GLASTONBURY, CT (WFSB) — It’s starting to look like Christmas, and thanks to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, it seems so too.
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families hosted a pop-up toy store in Glastonbury on December 21 to help families buy Christmas gifts for their children.
DCF hosted a Christmas toy pop-up shop in Glastonbury called “Olive Branch” and aimed to ease the financial burden for some parents during the holiday season.
“We know what it’s like to put toys under your tree on Christmas morning,” said DCF commissioner Vanessa Dorantes. “Not every family has that experience, so we wanted to make sure parents have that experience this year.”
Many of the children who received the gift went through some difficult situations. That’s why people associated with the pop-up shop said that they were honored to be there on Tuesday.
“Instead of social workers bringing toys at the doorsteps of our families, we have invited our families to shop as they know best what their children like and thus, they can visit our store with dignity. Can leave, which had a hand in choosing one. Gifts for your kids,” said Jacqueline Ford, community outreach coordinator, DCF.
The idea was to let the parents decide which toy, book, stuffed animal or set of games best suits their little one.
“They walk in and they’re a little overwhelmed when they look around, and I talk to them about how many gifts they’ve been able to take home with them, and the response has just been kind, so much gratitude and emotion. Loaded with it,” Ford said. “Many of them have cried and are very grateful.”
Reilly Byrd, 12, has been helping DCF chores since she can remember, adding that it never gets old.
“I have a bunch of family members who went through foster care and adoption and they tell me about their stories and how they were so lucky, but they have some people who weren’t so lucky, And that kind of hit was close to my heart,” Byrd said.
DCF hosted a Christmas toy pop-up shop in Glastonbury called “Olive Branch” and aimed to ease the financial burden for some parents during the holiday season.
With all the heaviness in today’s world, Reilly said it’s more important than ever to keep your head up and remember that “this too shall pass.”
“You know that if you’re going through a tough time, there’s going to be that rainbow at the end of the tunnel, and you’re going to be able to have it and you’ll have friends and family who will no matter what ‘Support you, and you’ll be able to get through this,'” Byrd said.
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