Hailey’s Day Of Kindness Expands In Ridgefield With Food Drives, Youth Projects

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Hailey’s Day of Kindness returns Thursday with an expanded slate of activities across Ridgefield, as schools, nonprofits, faith groups and youth organizations take part in community service projects aimed at helping residents facing food insecurity, financial hardship and isolation.

The annual day of service, launched in memory of Jill and Ryan Merolle's daughter Hailey, has grown steadily. Organizers said this year’s participation highlights both the range of needs in the community and the growing involvement of young people in addressing them.

Several efforts focus on food assistance. The ERMS Student Council is holding a soup drive for Ballard Green’s food pantry, while the Ridgefield Lions Club is collecting food for the RVNAhealth pantry. The Ridgefield Chorale is donating proceeds from its concert to Community Food Rescue, and Jesse Lee Church is delivering its annual Shoebox gifts to social services and other recipients in need.

Youth groups are also playing a prominent role. Lions Heart chapters are baking goods, creating cards and decorating bags for Meals on Wheels, while also delivering treats to the Ridgefield Fire Department. Girl Scout Troop 50354 is making kindness notes for staff at the neonatal intensive care unit at Danbury Hospital, and the Ridgefield Transition Program is distributing “You Are Loved” cards to Ridgefield High School faculty.

Support for families with infants and patients in medical care is another theme. Fairfield County Bank and Jesse Lee Church are contributing funds and baby items to Birthright, including donations designated for car seats for financially struggling pregnant women. Ruby Weiner is hosting an ice cream social for staff in the NICU at Danbury Hospital, while Born to Thrive will help distribute bracelets created by local students to NICU families.

Other acts of service include a toiletries collection by RVNAhealth for patients in its chronic care programs, holiday cards made by the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield for seniors and assisted living residents, and a flower delivery to residents at Ridgefield Crossings coordinated by SOAR and Ridgefield Pride.

Rotary Club of Ridgefield is collecting socks, gloves and hats to be given to Ridgefield Social Services for their clients. The National Charity League, Inc. with two operating chapters servicing the Ridgefield community, have joined efforts to support the food pantry at Ballard Green.

Founders Hall will host a “Tiger Claus” appearance provided by the Ridgefield Father’s Club, with photos scheduled during the afternoon. Organizers said the event is intended to bring joy and connection to older residents.

In addition to organized projects, residents are encouraged to take part individually by performing random acts of kindness and sharing photos online using the hashtags #haileysdayofkindness and #haileysdayofkindnessridgefieldct.

Organizers said the breadth of participation reflects both the generosity of the community and the importance of teaching younger generations the value of service and giving back.