GET HELP IMMEDIATELY: If you are homeless or hungry in Fairfield County dial 211 24/7

Honoring the Memory of Our Friend, First Selectman Bill Gerber

It has taken us a few minutes to gather our thoughts and recover from the shocking loss of our Fairfield First Selectman, William “Bill” Gerber 🤍
 
It’s impossible to believe this energetic and kind man, who had such a passionate way of moving through the world, is gone. Much has already been said, and we at Operation Hope join the hundreds of people reconciling with this unexpected tragedy.
 
We will remember Bill for his love of family, community and giving back. His ability to listen intently and challenge us to solve problems together. His lighthearted and joyful approach. His strategic and curious mind. Thank you, Bill, for stepping up to serve your community.
 
We hope that this sad turn of events will remind us all that life is fragile and we have just this one chance to choose how we care for each other, hold space for each other, and demonstrate compassion and tolerance for those who may hold different views than we do. Let us unite and support each other and remember to greet each day with great expectations.
 
Bill, we imagine your long-awaited reunion with Teddy and picture you free of pain.
 
Most importantly, we send love, light and healing prayers to Bill’s beautiful family, Jessica, John and Gillian. We hope you feel the love and genuine support of our entire community 🫶🏽

Local Student Brings “Roots & Shoots” Joy to Community Kitchen Guests

Local student Mia has been making beautiful valentines for the past few years to gift to our Community Kitchen guests who join us for lunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day.

This summer, she wanted to make her own Roots & Shoots project, addressing conservation and the environment while focusing on humanitarianism (which has been challenging for an 11 year old!). She found an idea online, and added some inspirational sayings on the sweet candy butterfly wings.

Mia enjoys helping people and knows spreading kindness and being nice makes people feel good. We are grateful for our littlest helpers and knowing that people like Mia are here, sharing kindness and joy in our community. Thank you, Mia!

Happy 4th of July!

Operation Hope of Fairfield wishes you and yours a happy and safe 4th of July celebration! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
 
In observance of the 4th of July, our office at 636 Old Post Road, as well as our Food Pantry and Community Kitchen, are closed, Friday, July 4. The office, Food Pantry and Community Kitchen will reopen for regular hours, Monday, July 7. Food donations will be accepted once we reopen. Thank you!

Office, Food Pantry & Community Kitchen Closed for 4th of July

Operation Hope’s business office, Food Pantry and Community Kitchen will be closed Friday, July 4, in honor of the 4th of July. The Pantry will also be closed Thursday, July 3. The business office, Food Pantry and Community Kitchen will resume regular hours on Monday, July 7. Have a safe and happy holiday! 🇺🇸 ❤️🤍💙 🇺🇸

Seeking Food & Toiletry Donations for the Pantry

We’re currently really in need of full size toiletries for our Pantry clients, see list below. Toiletries, like soap, shampoo and toothpaste, are considered non-food items and are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Our clients rely heavily on our Pantry for these types of items, so they can use their SNAP benefits for food assistance. Please take a moment to consider helping our neighbors in need with a few much-needed donations.
 
Regular sized items (not bulk or travel) appreciated. Drop off at our pantry M-Th, 9am-4:30pm & F, 9am-1pm at 636 Old Post Road; there’s a drop off area to the left of the building. Please ring the bell and someone will greet you. Please do not leave donations unattended and/or when the office is closed. Monetary donations are always welcome so we can purchase exactly what we need for our clients, donate here. Or, feel free to purchase from our Amazon wish list here and your donation will be shipped directly to the pantry. Thank you!
 
– CASH, CHECKS, GROCERY STORE GIFT CARDS (to buy perishables)
– Canned chili & stew
– Ground coffee 
– Sugar, flour & oil
– Baby wipes
– Bladder pads
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Deodorant
– Body wash
– Toothpaste
– Shaving cream
– Floss
– Cleaning products
– Toilet paper

– Paper towels

Morgan Stanley Fairfield Office Gives Back: Makes Bagged Lunches for Operation Hope

At Morgan Stanley, June is Global Volunteer Month. While supporting the communities in which Morgan Stanley employees live and work is a priority year-round, the firm kicks up its efforts in June, leveraging the power of its employees to strengthen their impact globally. We are grateful that Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Fairfield selected Operation Hope as its non-profit partner for Global Volunteer Month. 10 employees of the Fairfield branch gathered to make 38 bagged lunches for our Community Kitchen guests. Lunches included a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bag of chips, a cookie or granola bar and a bottle of water. We always appreciate these meals our guests can grab and go, especially as sometimes, it is the only meal they may eat that day. Thanks to Morgan Stanley Fairfield branch for feeding our hungry neighbors!

CT Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Activated

Beat the heat and try to stay cool! 🥵 Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning Sunday, June 22. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the state through Wednesday, June 25. Cooling centers are opening across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that is published online at 211ct.org

Juneteenth: Striving for a More Equitable World

Juneteenth marks the day (June 19, 1865) when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom is a journey, not a destination. Let’s continue to strive for a more equitable world, while honoring the past, celebrating the present and building a better future for all.

Our business office, Community Kitchen and Food Pantry will be closed today in recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day. We will resume normal operations on Friday, June 20. Donations will be accepted once reopened. Thank you.

Friends Gather to Make Community Kitchen Meal

It’s always great when group projects work out well! When we announced in late spring that our Community Kitchen was in need of volunteers to provide dinner for dates this summer, we were fortunate that our call was answered by so many generous friends.

In addition to the individuals who signed up to help cover summer meals, we also had a few groups raise their hands to help – church groups, book clubs and friend groups. In particular was a group of friends who met when their children were in elementary school and this is the third summer where they collaborated to provide a meal. While it’s fun to make a meal together, sometimes the reality of that actually happening is impossible. That’s when it comes to group project time! 24 lbs of BBQ pulled chicken, rolls, a tray of roasted veggies, a huge salad with all the fixings, 3 trays of pasta salad, homemade cookies and lemonade made up the meal to serve 50 people on June 12. Thanks so much to Tracey Altieri, Heather Arabadjis (+ special helpers), Liz Chatel (+ special helpers), Carla & Mike Patrona (+ special helper) and Sonal Rajan for making a delicious meal for our Community Kitchen.

We share this story because it is so much easier to make a meal or part of a meal when coordinating with friends. If you’re interested in doing so for a meal in the future, please email us at info@operationhopect.org. We will respond with further details and answer any of your questions. We serve lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, throughout the year at the Community Kitchen. All of these meals are donated and served by volunteers. We are always in need of meals throughout the year, and unfortunately the number of guests who dine with us continues to rise. Thank you for helping feed our neighbors in need!

Office, Food Pantry & Community Kitchen Closed for Juneteenth

In recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day Operation Hope’s Food Pantry, Offices and Community Kitchen will be closed Thursday, June 19, 2025. We will resume normal operations and acceptance of donations on Friday, June 20, 2025. Thank You.

OFFICE & FOOD PANTRY


636 Old Post Road

Fairfield, CT 06824
203-292-5588
info@operationhopect.org

OFFICE & DONATION HOURS

July 11 - August 29:
Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
(donations accepted until 4:30pm)
Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm (donations accepted until 1:00pm)
Please do not leave donations unattended at the door or when the office is closed.

PANTRY HOURS

  • Monday, Wednesday & Friday:
    10:00am - 12:00pm
  • Thursday: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY KITCHEN

50 Nichols Street
Fairfield, CT
 06824
203-254-2935

COMMUNITY KITCHEN HOURS

Meals served Monday - Friday:

  • Lunch: 11:30am - 1:00pm
  • Dinner: 5:30pm - 6:30pm