Support Needed for Children’s Back-to-School Supplies, Afterschool Programing
Press ReleaseHuman Services Family Program Coordinator Annette D’Augelli announced today that the Department is seeking community support for Children’s back-to-School and after-school needs.
Ms. D’Augelli said, “With the 2021 school year fast approaching, Westport's Annual Back-to-School Program offers hope to local families who lack the financial means to purchase back-to-school supplies and provide reliable after-school childcare for their children. “
She continued, “In the wake of the pandemic, the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services (DHS) sees an increasing number of families seeking services. Our parents and children have endured distance learning, unstable employment, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Many households are experiencing un- and under-employment, increased housing expenses, and food insecurity, affecting the health and wellness of children whose parents are having trouble affording essentials for their families.”
“Ordinarily, the Back-to-School program provides basic school supplies to lessen the financial burden on families struggling to make ends meet. The post-pandemic Back-to-School program requires more than backpacks, pens, and pencils. Community donations will help to reinforce a child's sense of hope and stability by ensuring that they have the tools they need to excel in school and have opportunities to participate in after-school activities so their parents can focus on getting back to work.”
“Kids thrive when they have predictable routines to practice, explore, and problem-solve in a safe environment among their peers. Hundreds of Westport families lack sufficient resources to provide their kids with enrichment opportunities to discover new interests and expand possibilities for their future.
Human Services relies on the generosity of neighbors to help income-eligible families prepare and excel each school year. Thanks to the community's generosity, recipient families will share in the excitement of back-to-school shopping. They may also qualify for financial aid to attend an after-school program - opportunities that they would not have otherwise been able to enjoy.”
“Imagine how difficult it is to have to choose between paying for groceries, the utility bill, or your child's back-to-school supplies. School supply shortages are likely this season, with fewer discounts on back-to-school items due to low production and cost inflation.”
Tax-deductible donations, in the form of cash or gift cards (Staples, Target, Walmart, etc.), will ensure that children have back-to-school supplies and opportunities to play, explore and grow through extra-curricular activities. 100% of all donations benefit families directly.
Westport Human Services' donation portal is called “We Care Westport.” Donations are gratefully accepted online at www.westportct.gov/donate click on “Family to Family Programs - Seasonal Program – Back to School.” Contributions are also accepted by mail with checks payable to the “Town of Westport/DHS Family Programs,” at 110 Myrtle Ave Westport, CT 06880.
If you or someone you know requires assistance, please call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov to speak confidentially with a social worker.
Another Overnight Car Accident
First responders were dispatched just after 1:00 this morning to the area of Sylvan Road near Sylvan Lane for the reported motor vehicle accident, with the vehicle reported as rolled over. The roadway, near Gilbertie’s Gardens was closed while responders worked on the scene. No word on what caused the accident or any injuries has been released. This is the second night in a row that a serious car accident has happened after the midnight hour, and the third serious accident in the past 24 hours.
Westport Fire Department photo.
NatGeo Premieres New “Drain the Ocean” Episodes with Westporter Mark Molesworth Behind the Camera
With its United States premiere Monday night, National Geographic released another episode of its show Drain the Ocean, with Westporter Mark Molesworth as Director of Photography. The show’s episode focuses on the Wild West of the United States, and can be seen on the National Geographic Channel. Molesworth has continued working as Director of Photography for a variety of the show’s episodes, adapting during the pandemic while filming next week’s episode - focusing on The First Americans - throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Tennessee.
The trailer for next week’s episode of Drain the Oceans focusing on the First Americans - with Molesworth filming in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and Tennessee.
Molesworth, known locally for his photographs published to WestportNow and as local father, was involved in nine episodes of the popular series that blends earth science and history while investigating undersea mysteries. Molesworth has travelled the world through his work, which includes stints with the shows like ABC News Nightline and Paranormal Witness, the CNN and BBC networks, and a 2020 interview with President Barack Obama.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. North wind 5 to 8 mph.
High Tides: 10:01 AM/10:09 PM
Low Tides: 3:59 AM/4:04 PM
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Calm wind.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 6 to 8 mph.