Westport's Ceremonies and Celebrations Clothing Donation Program Marks Ninth Anniversary

Human Services Director Barbara Butler said the program, launched in response to requests from school staff, had aided several hundred students since its founding in 2004.

“Last year, thanks to the generosity of the Westport community and the schools’ PTAs, 38 Westport students were able to purchase new special event clothing for their graduations from middle and high school,” Butler said.

The Human Services 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,” she said. 

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. Checks should be made payable to “DHS Family Programs” (memo line: Ceremonies) and will be gratefully accepted through June.

A perfect way to remember a special teacher or person in a student’s life would be a donation in their name to this special fund.  Donors are asked to note the teacher’s name and the donor’s or student’s name. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the teacher. 

“If donors prefer, gift cards of any amount (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Marshall’s, The Gap, TrumbullMall/Westfield Shopping Center) are most welcome as well,” she said. 

Donations may be mailed.

Kindly mail or deliveredbring donations of any amount to the Department. of Human Services, , Room 200, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. 

Residents knowing someone 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.

“While new clothing may seem frivolous to some, to many of our students it represents a special occasion marking a new beginning and a job well done,” Butler said. ”Dressing kids for special events is a gift for a special time in a young person’s life. Thank you in advance for helping to make dreams come true.”