Bridgeport’s Family Justice Center is in dire need of pantry food and toiletries after the growing number of domestic violence victims seeking assistance.
Center for Family Justice CEO Debra Greenwood says the number of clients has increased by 25% during the pandemic. She says the center is having trouble keeping pantries stocked.
“In my 15 years, this is the worst I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have the ability to fill the big boxes and bags I gave to clients,” says Greenwood. “It’s caused by a lot of things: inflation, food costs, transportation costs.”
Drives are usually held during the winter holiday season, not at this time of year, Greenwood said, but this year’s summer drive is the second.
Those wishing to donate can drop off non-perishable food items and infant diapers during business hours at the Center for Family Justice Headquarters on Fairfield Avenue.
Items can also be dropped off at the Fairfield, Easton, Trumbull, and Monroe police station lobbies.
Greenwood said he hopes the center can continue to meet the needs of a growing number of clients with the help of the community.
The emergency drive will run until Friday.