In response to requests from school staff for assistance in purchasing new clothing for graduating middle and high school students, Human Services Director Barbara Butler has announced the fifth year of the new “Ceremonies and Celebrations” program.  

“Last year, thanks to the generosity of the Westport community and the schools’ PTAs, 18 Westport students were able to purchase new special event clothing for their graduations from middle and high school,” she said. 

She said her department had received numerous heartfelt notes of thanks and the photographs of the proud young people as they walked across the stage or stood with their relatives on this special day. 

The public can help fill the need for this year’s graduating students and lift a bit of the expense burden from their families by making a. tax deductible donation, Butler said. Checks should be made payable to Families in Need fund (memo line: Ceremonies) and will be gratefully accepted during May and June. 

If donors prefer, gift cards of any amount (American Express, Marshall’s, The Gap, Trumbull Mall/Westfield Shopping Center), American Express gift checks (usable at any store) are most welcome as well, she said. 

Mail or bring donations of any amount to the Department. of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, Room 200, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880.   

A perfect way to remember a special teacher or person in a student’s life would be a donation in their name to this special fund.  Donors are asked to note the teacher’s name and the donor’s or student’s name. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the teacher. 

If residents know someone who could benefit from this program, call Patty Haberstroh, family program coordinator at 341-1069 in the Westport Department of Human Services.  Social work staff there will assure that families in need meet financial and program criteria and are helped.