DCF pop-up toy store helps families with Christmas shopping | Connecticut News
GLASTONBURY, CT (WFSB) – It’s starting to look like Christmas, and thanks to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, everything is so much fun.
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families hosted a toy pop-up in Glastonbury on December 21 to help families buy Christmas presents for their children.
DCF has organized a Christmas toy pop-up store called “Olive Branch” in Glastonbury and it aims to ease the financial burden on some parents during the holiday season.
“We know how it feels on Christmas morning to be able to have toys under our tree,” said Vanessa Dorantes, DCF commissioner. “Not every family has that experience, so we want to make sure parents have it this year as well.”
Many children who received gifts had to go through quite difficult circumstances. That’s why people involved with the pop-up said they were honored to be there on Tuesday.
“Instead of having social workers bring toys to our door, we invited families in to shop because they know best what their child likes and this way they can leave the door. Our customers with confidence have had a hand selected Jacqueline Ford, outreach coordinator, DCF, said.
The idea is for parents to decide which toys, books, stuffed animals or play sets are best for their child.
“They walked in and were a little overwhelmed looking around, and I told them how many gifts they could bring home, and the response was gentle, filled with so much emotion and gratitude. ,” said Ford. “Many of them cried and were very grateful.”
Reilly Bard, 12, has been helping with DCF causes since she can remember, and says it never gets old.
“I have a bunch of family members who have been through foster care and adoption and they tell me their stories and how super lucky they have been, but they have some who wasn’t so lucky, and it fell on my heart. ,” said Bard.
DCF has organized a Christmas toy pop-up store called “Olive Branch” in Glastonbury and it aims to ease the financial burden on some parents during the holiday season.
With all the heaviness in today’s world, Reilly says it’s more important than ever to hold your head up high and remember that “this too shall pass”.
“You know if you’re going to be going through tough times, that there’s going to be a rainbow at the end of the tunnel, and you’re going to be able to get through it and you’re going to have friends and family,” Bard said.
