By Sarah Opdahl

Amanda Hale, who founded and runs Fairfield County Moms Hub, formerly Moms of New Fairfield, is excited to be organizing the group’s 5th Annual Backpack Drive to help area children in need. For the second year in a row,  they are teaming up with DanburyWORKS, a city-wide collective working to aid struggling families.

The  backpack collection has grown each year and last year’s total of 350 donated backpacks was astonishing. “I am incredibly grateful for the continued support and generosity of this community,” Hale said, going on to say, “Fairfield County Moms Hub has become so much more than a place to share local events and recommendations, it has become a way for moms to connect, support each other, and give back. Seeing local families, businesses, and organizations come together to support important causes is truly inspiring. I’m excited to continue growing these efforts and creating more opportunities for our community to connect and make a difference.”

This year, backpack donation was made even simpler with a Target gift list, which includes backpack options as low as $5 each. “It’s super easy and convenient for everyone,” Hale shared, “When people order through my Target gift list, items get shipped directly to me. Once I receive them, I drop them off at the New Fairfield Police Department. They have been kind enough to store them for me!” The police department is involved, in part, because the backpacks will be distributed at DanburyWORKS’s Party on the Patio, Wednesday, August 19, 4:00-7:30 p.m. at the Danbury Police Department Headquarters, 375 Main Street, Danbury. At the event, local businesses fill the backpacks with supplies and potential resource information.

Hale explained, “Fairfield County Moms Hub continues to grow and has become a place where local Moms and families can connect, find resources, discover local activities, and support one another. I’m excited to continue expanding the group by starting monthly events, including family-friendly activities, mom meetups, and opportunities for couples to connect.” Her primary goal is to continue to create more opportunities for people to build friendships, support local businesses, and feel connected with their community.

New members are always welcome. Hale stressed, “One of my biggest goals for Fairfield County Moms Hub is to create an inclusive space where moms and families from all different towns feel comfortable joining, connecting, and participating. Whether someone is new to the area, looking to meet other moms, or just simply for local recommendations and resources, everyone is welcome!”  Communicating through their Facebook page, events are organized throughout the year, including activities for both moms and children. Of the group’s philanthropic efforts, Hale said, “Giving back has always been an important part of Fairfield County Moms Hub. I continue to look for opportunities to support local  families and organizations through collections, partner and community initiatives.” She coordinates an annual Bags and Bears drive in collaboration with 98Q and the Department of Children and Families foster care collection, which provides essential items and gift cards for local children under 18 years old who have been displaced. The group also donates to an annual diaper and wipe collection that is run by the Community Food Rescue/Community Action in Danbury.

For those interested in giving, visit the Fairfield County Mom Hub’s page on the Target Registry: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/backpackcollection by Monday, August 10. “It means a lot to me,” Hale reflected, “because I know how much a little support can matter, and I just hope these efforts help even one family feel seen, cared for, and a little less alone.”