Through our Community Concerns effort, Members work in partnership with a variety of service organizations in our community to develop and implement volunteer projects.

Organizations we support

Staying Put in New Canaan:  An organization designed to help New Canaan residents over age 50 enjoy safer, healthier and more independent lives in their homes.  In the fall, YWL members donate and personally deliver pumpkins to elderly people living alone in New Canaan.  In December, members decorate wreaths and deliver them to Staying Put residents around town.  

George Washington Carver Center:  A community center offering after-school enrichment programs for children from low-income families in Norwalk.  YWL members provide donations of school supplies and gently-used luggage to students at the Center.

Mid-Fairfield Hospice:  A hospice agency which has been providing end-of-life care in Fairfield County since 1981.  Mid-Fairfield is a 2009 Designated Grant Recipient and a new Community Concern for the YWL.  Volunteer opportunities may include providing senior companionship or hospice patient care, running errands for hospice patients and their families, providing transportation and helping to staff the New Canaan Thrift Shop.

New Canaan Library:  A town landmark.  The YWL provides volunteers to assist with the Library's Annual Appeal fund-raising mailings.  Volunteers also design and oversee the children's craft program, which includes four craft workshops from Sept-May (two in the fall and two in the spring).  The YWL may also assist with the "Reading the Green" fundraiser if the Library chooses to run it again this year.

Norwalk Emergency Shelter:  A homeless shelter with 95 beds, providing services for men, women and families. The Shelter's "Manna House of Hospitality" serves 12,000 meals per month.  This year the YWL held two clothing drives and one food drive to benefit the Emergency Shelter.  The upcoming year may include more hands-on volunteer opportunities at the Norwalk location.

Person-To-Person:  A private social welfare agency located in Darien that serves low-income families in the greater Stamford area.  YWL members donate various items throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving dinners and pies, non-perishable items for the pantry, children's clothing and supplies, linens and adult clothing.  The YWL also recruits volunteers to help staff Person-to-Person's Christmas Toy Shop.

Breakfast with Santa at Waveny:  A program jointly sponsored by the YWL and the New Canaan Recreation Department.  Santa visits Waveny House to meet and have photos taken with children and their families.  Children enjoy juice and breakfast treats before meeting Santa.  Admission is a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots.  YWL members set up, staff and break down the event.

Senior Outreach:  A YWL-sponsored program that provides stimulating activities for New Canaan senior citizens and encourages interaction between those seniors and New Canaan's youngsters.  Programs are held at the Lapham Community Center, the New Canaan Inn and Waveny Care Center.  YWL members bring their young children along to participate in activities, such as Halloween parties, creating holiday decorations, Christmas caroling and Valentine's Day parties with the seniors.

Click here for more information on getting involved with any of our Community Concerns programs.