'Open' To Some Holiday Cheer And Generosity

It's the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, but for the homeless people of Norwalk, the holidays can be lonely and difficult. There is no family to spread the cheer with, or money to buy a gift for that someone special in their life. But the Open Door Shelter is doing its best to put a smile on the faces of those they help care for.

"We're going to have a big Christmas Eve party with music, a DJ, and a great meal," said Frank Concepcion, operations manager of the Open Door Shelter on Merritt Street. "John Krondes, who has provided music for us for the last 20 years, started a catering business recently, and he's going to be serving everyone."

The menu will feature a baked spiral ham and all the trimmings, including, potatoes, quiche, shrimp, green beans, and salad. There will be buffet-style marathon of meals on Christmas Day.

Concepcion also said there will be gifts for the residents when they get up on Christmas Day, thanks in large part to an anonymous donor from the New York Yankees.

"He doesn't want us to say his name," said Concepcion. "But he gave us new shirts and a bunch of other items to give to the residents. It was real nice."

Diageo, the Norwalk-based beverage company, also was very generous with their time and money. They served dinner to the residents at the shelter on Dec. 14 and handed out gift bags that included toiletries, socks, and underwear.

"I've been crying like a baby, "said Bill Okwuosa, Executive Director of the Open Door Shelter. "To see the people here so happy at this time of year is really special.

The shelter also provided meals and gift baskets to their residents and those in the community who requested them.

"This is the first time in a long while that all the baskets were donated, "said Concepcion. "We didn't have to use any money for them. They were donated by the public. It's really nice. We are so grateful to everyone in the community who has tried to make this holiday a special one for the people here."