Although it’s still the middle of summer, early plans are underway for helping members of the community in need of assistance in getting ready for school. Two collection drives for school supplies and resources are being organized to help local families, and Wilton residents are being asked to consider contributing.

Wilton Social Services

As it does every year, Wilton Social Services organizes a Back to School drive for the children of Wilton families who receive assistance from the department. Lauren Hughes, the department’s coordinator, reports that there are approximately 80 children currently receiving services, about the same number as last year.

Hughes says that rather than asking for donations of specific school supplies, Social Services prefers residents to donate gift cards instead.

“We do not have the capacity to handle donations of actual supplies,” she says, adding, “Because the school supply lists are so very specific we want our families to be able to shop for exactly what the children will need for their grade and class.”

Gift cards that would be useful and very welcome include those from Staples and Walmart, or if it is easier for donors, Visa, Master Card or American Express gift cards are fine as well.

Cards can be sent or dropped off at the Wilton Social Services office at Comstock Community Center (180 School Rd.) and marked to the attention of Lauren Hughes. Donors are asked to note that the donations are intended to be earmarked for the “Back to School” effort.

AFC Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care is supporting a program that assists the Norwalk Tenant Association as part of the Community Prevention Task Force, (a Human Services Council program). The Tenant Association provides their school-age residents with backpacks and school supplies for the 2017-2018 school year.

Community members are asked to consider donating the items that are needed, including:

  • Backpacks (priority need)
  • Pens and Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Crayons
  • Rulers
  • Highlighters
  • Notebooks
  • Pocket Folders
  • Pencil Cases
  • Calculators

Donations can be made at AFC Urgent Care, at 607 Main Ave./Rte. 7, in Norwalk, just north of the DMV. For questions or additional information, contact Janet Nazarian at 203.845.9100 or via email. The deadline for all donations is Aug. 4, 2017.