Giving Back | written by: DARIENMAGAZINECT.COM STAFF
We’re turning the traditional gift guide on its ear this holiday season and rather than the usual mix of holiday treats, we humbly submit this selection of tremendous nonprofits in our town to add to your gift-giving consideration. Why not a donation as one of the presents you give this year?! Great as hostess gifts too!
At Home in Darien
Helps Darien seniors live independently, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes and the community as long as possible. Supported almost exclusively by the generosity of Darien residents. All funds raised go directly to serving senior citizens. For this gift, visit athomeindarien.org.
Blue Wave Booster Club
The Team behind our teams: All monies raised support Darien High School (DHS) sports and student activities by funding additional and customary needs that exceed budgets, and by fostering sportsmanship and school spirit among students, parents, teachers and staff. To give this gift, visit bluewavebc.org.
The Community Fund of Darien (TCF)
Through grants to carefully vetted local social service organizations, the TCF funds access to food, shelter, physical and mental healthcare, job training and youth success programs. $25 buys weekend meals for two food-insecure students; $50 helps subsidize afterschool STEM programming; $100 provides 37 meals at a local soup kitchen; $250 funds utilities for local seniors; $500 supports parenting classes to decrease child abuse and neglect. For this gift, visit communityfunddarien.org.
Darien Arts Center (DAC)
Dedicated to educating, promoting and providing the means of artistic expression in dance, music, visual arts and theater to community members of all ages. $25 helps buy arts supplies; $75 helps provide visual arts, music or dance instructors; $150 helps with costumes; $200 helps provide scholarships. A gift in any amount is welcome and appreciated. For this gift, visit darienarts.org.
Darien Community Association (DCA)
The DCA values opportunities to learn and extends scholarships to DHS students. It values sustainability, caring about the world we will leave for our children and our grandchildren. It values our green spaces, lovingly cared for by so many. And the DCA values community and its power to bring us together. Gifts will support these values and create an incredible impact in 2024. For this gift, visit dariendca.org.
The Darien Foundation
Provides grants for technology and capital initiatives which create opportunity for Darien youth, support our town’s safety and security, and enhance the overall quality of life in Darien. Every dollar benefits Darien! All donations go to grant funding as the Foundation Board and Officers cover operating expenses. For this gift, visit darienfoundation.org.
Darien Land Trust
Permanently preserves and restores open space in Darien, providing the community with environmentally rich habitats, scenic vistas, opportunities for educational experiences and the quiet enjoyment of nature. $100 installs nesting boxes for bluebirds, $250 replaces trail signage, $500 repairs damaged fencing. All gifts of any amount welcome. For this gift, visit darienlandtrust.org. Land doesn’t protect itself. People do.
Darien Library
Provides education, entertainment, enrichment and community building through compassionate service to all. All donations directly fund the purchase of books and materials, research databases, services, and programs and special events for all ages. For this gift, visit darienlibrary.org or contact Melissa Noonan at mnoonan@darienlibrary.org.
Darien Nature Center
Inspires passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences with nature, and environmental action and stewardship. Home to more than 30 animals. $25 buys one month of food for the insectivores; $50 buys bark and wood shavings for bedding; $100 buys fresh
fruit and vegetables for the herbivores; $250 helps defray the cost of specialty vet care. For this gift, visit dariennaturecenter.org.
The Depot
Supports the well-being of our youth by giving them opportunities to connect, grow and give back through relevant, age-specific and vital resources in a safe, inclusive space. Funds raised support staffing, programming and resources such as basketballs, board games, crafts and activities for the 1,000+ middle and high schoolers who participate in Depot programs each year. For this gift, visit dariendepot.com.
Mather Homestead Foundation
Dedicated to the preservation of Darien’s Mather Homestead as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment through programming that “brings history to life” including lectures, tours, events for kids and more. Raises awareness of the Homestead’s history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as the founder of our modern National Parks System. To give the gift of supporting this Darien gem, visit matherhomestead.org.
Museum of Darien
Funds raised help maintain, collect, preserve and exhibit materials of local historic value and educate the town about its heritage through educational programs, lectures and workshops. Also brings a greater sense of community to the residents of Darien by helping them understand, honor and preserve our town’s heritage as they shape its future. To give this gift by becoming a member
and/or making a donation, visit museumofdarien.org.
Person to Person
Dedicated to helping families with essential resources including food, clothing, financial assistance, and opportunities for economic stability. This holiday season, P2P needs food and toy donations. They are also seeking volunteers for their food pantries, clothing center, and upcoming events including Turkey Give-Away (November 17th, 20th and 21st) and Toy Store (December 13th to 16th). Visit p2pHelps.org to give this gift or volunteer.
Darien EMS-Post 53
Provides 24-hour emergency medical services and transport to the community at the highest level of excellence using DHS students and adult volunteers at no charge to residents; 100% funded by donations. $45 buys 1 dose of Narcan; $120 covers annual online training/member; $200 buys 20 boxes of gloves; $360 buys four highway safety vests; $600 buys a voice pager; $750 buys an EpiPen; $2,500 covers an AED. For this gift, visit Post53.org.
