Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event

For the last six years, a huge effort has taken place in Wilton to package meals and help feed food-insecure people under the organization of Stop Hunger Now, a world hunger relief organization. This year, the organization changed its name to Rise Against Hunger but it is the same great program. This year’s event is on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Last year, over 750 community members, including adults and kids, were able to package over 165,000 meals in a single day. Wilton is annually one of the highest meal-producing efforts; over the last six years, Wilton has made a total of 780,000 meals.

Organizers say that the funding needed to procure all the materials and ingredients is short of the funding goal right now. They hope to once again repeat at 166,000 meals. To do so they need to raise a total of $48,140 at $0.29 per meal–that’s just 29-cents! They’re short by $5,600 but believe it’s a closable gap in time for the event on Saturday, Oct. 21.

They need your help! The event is always supported by the community’s religious organizations but to make it a success, Rise Against Hunger needs more people to step up, both to donate now and to volunteer on the day of.

Donations are being accepted online. The event is being held at the WEPCO Complex (36 New Cannan Rd.).

Teen Peaceworks Ribbons Call Attention to Domestic Violence

Members of Teen Peaceworks worked hard this past Tuesday to put up 103 purple ribbons on trees and lampposts around Wilton Center. The number 103 represents the number of domestic violence cases reported in Wilton this past year.

The display is something the club does annually during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s part of several activities around town this month both to draw attention to the problem and to fundraise in support of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC).

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Teen Peaceworks members will be holding a bake sale at the Village Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. On Monday, Oct. 16 first selectman Lynne Vanderslice will read a Town Proclamation at 10:30 a.m.. Also on Monday, Wilton Restaurant Week kicks off, and participating restaurants as well as Open House Gift Shop and B Chic will be donating a percentage of the day’s proceeds to the DVCC.

Justin Rosenthal, Lauren McNamara and Macaire McNamara
Co presidents (L-R) Johanna Griep and Daniella Chavez, with Rachel Boal and Allison Farago

Wilton Encore Club Fashion Show Fundraiser and Annual Fall Luncheon

Wilton Encore Club members and guests are invited to attend the annual luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to be held on Friday, Oct. 20, at Shore and Country Club in Norwalk. All money raised will be donated to Wilton Social Services and Wilton Senior Center to help Wilton families meet basic needs such as housing, heating, utilities, and fuel.

Encore members will be modeling the latest fall fashions and accessories from More ‘N’ More and Shoes ‘N’ More in New Canaan. Social hour begins at 11 a.m., and lunch will be served at noon. For reservations or questions, please call Maryann at 203.240.2630.

The Wilton Encore Club, now in its 48th year, was founded in the spirit of fun and friendship, including a commitment to the community through this annual fundraiser. Membership is open to all women in the greater Wilton area.

Back row (L-R): Ann Newton, Brenda Pritchard, Monique Kosar, Gerry Carozza,
Front row (L-R) Resi Williamson, Dyane MacDaniel-Brandt

Halstead Connecticut Holds Donation Drive for Children’s Books and Halloween Costumes

The Wilton office of Halstead Real Estate is holding a donation drive for children’s books and Halloween costumes through the end of October. To help children in need in the community, Halstead has teamed up with three local non-profit organizations which will distribute the donations collected–the Mid Fairfield Child Guidance Center, Cardinal Shehan Center and Read to Grow.

Halstead Wilton is accepting donations of new or gently used children’s books and Halloween costumes at 21 River Rd., Suite 700.

The Mid Fairfield Child Guidance Center is the biggest provider of child mental health care in Mid-Fairfield County, helping thousands of children and family members living in New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Weston, Wilton, and Norwalk.

The Cardinal Shehan Center’s mission is “to enrich lives through learning,” offering a variety of programs and activities that address the educational, recreational, social and cultural needs of low-income and moderate families youth.

Read to Grow’s mission is to promote language skills and literacy for children, beginning at birth, and to support parents as their babies’ first teachers.

Throughout the year, Halstead agents support important causes and give back to their communities through the firm’s philanthropic arm, Halstead Helping Hands.