How To Give Back This Season In Fairfield: Reader Recommendations

FAIRFIELD, CT — It's the season of giving, and after the challenges brought by 2020, many charities and community organizations in Fairfield and the surrounding area are in need of support.

So, we asked our readers for recommendations on how Fairfielders can give back — and you delivered. Below are several Patch readers' charity choices for this holiday season:

Operation Hope

ABOUT: Operation Hope helps people and families experience transformative change with programs and services that focus on eliminating hunger and homelessness, according to the organization's website.

LEARN MORE: operationhopect.org/

HOW TO GIVE: operationhopect.org/donate/

The Fairfield Women's Exchange

ABOUT: The Fairfield Women's Exchange is a boutique that provides a showcase for various forms of art, helping creators help themselves, according to its website. The exchange then donates proceeds to charities that promote the mental and physical wellbeing of women and children, the website said.

LEARN MORE: thefairfieldexchange.com/

HOW TO GIVE: thefairfieldexchange.com/volunteer

Bridgeport Rescue Mission

ABOUT: The Bridgeport Rescue Mission provides meals, shelter, addiction recovery programming, clothes, groceries and job-skills training to those in need, according to its website.

LEARN MORE: bridgeportrescuemission.org/

HOW TO GIVE: bridgeportrescuemission.org/give-now/

Beardsley Zoo

ABOUT: Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is Connecticut’s only zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and a participant in the association's Species Survival Plan programs, according to the zoo's website. The zoo is committed to preserving endangered animals and developing strategies that will protect species and preserve their wild habitats, the website said.

LEARN MORE: www.beardsleyzoo.org/

HOW TO GIVE: www.beardsleyzoo.org/donation-requests.html