BY MELANIE VORM

More than 35 women from Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien recently gathered for an inspiring evening of community, creativity, and giving at a NextGen Dignity Grows Packing Party. Hosted at the home of Robin Fischel and co-chaired by Robin, Jennie Fishman, Elana Barer, and Meira Scheiner, the event combined impact with fun, featuring wine, cheese, and a unique twist: custom cosmetic bag designing.

In addition to packing 175 Dignity Grows totes filled with menstrual and hygiene products for individuals in need, guests had the chance to decorate cosmetic pouches with a colorful array of patches. Designed and cut by Jennie Fishman using her Cricut craft machine, the decorations included personalized names, hamsas, Israeli flags, fluffy hearts, stars, and more, adding warmth and individuality to each bag that the participants took home.

The packed totes from this event were delivered to New Covenant Center and Stamford Public Schools, providing essential products to those who may otherwise go without.

Dignity Grows has been expanding, rapidly growing from distributing 1,000 totes in 2022 to 2,000 in 2023, and over 4,500 last year alone. The initiative now supports seven local social service agencies: Person to Person, New Covenant Center, Inspirica, Schoke JFS Food Pantry, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Pacific House, and Help for Kids. Stamford Public Schools are also ongoing recipients.

With every tote packed and every patch applied, this vibrant and growing community continues to affirm a powerful message: everyone deserves access to basic hygiene with dignity. For more information visit www.ujf.org/dignitygrows or contact Jillian Moore, UJF’s Director of Programs and Engagement at jillian@ujf.org.