'Parade Of Giving' Planned For St. Patrick's Day In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — In light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Irish-American Culture Society of Stamford has decided to cancel its 2021 St. Patrick's Day parade and hold a "parade of giving" instead, further details of which were released Wednesday.

In a statement, the society said this year would have marked the 26th anniversary of the parade, which typically draws over 20,000 spectators to the downtown area of Stamford.

Arthur Augustyn, a city spokesperson, said the ongoing concerns of the coronavirus crisis have asked many organizations and businesses to reconsider how to celebrate annual events while keeping residents safe. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"The city is supportive of organizations like the Irish-American Culture Society of Stamford altering their plans to keep residents safe," Augustyn said, "while still providing an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the holiday and give back to the community."

In lieu of the parade, the society will host a "parade of giving," in which they will collect items for six community non-profits. The giving event will run until March 17.

The six non-profits include ARI - Always Reaching for Independence, CLC – Children's Learning Center of Fairfield County, the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inspirica, Person-to-Person of Darien and SilverSource (descriptions of all six organization and lists of items needed by each are included at the bottom of the post).

Kate Lombardo, executive director of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, said the organization was disappointed the traditional parade had to be canceled but also delighted to be included in the parade of giving and receive donations during this "challenging" time.

"It is befitting that the Irish migrated to this country to escape famine," Lombardo said, "that now, as Americans, are helping to feed those who are either hungry or at risk of hunger. May the wind be at their back during this beautiful event."

SilverSource CEO Kathleen Bordelon said her organization was "beyond honored and thrilled" to be included in the parade of giving.

"Seniors are the most vulnerable population in the pandemic, and getting food to them has been a vital and lifesaving effort," Bordelon said. "We are truly grateful to the Irish-American Cultural Society and this very caring Stamford community for their generous support of older adults who need our support. Thank you."

Marc Jaffe, CEO of CLC, also expressed gratitude at the learning centers being included in the giving event.

"The need for diapers not only causes financial stress for families, but it can also be a very emotional strain," Jaffe said. "In a time of need for many local families, this donation will go a long way. This effort further recognizes a deep connection that CLC possesses with the Irish American community, dating back 119 years to when CLC was founded. Irish immigrant families were predominantly who we served, and today, CLC continues in that tradition to provide programs for immigrant families that are proud to adopt Stamford as their home."

Cash donations of any size are also appreciated, as the IACSOS can purchase additional items needed.

Participants can find further information at the Stamford St. Patrick's Day parade website. Those looking to pick up or drop off any donated items are asked to contact MJ McDonough at mjmets86@yahoo.com.

The IACSOS has provided a description of each non-profit and items they need:

ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) — Enriches the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work, and in the community. They are in the need of art supplies (paints, markers, canvases, and craft items such as pompoms, craft jewels, sequins, glitter, foam sheets, etc.) and spring and summer yard games (giant bowling pins, bubbles, lightweight balls, foam darts, etc.).

CLC (Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County, CT) — Provides high-quality early childhood education programs for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years regardless of background or financial need. They are in the need of wipes and diapers for children 6 weeks and up.

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County — Provides nutritious food to non-profit organizations that feed the hungry in our community while raising awareness and promoting action to combat hunger. They are in the need of non-perishable Goods: canned soup, beans, tuna, chicken, fruit and vegetables, powdered or shelf-stable milk, pasta and sauce, rice, macaroni & cheese, cereal, instant oatmeal, granola bars (including nut free varieties), peanut butter and jelly.

Inspirica — A homeless shelter that seeks to break the cycle of homelessness by providing the programs and services that help their clients achieve and maintain permanent housing and stability in their lives. They are in the need of full-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, toothpaste, diapers, wipes, and socks for all ages).

Person-to-Person — Provides individuals and families with assistance for basic needs to overcome daily challenges and access to resources to improve their lives. They are in the need of diapers (size 5&6) and baby formula.

SilverSource — Provides a safety net for our seniors when there's nowhere else to turn. They are in the need of soap, hand cream, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, greeting cards, postage stamps and non-perishable goods (plain oatmeal).