley St. (next to Town Hall Annex). Parking will be available at the Congregational church, recreation center and along the street on Linsley St. Requests for food must be received no later than 4:00pm on Monday, Dec. 16. The Food Distribution Program is intended for income eligible North Haven families. Families must present a driver’s license or photo ID upon arrival.

Note to those interested in donating turkeys or hams: Due to storage limitations, the Department asks that turkey or ham donations be delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Additionally, there is a need for the following food items: instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey gravy, cornbread, canned cranberries and canned yams. Monetary donations are gladly accepted. These items can be dropped off to the Department of Community Services office, at the Town Hall Annex Building, 5 Linsley St., from Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., from now until Dec. 21.

Note to those interested in donating toys: The Department welcomes donations of new, unwrapped toys, however, there is an ongoing need for “tween and teen friendly” items. We would happily provide some suggested gift ideas. Donations can be dropped off to the Department of Community Services office, at the Town Hall Annex Building, 5 Linsley St., from Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., from now through Dec. 12.

If you would like to sign up, receive further information or have any questions regarding these programs, please contact the Department of Community Services and Recreation at 203-239-5321 ext. 500.