Earth Animal has been a haven for local pets for 45 years, since veterinarian Dr. Bob Goldstein and his wife Susan opened their first health-forward store in 1979. But nearly two decades ago, the family—Bob and Susan, along with their daughters Abbey and Merritt—decided they wanted to help
food-insecure children in Fairfield County, too. What started as a donation jar in the retail store—collecting funds to help feed school children in Bridgeport over the weekends—has blossomed into the community-wide event known as The Mitten Project, now in its 18th year. “It just kept
growing and growing and growing,” Merritt tells Westport Lifestyle. “Last year, we raised $75,000 for the Connecticut Food Share.” That donation provided nearly 150,000 meals.
The goal this year is even higher, especially since, unfortunately, the number of food-insecure individuals keeps rising. “The statistics are drastically increasing: one out of every seven people are food insecure, and many are children,” explains Abbey. “There’s been funding pulls, plus inflation. It’s a very urgent need. We do everything we can to help support these families in need.” Adds Merritt: “It really hits home, because [food insecurity] is in our backyard, and it’s really serious.” The Mitten Project raises those impressive numbers in a few ways: Holiday gifts for sale at Earth Animal, where a portion of the proceeds benefit The Mitten Project; shopping events known as "Shop and Gives" at many local retailers, where between 10 and 20
percent of the proceeds from the event go towards the Project (don't miss the pies and homemade ice cream from Wakeman Town Farm, 100 percent of the proceeds from each purchase support CT Foodshare); and the Pin-Up Fundraiser, where for every $5 or more donated, the Earth Animal team hangs a paper mitten in the window. The decor has become an iconic symbol of this cornerstone annual fundraiser.
Abbey and Merritt are so grateful for the generosity of their customers, colleagues, friends, and community members (both here in Westport and beyond) who have made The Mitten Project as successful as it has been. “Our customers are so kind and generous,” says Merritt. She recalls one day last year when a loyal customer who had just lost her beloved dog—who had been an Earth Animal dog his entire life—donated $1,000 worth of mittens, right at the register. “She was so touched by The Mitten Project experience,” says Merritt. “I am so happy that we’re a part of this. It feels so good to give back. We’re humbled. We’re emotional. It’s amazing.”
To be a part of this holiday season’s giving, you can stop by Earth Animal to buy a mitten or shop their gifts and follow Earth Animal’s social media accounts for up-to-date Shop and Give events in Westport and Fairfield. “It’s a collective community effort, and it comes from pure goodness,” says Merritt. You can also donate via their GoFundMe. The Mitten Project runs through December 31. “For our family, giving back comes from the heart,” Merritt shares. “It’s about caring for the animals, but the people need us, too.”