The New Canaan Police Benevolent Association is asking locals to donate boots and shoes of all sizes—new or in good, clean condition—as the organization supports a Norwalk nonprofit that serves the homeless and working poor.
Here’s the Police Benevolent Association ‘Boot Drive’ drop box in the lobby at NCPD. There’s parking right out front, and the box is just inside the main door at the South Avenue headquarters. Credit: Michael Dinan
A media release issued by PBA President Roberto Lopez calls for New Canaanites this holiday season to think of the less fortunate and support the Boot Drive—which runs through Dec. 17—for Norwalk’s The Open Door.
“A collection box has been placed in the main lobby of the police department located on 174 South Ave. where donations can be made at any time of day,” Lopez said. “At the conclusion of the drive volunteers will deliver the footwear and a hot meal to The Open Door in Norwalk. An event like this takes the entire community to be successful, so spread the word.”
The Open Door at its 4 Merritt St. facility has some 95 beds that provide shelter nightly—seven days per week, 365 days per year—to individuals and families. It provides three meals a day and offers boxed and canned out of its Manna House kitchen and pantry—that’s more than 60,000 meals per month.
The Open Door on its website says it seeks to “address the causes and complexities of the homeless and working poor by providing shelter, food, clothing, case management services, treatment services, transitional planning for short and long term goals, subsidized housing, education, employment, and a path towards independence and success.”
Interested volunteers can email Lopez at Roberto.Lopez@newcanaanct.gov.