Shop for Charity

Last month, Cat Tales Press not only had the opportunity to sign “Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache” at the Fairfield Women’s Exchange, 332 Pequot Avenue, but to really get a first hand look inside this non-profit organization. A one-of-a-kind shop in Connecticut, run by volunteers, it is one such enterprise among a federation of 24 Women’s Exchanges throughout the country.

During the book signing, it seemed that one of the most popular items (especially among grandmothers searching for heirlooms) at our local Exchange was the knitted and handmade infant garments. The toddlers whom we saw that day in the store preferred the toys, of course; fortunately, the ball that seemed irresistible to bounce across the room was a cloth one!

The Exchange is a favored venue among local artists and writers (me included). Many of the watercolors for sale depict local scenes like idyllic renditions of the Southport Harbor, just a stone’s throw away! Another novel gift-giving idea (perhaps for a shut-in during Christmas) is See’s Candies; the Exchange is the Connecticut’s sole distributor!

Dedicated to helping people help themselves, the Exchange serves consignors by providing a retail marketplace. Since its founding in 1962, consignors have received more than $3,500,000! In addition, more than $855,000 has been awarded to services that aid the physical and mental health of women and children on a local level! Wow, if you really want to shop until you drop, there is only one stop--the Fairfield Women's Exchange!