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Fairfield Office Seeks Holiday Help Providing For Scores Of Needy Families

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield’s Social Services Department will again be calling upon the town’s businesses, faith-based and community organizations, and kind-hearted residents to aid in its mission to provide assistance to local families in need this holiday season.

Terry Giegengack

Terry Giegengack

Photo Credit: Contributed photo

While the average household income in Fairfield tops $120,000 annually, nearly 5 percent of the town’s population lives below the poverty line, according to the last U.S. Census.

Terry Giegengack, director of the Human and Social Services, said that translates into scores of people; her organization alone provided support for 130 families last year.

This year, Giegengack’s department is requesting a specific type of donation: gift cards.

“The Social Services Department has an annual tradition of providing gifts for families in need,” she said. “Last year, the Family Holiday Giving Program provided the option to donate gift certificates in lieu of wrapped presents. Clients use the gift cards for food, gas, clothing and gifts … throughout the year. Any denomination is most welcome.”

While donors are asked to provide the gifts cards, social workers at the Social Services Department do inquire about how the donor would prefer the money be spent. For example, if someone specifically requests that their donation go to a family in need of toys for the holiday, social workers will do their best to confidentially accommodate that request, Geigengack said.

Anyone wishing to donate should call 203-256-3170 or visit the Social Services office at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace.

“On behalf of the families that receive the holiday gifts, the Town of Fairfield Department of Human and Social Services would like to thank the community for keeping all our residents in mind for the upcoming holiday season.” Giegengack said in a statement.

Anyone in need of holiday help should call Eileen Fickes, social worker for the Human and Social Services Department, at 203-256-3170 or email efickes@fairfieldct.org.

The Bigelow Center is handicapped accessible. Anyone wishing to make an appointment with a social worker there should call or visit between 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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