WESTPORT — School supplies are being collected locally for residents of the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses serving the Westport area.

The collection, sponsored by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, is from Monday through Sunday, Aug. 15. The group seeks donations to help children of safe house residents and community clients prepare for the new school year.

Needed back-to-school supplies include: new backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, crayons, new lunch boxes and graphing calculators.

The group also seeks donations of diapers in various sizes.

Donations can be left in the collection bin in the lobby of Westport Police Department headquarters, 50 Jesup Road.

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center advocates for people experiencing abuse in personal relationships, according to a statement from the group.

The agency offers multiple services, provided  by professional staff, to help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and to assist them build a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. 

The victim services are free and confidential, DVCC said, and are multicultural/multilingual. Services include assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing and personal items, as well as counseling and legal assistance.

Anyone looking for help regarding domestic violence can contact a 24-hour hotline: 1-888-774-2900. More information can be found on DVCC’s website: dvccct.org

For more information about Westport Domestic Violence Task Force initiatives, check its Facebook page: https://bit.ly/3CrdX1q