OPEN DOORS DISTRIBUTES FREE FOOD FOR EASTER MEALS

NORWALK — Open Doors, a nonprofit organization based in the city, distributed free food to over 135 of its clients so they could prepare holiday meals for Easter.

Clients who signed up in advance received either ham or fish along with other fixings to prepare a full Easter meal.

“The need for food in our community continues to grow, and the team at Open Doors is so thankful that we’re able to do something special for local families along with the grocery pantry services and daily hot meals that our organization provides throughout the year,” the organization said in a statement.

Local officials, including state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and state Rep. Travis Simms, both D-Norwalk, were among the volunteers in attendance at the event on Wednesday.

Open Doors “strives to make a direct impact in the greater Norwalk area by guiding every person in the cycle of homelessness toward housing stability,” according to its website at opendoorsct.org.

To do so, the organization offers top-down services, including case management, an emergency shelter, affordable housing, food, street outreach, a financial opportunity center, children’s resources and a community closet.

Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Norwalk Common Council member Jenn McMurrer helps distribute food.

Mike Roberts, a cook at Open Doors’ Smilow Life Center, hands out hams during the annual Easter meal food donation event in Norwalk on Wednesday.

Volunteer Alison Emel from First Congregational Church of Darien helps visitors.

Volunteer K.C. Smith from First Congregational Church of Darien helps visitors.